We are a results driven team of clinicians who will work together with you and your family until we reach your goals.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Yanivis Machado-Gonzalez
Dr. in Clinical Psychology (Resident), PhD, BCBA, LMHC
Dr. Machado has been providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to individuals with special needs and neurodevelopmental disorders since 2004. Her journey began as a behavior assistant where she acquired hours to prepare for her board certification. Shortly after graduating from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, she became a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA). In 2007, she opened up her own company and began providing private ABA therapy, as well as therapy for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. There she worked with group homes, adult day training centers, and private families. Her graduate work began in 2005 at Florida International University, where she focused on both Behavior Analysis and Mental Health. She graduated in 2010 with a Masters of Science and as the President of the Mental Health Honors Society, Chi Sigma Iota. In 2012, she became both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She is also a Qualified Supervisor under the Florida Department of Health. In 2025, she graduated with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During her studies, she focused on courses in Neuropsychology. She expects to sit for licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist soon. While in school, her research was focused on differences between autistic females without intellectual or language impairments and their male counterparts. She has presented her research at psychological conferences, such as the Association for Psychological Science and American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology. She also co-authored a chapter on caregiver burden for parents of autistic children. Dr. Machado is a wife and mom to two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and being a dance and brazilian jiu-jitsu mom.
Laura Cabrera
Clinic Director & Senior Supervisor: BCBA
Graduated in 2011 with a Bachelors's degree in Psychology from Florida International University. Her passion for helping children led her to pursue a Masters Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Laura graduated in 2017 from Kaplan University and recieved her BCBA certification in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her two children and husband.
Gaby Torres
Head Adminitrator
Yohanka Nolan
Senior Analyst & Supervisor: BCBA
Graduated from Florida International University in April 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She was an ABA therapist with a BCaBA certification from 2010-2019. She now has her Masters in Mental Health as well as a BCBA certification. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading. She is a mother to three very active children.
Nicole Wirshing
BCBA
Nicole has a Masters in Behavior Analysis and a BCBA certification. She obtained her RBT certification October of 2018 and has over 6 years of experience working with children. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her son.
Alexandra Maldonado
MS, BCaBA, LMHC
Alexandra has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and has recently added Licensend Mental Health Counselor to her resume.
Gabriela Silva
BCBA
Lauren N Cunill
BCBA
Lauren received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida International University in 2020. She then completed a graduate certificate in Communication Sciences & Disorders and completed her master's degree in Behavior Analysis Practice at Florida Institute of Technology.
Nicole Marie Couto
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Nicole has always enjoyed working with children. She has been with The Shaping Academy for over 7 years. She has earned her role as the lead RBT due to her dedication and comprehensive understanding of APA techniques and principals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
