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.

Dezira D. Carpentier

ABA/VB Consultant for L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc.
Leading Education through Autism Programs

Ms. Carpentier became interested in the field of autism when her son was diagnosed with autism. She started her career as a volunteer in an autism classroom while working for a private ABA provider for one year. She maintained her volunteer position for an additional year prior to coming to L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc. Ms. Carpentier has now been employed with L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc. for six years. She first started as an ABA Therapist and was promoted to Lead Therapist after one year. Ms. Carpentier has been a consultant and a therapist for L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc. for the past 9 years. Her son is now thirteen years old and has made significant progress through the techniques of ABA Therapy. She is pursing her psychology degree and will pursue her BCBA in the near future.

The Rest of the Staff

L.E.A.P. Ahead, Inc. has a staff of three consultants, to include a BCBA and several behavioral instructors.  All of the behavioral instructors are contracted employees. Our staff has been trained extensively in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques as well as Discrete Trial Teaching and Verbal Behavior. A few staff members are currently in training for developing programs for children 18 months to 16 years of age. 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.