info@shepherdwaycare
PROMOTING DIGNITY AND RESPECT
FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WIITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Behavior Consultation Services and comprehensive ARF/GH program design and development.
BEHAVIOR
CONSULTATION & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Title 17 and Title 22 compliant consultation, ARF/GH program design, and professional training across California.
WHAT DRIVES US
Dignity, respect, and person-centered support guide everything we do.
Our goal is to empower adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safe, independent, and meaningful lives while supporting the families and providers who serve them.
We believe true quality of life comes from honoring individual rights while teaching the skills necessary for responsibility, self-determination, and self-advocacy.
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Our services are built on empirical research and measurable outcomes. Through systematic assessment, data collection, and ongoing analysis, we design individualized strategies that promote positive behavior change and skill acquisition.
Every recommendation we make is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
About Dr. Elena Martinez, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Founder, Dr. Elena Martinez, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral, ARF Licensed Administrator, and GH Licensed Administrator. Through Shepherd’s Way Care LLC, she provides expert behavior consultation, residential program design, and regulatory-compliant services throughout California.
Education
-
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, University of Southern California
-
M.A. in Psychology, California State University, Long Beach
-
B.A. in Human Development, University of California, San Diego
-
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D)
Certifications
-
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) & Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Development
-
Trauma-Informed Care in Residential Settings
-
Title 17 & Title 22 Regulatory Compliance Training
-
Restrictive Intervention Reduction Strategies
-
Person-Centered Planning & Self-Determination Practices
-
Clinical Supervision for BCBA Candidates
Publications
-
Martinez, E. (2021). Person-Centered Behavior Planning in Residential Settings. Journal of Developmental Support Services.
-
Martinez, E. (2019). Reducing Restrictive Interventions Through Data-Driven Practices. California ABA Conference Proceedings.
-
Presenter, California Residential Services Association Annual Conference (2020–2024)
-
Dr. Martinez remains committed to empowering individuals to live independent, meaningful lives while supporting providers in delivering high-quality, ethical care.
Education
Dr. Elena Martinez brings over 20 years of experience in special education and developmental services.
She began her career working in specialized education classrooms serving transition-age students (ages 18–22) while completing her undergraduate studies. During this time, she also provided in-home respite services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, gaining hands-on experience supporting individuals and families in community-based settings.
Through her early work in respite care, Dr. Martinez developed extensive familiarity with a wide range of diagnoses, behavioral challenges, and complex medical conditions affecting individuals across the lifespan.
-
Developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
-
Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
-
Training and supervising direct support staff
-
Supporting facilities with Title 17 and Title 22 compliance
-
Designing residential programs and operational systems
-
Providing crisis intervention planning and consultation