Stephanie Rodriguez, M.Ed, BCBA
Stephanie Fleming, M.Ed., BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and bilingual assessment specialist with Children’s Specialized ABA, based in Edison, New Jersey. In her role, she conducts comprehensive in-person and virtual behavioral assessments in both English and Spanish, develops individualized treatment plans, and determines appropriate applied behavior analysis (ABA) service recommendations for children on the autism spectrum. Stephanie is also the co-owner of Special Hearts AVA, an ABA agency dedicated to delivering high-quality, family-centered services, and she supervises BCBA candidates, mentoring the next generation of behavioral health professionals through ethical and evidence-based clinical training.
Stephanie’s professional focus is on expanding culturally and linguistically accessible behavioral health services for children with autism and related developmental needs. She prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical practice, ensuring that families who speak languages other than English receive equitable, respectful, and effective care. Guided by compassion and a person-centered approach, Stephanie believes in meeting families where they are, building strong collaborative relationships, and empowering caregivers through education and support. Her philosophy emphasizes empathy, clinical excellence, and sustainable practices that promote long-term positive outcomes for children and their families.
Stephanie began her career in healthcare with nursing coursework before transitioning into special education and psychology at the undergraduate level. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and completed graduate training with a Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at Rutgers University. Practicing in the field since 2018, she has worked across multiple agencies, gaining experience in assessment, intervention, supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration before accepting her current assessment-specialist role at Children’s Specialized ABA and launching Special Hearts AVA with her fiancé.
Stephanie remains committed to professional growth, ethical practice, and mentorship, advocating for balanced, sustainable careers in behavioral health while delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the communities she serves.
• Rutgers University - MEd, Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis
• Kean University - BS Psych
What do you attribute your success to?
Following her heart and passion, perseverance through training, and guidance from her mother.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To follow your heart (advice from her mother).
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Protect yourself from burnout: keep your cup full, maintain balance, hold on to what fuels your passion, and build a dependable support system.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunity: the chance to make a real difference for children who lack resources. Challenges: the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, individualized care for children with comorbid or complex needs, and continuous learning across related therapies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, understanding, diversity, and inclusion.