Dr. Vanessa Gilliard is a Behavior interventionist who has been on the educational journey for 28 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of Staten Island, where she majored in Music Performance Voice. She was also blessed to be chosen to take part in the Vocal Workshop that was held at Juilliard School of Music during the summer session and did coursework on the stage of Mama, I Want to Sing and the Broadway play, The Wiz. She later obtained a BS degree from Charleston Southern University, where she majored in Psychology and Religion. She holds a dual master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and a doctorate in Clinical Counseling from Capella University.

Dr. Gilliard witnesses the transformation of each scholar, which allows her to celebrate the smallest victories as she is there to guide them through each challenge. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing scholars grow, learn, and develop. It is a true joy for Dr. Gilliard to be part of their journey. Dr. Gilliard says that working as a BI is rewarding, challenging, and requires a lot of patience. She is passionate about employing positive reinforcement through education, communication, and social interaction to help each scholar unlearn and reduce harmful behaviors. The scholar’s strengths and accomplishments are used to reverse resistive behaviors, as she uses positive reinforcement. Dr. Gilliard plays a crucial role in helping the adults as well as the scholars improve their social interaction and responsive behaviors.