Our Staff

Talisha A. Sachlis, MS

President/Director of L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc.
Leading Education through Autism Programs

Mrs. Sachlis graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology from George Mason University and she received her Masters in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She has also completed her two year Masters level course work for her Applied Behavior Analysis Certification (ABAC). She began her career as a behavioral therapist for Fairfax County Public Schools. After a year, Mrs. Sachlis was promoted to a supervising teacher for the ABA Pilot Program. She was responsible for supervision and implementation of in-home and school setting ABA services for children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite the numerous efforts by the parents, the Pilot Program ended. At that time, she began L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc. She has been working with children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders for over 14 years.

She has completed her required coursework, supervisory hours, and is working towards her National Certification this year.

Tanya Wilson, M.S., Ed., BCBA

Ms. Wilson has been working with children with autism for over ten years.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University and her Master’s degree in Special Education, with an advanced certificate in the Education of Students with Autism, from Johns Hopkins University.  In 2007 she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  Tanya has experience in consulting and working in homes, as well as working in a school setting as both a Teacher and an Education Coordinator.  Tanya provides clinical direction, case management, and direct supervision services to our Behavioral Technicians.

Andrea Taliaferro, M.S., BCBA

Ms. Taliaferro graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Psychology from Jacksonville State University.  She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2010.  Andrea has experience with Applied Behavior Analysis, Precision Teaching, and Direct Instruction and has done consulting work in-home as well as within the school setting.  Andrea provides clinical direction, case management, and direct supervision services to our Behavioral Technicians.

The Rest of the Staff

L.E.A.P. Ahead’s staff includes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and well-supervised Behavioral Technicians.  Our staff has expertise in working with varied functioning levels of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as other related disorders.

Our staff is able to implement some aspects of American Sign Language (ASL), the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and the use of a variety augmentative/alternative communication systems and devices. Our staff has obtained either their Bachelors degree or Masters degree, while others are working towards advanced degrees or are in the process of becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts.