Reach Behavior & Development Center is the first center in Bahrain to become a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) and to become a Continued Education Units (CEU) provider by the International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO).
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect as many as 1 out of every 54 children and can present unique challenges for parents and children alike. Reach Behavior and Development Center specializes in partnering with families to develop the skills and strategies that enable their children to be happy and independent.
We offer a wide range of direct and consultative services for children with developmental delays and their families. Our comprehensive programs strive to foster your child’s independence in areas including communication, social skills, behavior, cognitive functioning, and life skills.
We work with schools and families to serve children of all ages. We see children with a range of learning needs, including Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and more.
Reach Behavior and Development Center is the first in Bahrain to be designated as an approved Continued Education Units (CEU) provider. This enables us to provide continued education to those with their IBT and IBA certifications.
Our Services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - Behavior Therapy
Reach Behavior Therapists provide direct therapy which is guided by individualised treatment programs. These are developed by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/IBA), based on a variety of student assessment results (e.g., VB-MAPP, FBA, AIM, ESDM, Vineland), direct observations, and input/feedback from parents, school and/or therapists. Additionally, behavior analysts and behavior therapists will work with parents, family members, or school staff on the implementation of ABA strategies to facilitate the generalization of skills and to maximize the student’s opportunities for learning.
Our diverse team of therapists will work hand in hand with the child on decreasing behavioral excesses such as maladaptive or stereotypic behaviors, as well as building skills across all domains including:
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on various cognitive, physical, and motor skills, with the aim of improving a child’s daily life through play-based therapy. Our Occupational Therapists provide assistance to families and children from infancy to adolescence, focusing on areas such as sensory processing, self-regulation, gross and fine motor coordination, visual perception, visual motor and handwriting skills, independent self-care, feeding skills, and play.
The main goal of OT is to help children achieve age-appropriate independence and participate more fully in life. To begin the therapy process, a certified Occupational Therapist assesses the child’s developmental level and sets goals based on the evaluation. The therapist then selects strategies and techniques that will help enhance the child’s critical skills. The OT intervention includes various areas such as:
Speech and Language Therapy
Our Speech and Language Therapy program offers transformative support for children facing challenges with communication, language, articulation and fluency of speech.
Speech therapy involves individualized sessions that include assessment, goal setting, and engaging activities tailored to a child’s specific needs. Our Speech therapist uses interactive games, exercises, and play-based techniques to stimulate development. This can also include modeling sounds and syllables during age-appropriate play, while parents participate and receive strategies to support their child’s progress at home.
Our highly trained Speech Therapist works with parents to assess and treat children with speech, language, and communication impairments. We specialize in the following types of disorders:
Social Skills Development
We provide social skills training to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. The focus of the program is to increase the child’s overall ability to:
• Recognize and interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Develop appropriate peer relationships.
• Assist individuals with improvement in social interactions by expanding their interest in age-appropriate topics, toys, and play skills.
• Increase their ability to recognize the emotions of others.
• The goal is to minimize the stress and anxiety when participating in social interaction. The program strives to provide the tools necessary for successful interpretation of social and communication skills.
Social Skills Program:
School Shadowing
We offer consultation for individuals in their school settings and contact with schools who are seeking ABA, Speech or OT services. We provide services that address needs such as comprehensive assessments, behavioral assessments, teacher and staff training, modification of curriculum, social skills facilitation, program development and ongoing supervision. We also provide an ABA trained shadow to provide direct learning support at school.
School Readiness Program
We’ll help your child master milestones, gain confidence and be school-ready in a supportive, school-like environment.
Parent Training
We teach parents practical strategies to manage challenges, encourage positive behaviors, and improve communication.
Private Therapist Supervision
We supervise your child’s private therapist, ensuring they use the right strategies. Our BCBA-led guidance includes updating goals, refining therapy plans, and training both therapists and parents for consistent progress.
Community and Home Outreach
We provide outreach services in community and home settings to offer individualized support and intervention tailored to each child’s specific needs and environment.
Toilet Training and Support
We offer guidance and support for families and schools in developing effective toilet training strategies for children who require assistance.
Feeding Therapy
We support children (ages 2–12) who struggle with eating challenges like avoiding food groups, texture sensitivities, extreme pickiness, or difficulty transitioning to solids. Using assessments, mealtime observations, and play-based therapy (SOS Approach to Feeding), we address medical, sensory, or developmental barriers while fostering food confidence.
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Academic Support Program
Our academic support program offers tailored learning for every student and includes:
• Personalized, grade-level tutoring for children with learning differences, including ADHD, autism, language delays, and other unique learning profiles. We focus on building foundational skills while adapting to each student’s strengths and challenges.
• Bilingual support in English and Arabic. For families seeking Arabic language development, our Arabic Academic Program offers structured lessons in reading, writing, and speaking, ideal for both native and non-native speakers. Whether your child needs help with fluency, comprehension, or communication, our program provides culturally responsive and engaging instruction.
Say Hello!
Our Diverse Team of Professionals
Founder & CEO
Mona
MA ABA | MBA | ICBA | BCBA
Mona Tadayyon is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a member of the Behavior Analyses Arabic Board, who specializes in early childhood intervention and working with children who struggle with challenging behavior. She also works with students who have emotional and behavioral disabilities or high functioning autism. She is passionate about parent training and has worked as a behavior therapist both in the center and in homes, overseen home-based programs, designed training protocols for ABA therapists, and consulted with families and schools. Mona holds a BA from Northeastern University in Boston, an MBA from London and a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University.
Clinical Director
Katie
MSc | BCBA | IBA
With over 15 years of experience in special needs education and mental health, Katie specializes in multidisciplinary approaches to supporting children, young people, and families. Her practice is rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA), with expertise in feeding therapy, early intervention, and organizational behavior management. Throughout her career, Katie has worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia in diverse roles—from leading therapeutic day programs and inpatient care to establishing a feeding clinic. She is passionate about creating sustainable systems of support and has contributed to the development of training programs for parents, educators, and therapists. Kindness and collaboration are at the heart of Katie's approach. Whether through parent coaching, mentoring teams, or designing innovative pathways, her goal is to empower others and build effective, lasting frameworks. She is excited to join the REACH team, contributing to a shared vision of exceptional service in 2025 and beyond. Outside of work, Katie is a TED Talk enthusiast, avid trail runner, and self-proclaimed tiramisu lover. She believes in the power of balance—recharging through nature, good food, and quality time with family—to fuel creativity and meaningful connections.
Clinical Supervisor
Niki
B.Com | MBA | IBA | BCaBA
Niki is an International Behavior Analyst and Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst who specializes in early intervention and challenging behaviour. She is experienced in school shadowing and providing behavioural support at school. She is passionate about helping and nurturing children and creating a positive difference in their lives. Niki advocates for play based learning through which children can enhance their social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments. Niki holds B.Com from Bharathiar University, an MBA from Vellore Institute of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology.
Clinical Supervisor
Saif
MA Law | BCBA
Since 2016, Saif has dedicated his career to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), finding it to be an incredibly rewarding journey. His professional experience began in a center in the UAE, followed by a clinic in Germany. Saif holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the New York Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Law from the University of Bristol, UK. Driven by a passion for ABA, he furthered his education and training at Arizona State University. Saif has had the privilege of working with individuals aged 3 to 23, with a particular focus on those exhibiting severe behavior. Additionally, he derives great fulfillment from empowering families through comprehensive parent training. His goal is to employ evidence-based practices to positively impact the lives of those he works with, supporting them on their journey toward meaningful change.
Clinical Supervisor
Dhana
MSc | BCBA | IBA
Dhana is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an International Behavior Analyst (IBA) dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and their families. She has extensive experience delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy across clinical, home, community, and school settings. Her professional interests include early intervention, ethical and evidence-based practice, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Passionate about advocacy, Dhana actively works to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for individuals with IDDs. Dhana holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Calgary, Canada, and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Kent, UK. In her free time, she enjoys trying new food, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.
Clinical Supervisor
Zahera
MA(Ed.), BCBA, IBA, OBM
Zahera Alanfooz is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, International Behavior Analyst, and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Specialist. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Since 2014, Zahera has worked in behavior analysis across clinical, home, school, and community settings. Her expertise includes verbal behavior, behavior management, and inclusive education. Passionate about promoting independence in communication and daily living skills, Zahera advocates for social inclusion in both home and school environments. A recipient of the 2021 SABA International Development Grant, she is also the author of a book on neurodiversity inclusion. Zahera regularly leads workshops for parents, educators, and professionals and has presented at local conferences.
Speech Language Pathologist
Susan
M.S. | SLP
Susan Abi Thomas is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a deep-seated passion for helping children enhance their communication abilities. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Science, specializing in Speech-Language Pathology, from The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing in Mysore, India. Over the course of her professional career, Susan has contributed her expertise to various organizations. In her practice, Susan adopts a comprehensive approach to setting goals, aiming to foster not only speech but also language, literacy, and social development in children. She is a strong proponent of collaborative involvement, encouraging the active participation of parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure that therapy is effective and goal-oriented. Her therapy sessions are designed to captivate children through enjoyable and creative activities, which are instrumental in achieving therapeutic objectives. Susan believes that seeing the world from a child's perspective is the cornerstone of her professional ethos and practice.
ABA Therapist
Maria
BSc | RBT | IBT
Maria earned her BS in Psychology in 2012. Maria has worked with children with autism, learning difficulties and challenging behavior from ages 1-13. Maria is passionate about music and regularly plays the guitar for the children she works with. Her dedication to produce quality results, paired with a joyful expression, ensures an effective environment for learning. Her research and professional interests include verbal behavior, language development, and play skills.
ABA Therapist
Kavya
BSc | MSc
Kavya holds a Master’s degree in Neuropsychology from the National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Calicut. Her academic journey reflects a deep curiosity about the human mind and behavior, particularly how sensory experiences shape cognition and emotion. Kavya’s professional interests lie in cognitive neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and psychological assessment. She is passionate about understanding and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental and cognitive challenges, aspiring to create meaningful interventions that enhance their quality of life. She believes, as Ignacio Estrada said, that “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Outside her professional work, Kavya is an avid reader and enjoys writing poetry, sharing her reflections on introspection, emotion, and the human experience. She believes in continuous growth and seeks a path that blends service, intellect, and empowerment.
ABA Therapist
Ashly
B.Com | RBT | IBT
Ashly is a dedicated ABA therapist with a true passion for making a difference in the lives of children. Since joining Reach Behavior and Development Center in April 2022, she has been committed to helping children overcome challenges and develop essential skills for everyday life. Her approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, allowing her to connect with children on a personal level. Ashly believes that every child has the potential to thrive, and she works her best to promote growth and development, with a deep-seated desire to facilitate positive change. Her work not only focuses on behavioral improvements but also on fostering independence and self-confidence in the children she serves. Through her dedication and expertise, Ashly continues to impact the lives of many families, helping children reach their fullest potential and leading them toward brighter futures.
ABA Therapist
Rella
BBA | RBT | IBT
Rella holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Public Administration Specialisation. Rella spent her first five years of employment as a kindergarten teacher working with students who had ASD and behavioral difficulties. It was then that she decided this would be her lifetime profession. As an ABA therapist, Rella finds it immensely satisfying to observe the improvements in each child and the positive effects therapy has had on their lives. Rella enjoys cooking and entertaining in her spare time. She is also interested in the arts. Her favorite hues are purple and black. Rella's favourite quote is, ``Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it`` by Charles R. Swindoll.
ABA Therapist
Andrea C.
BSc | IBT
Andrea graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Paul University Manila in 2019. She has previously worked as a Market Analyst, but has always had a passion for working with children and is committed to making a positive impact in their lives. This moved her to pursue a career as a behavioral therapist. Andrea specializes in Early Intervention, teaching play skills, and behavior modification. During her free time, she loves to indulge herself in reading books.
ABA Therapist
Hena
BSc | IBT
Hena is a graduate in B.Sc. Psychology and is currently persuing her post graduate diploma in Learning Disability Management and Child Counselling. She worked as an Abacus and skill development trainer for kids before joining Reach. She is passionate about working with kids having special needs, making them feel valued and wanted. She intends to pursue further study in the field of ABA and is excited to work with a wide range of children from all backgrounds and requirements. Hena enjoys art, organizing and spending time with her kids during her spare time. Her favourite quote is, ``It's never too late to be what you might have been`` by George Eliot.
ABA Therapist
Ashley
BSc (Hon) | IBT
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Zimbabwe. She has experience with non-governmental organizations where she has worked with children of various age groups on different health related issues. Through her involvement in various service clubs and voluntary work, Ashley developed a passion for selfless service and that is where her desire to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact in the lives of others comes from. She loves staying active through fitness and cycling, exploring new places, and to unwind by watching movies.
ABA Therapist
Ghufran
BSc | IBT
Ghufran is a dedicated professional who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Bahrain. In 2018, she participated in a volunteer program in Turkey, where she imparted English language skills to refugees, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact through education. With a profound passion for teaching children, Ghufran is particularly enthusiastic about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and endeavors to support children who are differently abled. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in traveling, seeking new adventures, and cherishing quality moments with her family.
ABA Therapist
Wrenz
BA
Wrenz holds a degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her passion for the field began through volunteer work at centers supporting children with special needs in Bahrain and the Philippines. These experiences shaped her commitment to helping children lead meaningful, independent lives by exploring the intersection of cultural and cognitive psychology—particularly in functional communication and daily living skills. Beyond her professional work, Wrenz is driven by a deep love for learning, with interests in foreign languages, visual design, and digital media.
ABA Therapist
Rishitha
BPsych (Hons)
Rishitha holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Griffith University, Australia. Through internships and clinical placements in private centers and hospital settings, she has developed hands-on experience working with children, employing play-based and art-based therapeutic approaches. Passionate about empathetic, child-centered care, she is dedicated to fostering cognitive and emotional growth in ways that inspire meaningful, lasting change. Rishitha firmly believes in cultivating a safe, trusting environment where every child feels heard, respected, and empowered. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys painting and urban sketching, which further fuels her creativity and connection with others.
HR Manager
Najah
BA
Najah is an HR Professional with more than 15 years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Arab Open University, and a CIPD associate, she is a Certified Professional in Human Resource & Compensation (CPHRC). Najah is an innovative HR Manager with HR initiatives that improve performance, productivity, growth, and employee engagement. She is an empowering leader who supports companies and top executives with a unique perspective and appreciation that human capital is every organization’s greatest asset. She is a genuine influencer who thrives on tough challenges. Najah enjoys reading and cooking and loves to be in nature and enjoys classical music.
Operations & Marketing Manager
Shayne
BScN | RN
Shayne is an accomplished Canadian educated and trained Registered Nurse with over 15 years experience in the healthcare industry. With a speciality in Pediatrics, Shayne has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children with complex medical and behavioral needs. Throughout his career, Shayne has held various leadership positions, including Clinical Operations Manager, Clinical Practice Leader and Clinical Coordinator. His passion for healthcare and commitment to excellence in patient care have led him to work in a variety of settings, including Public health, Community, Oncology, Acute Medicine and Palliative Care. Shayne's compassion, dedication and commitment to excellence in patient care have earned him a reputation as a well respected nurse working in the field.
HR & Operations Coordinator
Nadeen
BA
Nadeen is our HR and Operations Coordinator at Reach, helping to facilitate internal and external communications. Nadeen has previous experience in the Retail, Research, and Recruitment industries, where she demonstrated her ability to work in fast-paced and challenging environments. She graduated from the University of British Columbia, Canada, with a degree in Psychology. Outside of work, Nadeen enjoys camping, reading, and various pop culture.
Operations Coordinator
Shiena
BSc
Shiena is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate with over 15 years of experience in various fields, including customer service, hospitality, and the manufacturing industry. Before joining Reach, she served as an HR Assistant in the hospitality sector, handling all HR-related matters. Shiena is enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge and embracing fresh challenges. She cherishes her dog and family, and in her leisure time, she enjoys watching movies and series, as well as singing. Shiena prefers neutral or light colors. Her favorite quote is, ``Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time`` - Thomas Edison.
Accounts – Assistant Manager
Shoaib
BSc
Shoaib has gathered experience in increasingly responsible roles within the field of Accounting. Shoaib holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Bahrain. He is a whiz at spotting numerical inaccuracies and creating financial reports. In his spare time, Shoaib likes to research cryptocurrency, travelling, and to play football with his friends.
Occupational Therapist
Juliya
BOT
Juliya's career focus has been on working with toddlers, & school-aged children. Her areas of interest include Sensory Integration, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and other developmental delays. Juliya is passionate about establishing relationships with children to help support their strengths and challenges. Juliya enjoys integrating skills through a play-based, child directed approach, while creating a fun and creative environment.