The Global Partnership for Families with Special Needs is a dedicated organization committed to enhancing the lives of families affected by special needs. The founding of the organization is deeply rooted in the founders’ personal experiences, having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children due to the lack of resources and support. Motivated by their background as special educators, the founders took proactive steps to address these disparities, particularly through volunteer efforts in underserved communities in the Philippines. This passion for supporting families led to the establishment of the organization in 2023.

Our organization is powered by a collaborative team of skilled and experienced professionals, including:

  • Special Needs Educators
  • Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs)
  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • Special Educators and Paraeducators
  • Psychologists (School, Clinical, and Counseling)
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Parents of children with autism or other support needs

We believe effective progress is achieved through collaboration—not only with individuals but with the families who stand alongside them.

Board of Directors

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Henry Tarroza, PhD. Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Henry E. Tarroza is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of the Global Center for Autism Services, where he combines over two decades of experience in corporate leadership and academic service to champion inclusive education. With advanced degrees in Elementary Education, Psychology, and Special Education, Dr. Tarroza also holds certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Development. He is licensed in Special Education, General Education, and Psychology in the state of Maryland.

Driven by a strong commitment to community service and nonprofit impact, Dr. Tarroza continues to work hands-on as a high school educator, teaching social skills to students in an autism program. His work bridges theory and practice, helping to build systems of care that empower neurodiverse learners. Known for his strategic vision and compassion, Dr. Tarroza plays a pivotal role in expanding access to life-changing support services for children and families affected by autism.

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Eric Vaughan, Ed.D. Vice-Chairman

Dr. Eric Vaughan is a dedicated educator and administrator with over 19 years of experience in Prince George’s County Public Schools. As the Special Education Program Coordinator at Parkdale High School, he leads inclusive initiatives that support students with diverse learning needs. Dr. Vaughan is the recipient of the SECAC-PG Extraordinary Service Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to equity, student success, and community engagement.

In addition to his work in public education, Dr. Vaughan actively partners with nonprofit organizations to expand access to essential services for students and families. His collaborative efforts with families, educators, and community-based organizations reflect his belief that education thrives through partnership and shared purpose. Driven by a mission to create inclusive, equitable learning environments, Dr. Vaughan continues to be a strong advocate for students with special needs, ensuring they are empowered with the tools, resources, and support necessary to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

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Miram Palasi, MS., MA. Treasurer

Miriam Palasi is a devoted special educator whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to early childhood development and inclusive education. Holding a master’s degree in psychology and special education, she has spent over ten years working in nonprofit and public service roles, most notably within the Infants and Toddlers program. There, she conducts developmental assessments for children from birth to age three, ensuring that families receive the early intervention services they need during critical developmental stages.

Miriam’s approach is rooted in collaboration—working closely with families, therapists, and educators to design individualized support plans that nurture each child’s unique strengths. Her compassionate, child-centered practice has made her a trusted advocate in the field of early childhood education. Through her ongoing work, Miriam continues to advance access to equitable and impactful services, making a lasting difference in the lives of young children and their families.

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Mitsi Reyes, MA., NBCT Secretary

Mitsi holds a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in special education. She is currently in the process of completing her doctoral degree in Education. Mitsi works as a special educator in a community-referenced instruction setting. She is also very active in her church, where she sings in the choir and volunteers for various causes.

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Albert Hui, BA Governance Officer

Albert Hui serves as Director of Sales and Service at the National Institutes of Health Federal Credit Union, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance member experience, branch performance, and digital innovation. A Maryland native, Albert grew up in Silver Spring and studied Business Administration at the University of Maryland, College Park. His career began in retail management before transitioning into banking in 2006.

With nearly two decades of leadership in financial services, Albert is deeply committed to the credit union’s not-for-profit mission—providing accessible, member-focused financial solutions. He takes great pride in guiding individuals and families through economic challenges, while mentoring his team to grow into accomplished professionals. His work reflects a dedication not only to financial excellence but also to community empowerment through responsible banking.

Advisory Board

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Madison Andreu, MA., BCBA., LBA

Madison Andreu is a dedicated Clinical Quality Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over a decade of experience advancing the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly within nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Healthcare and a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida. She further enriched her expertise with certifications in Positive Behavior Supports and Organizational Behavior Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Throughout her career, Madison has been instrumental in enhancing clinical standards and ensuring ethical, high-impact service delivery for individuals with developmental needs. Her background in teaching and training future practitioners highlights her commitment to building capacity within the ABA community.

Madison’s leadership is defined by her passion for equitable care, data-driven practice, and system-level improvements that elevate outcomes for underserved populations. Her work exemplifies a deep commitment to quality, compassion, and social impact.

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Mary Claire DiMiceli, MS., BCBA, LBA

Marcy is a seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Graduate Adjunct Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, known for her commitment to using evidence-based practices to serve individuals with developmental and behavioral needs. With dual master’s degrees in general and special education from Fordham University, Marcy brings over 22 years of experience delivering ABA services across diverse, often underserved, populations.

Her career spans schools, clinics, homes, and community-based programs, where she has worked tirelessly to ensure access to high-quality behavioral support for individuals of all ages and abilities. Deeply rooted in the nonprofit sector, Marcy is dedicated to mentoring future practitioners and expanding equitable ABA services to families in need.

Outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid traveler, yoga practitioner, and values time with her family—balancing a fulfilling personal life with an unwavering passion for service and inclusive care.

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Muhammad Tehseen, EdD., BCBA., LBA

Muhammad Tehseen is a compassionate and skilled Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based in Maryland, with a strong focus on supporting neurodivergent children through not-for-profit and community-centered work. He holds a post-graduate certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology, building on a solid foundation in special education. With over five years of experience, Dr. Tehseen has dedicated his career to serving children with autism and related disabilities, particularly within school and community-based settings.

Through his work with the Autism Resource Center, Dr. Tehseen has advanced inclusive practices and culturally responsive care, empowering families from diverse backgrounds.

Inspired by voices like Dr. Temple Grandin and Naoki Higashida, his approach is guided by empathy and the belief in every child’s potential. Dr. Tehseen’s professional journey reflects a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, equity, and the transformative power of behavioral science in not-for-profit education and healthcare spaces.

Staff

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Salvador Tan, PhD. Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Salvador E. Tan is a visionary educator and nonprofit leader, serving as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center for Autism Services. With academic credentials spanning Education, Business Administration, Special Education, and Psychology, he brings a uniquely holistic perspective to his work. His postgraduate training in Leadership and Administration, along with a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State University, underscores his commitment to evidence-based practice.

Dr. Tan’s career bridges continents and disciplines, having served in both general and special education roles across international and U.S. settings. He has taught at undergraduate and graduate levels and supported students with autism through specialized social skills instruction. Certified in Special Education, Biology, and Psychology, with administrative credentials in Maryland, Dr. Tan chose early retirement from the public school system to lead nonprofit initiatives full time. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing inclusive, equitable services for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

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