

About Us
Texas ABA Specialists
Transforming Behaviors, Improving Lives

The Team
Texas ABA Specialists
Transforming Behaviors, Improving Lives

Our Background ​
Both co-founders are highly qualified with master's degrees and possess extensive experience working with neurodivergent populations. Our team includes skilled RBTs and SEIT professionals, all dedicated to providing exceptional care and support.​​​​​
Maziar Golshannejad
Co-Founder & Senior Director of
Texas ABA Specialists
Maziar Golshannejad is a New York State and Texas Licensed Behavior Analyst, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and New York State certified special education teacher. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from The City University of Queens College and completed his graduate degree at Hunter College. Maziar is the co-founder and Senior Director of New York City Behavioral Specialists.
In his role as a Director, Maziar oversees a staff of BCBAs, Registered Behavior Technicians. and certified special educators who provide academic and therapeutic support in schools, homes, and communities throughout the 5 boroughs for learners aged 2-21 years old. He additionally coordinates with special education attorneys, families, and school staff in order to provide needed testimony and support, as well as to maximize treatment integrity for families. Maziar has extensive knowledge and experience in developing programming to increase communication, social interaction, and play skills and utilizing a variety of assessments (including VB-MAPP, Vineland EFL, etc), as well as implementing functional analysis and functional behavior assessments to build function-based intervention strategies for moderate to severe behavioral problems. Maziar has worked with individuals ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old, with a primary focus on early intervention and mid-school (2-14 years old). He has experience with utilizing a variety of communication systems such as picture exchange, signs and modified signs, iPads and related high-technology devices, and vocal speech.

Co-Founder & Clinical director of
Texas ABA specialists
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Walter Umana is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in more than 30 states, as well as 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 pairs clinical precision with a deep commitment to individualized care and culturally responsive practice.
As co-founder and Clinical Director of NYC Behavior Specialists, Walter leads a multidisciplinary team that provides high-quality ABA therapy to children and families across New York. He has trained and supervised clinicians in both school-based and private settings, often supporting cases involving complex behavioral profiles, developmental disabilities, and underserved populations throughout New York City.
Walter’s 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 also brings expertise in working with learners across the autism spectrum, ADHD, global developmental delay, and trauma-related behavioral presentations.
Having held multiple leadership roles across school districts and national ABA organizations, Walter combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence. Compassionate, empathetic, and deeply attuned to the needs of clients and families, he is committed to fostering measurable progress, empowerment, and lasting transformation in every case he supports.

Walter Umana
