Maziar Golshannejad Co-Founder & Senior Director
Maziar Golshannejad is a distinguished Licensed Behavior Analyst in both New York State and Texas, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a certified special education teacher in New York State. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from The City University of New York’s Queens College, followed by a graduate degree from Hunter College, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
As the co-founder and Senior Director of New York City Behavioral Specialists, Maziar plays a pivotal role in leading a dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians, and certified special educators. Together, they provide comprehensive academic and therapeutic support to learners aged 2 to 21 across all five boroughs of New York City. In his capacity as Director, Maziar ensures that his team delivers optimal care in diverse settings, including schools, homes, and community environments. He also collaborates closely with special education attorneys, families, and school staff to facilitate critical testimony and support while striving to maximize treatment integrity for the families served.
Maziar’s extensive knowledge encompasses the development of tailored programming designed to enhance communication, social interaction, and play skills. He employs various assessment tools, including the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, among others. Maziar is adept at conducting functional analyses and functional behavior assessments, which empower him to devise function-based intervention strategies that effectively address moderate to severe behavioral challenges.
Throughout his career, Maziar has engaged with individuals ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, with a particular emphasis on early intervention and middle school-age children (ages 2 to 14). His expertise also extends to the utilization of various communication systems, such as picture exchange communication systems (PECS), signs and modified signs, iPads, other advanced technological devices, as well as promoting vocal speech. Through his comprehensive and compassionate approach, Maziar Golshannejad continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves.
Walter Umana Co-Founder & Clinical Director
Walter is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in more than 30 states. He is a New York State Certified Teacher with a bilingual extension in Spanish. With over 18 years of experience in special education and behavioral health, Walter leads the multidisciplinary team at NYC Behavior Specialists, providing high-quality ABA therapy to children and families across New York. He has trained and supervised clinicians in both school-based and private settings, handling cases with complex behavioral profiles, developmental disabilities, and underserved populations in NYC. His areas of specialization include functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention planning, skill acquisition and verbal behavior programs, staff training and supervision, parent coaching, and crisis prevention and de-escalation. He has expertise working with learners across the autism spectrum, ADHD, global developmental delay, and trauma-related behavioral presentations. Walter combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence to foster measurable progress, empowerment, and lasting transformation for clients and families