Meet the Diverse Abiliteam
Founder and Principal
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Mrs. Maria Preston
Maria Preston, M.S. Ed, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Florida Certified Exceptional Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience working with individuals with autism and related disabilities. She is the Clinical Director and owner of DIverseAbilities School.
Throughout her career, Maria has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, grant writer, Curriculum Specialist, and trainer for special needs services in Orange County Schools. She has also worked as an Inclusion Specialist and consultant in Monroe County Schools and as an ESE Specialist in Osceola County Schools. Maria played a key role in developing the discipline guidelines for Osceola County and served on the district’s Alternative School Committee.
Maria’s expertise extends beyond the classroom. She provides therapy and advocacy services and travels nationally and internationally—consulting as far as India, the Caribbean Islands, and France—to design and implement individualized programs for people with special needs and to support other professionals in the field.
In higher education, Maria has served as an adjunct professor and consultant for Miami Dade College, where she contributed to the development of their Exceptional Student Education teacher preparation program.
Outside of her professional work, Maria is an avid adventurer. Her hobbies include spearfishing, surfing, wakeboarding, painting, and teaching spin and bootcamp fitness classes.
Administration
Mrs. Vickie Goetz
Mrs. Niggle “Nini” Hernandez
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She is a Venezuelan professional currently serving as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). With seven years of experience in the field of ABA,her journey began with a 40-hour course that profoundly shifted her perspective. Captivated by the meaningful impact ABA can have on children with special needs and their families, she developed a deep passion for the work. Since then, she has found lasting joy and fulfillment in working closely with children and being part of a dedicated and supportive team.
Vickie Goetz is a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs, committed to creating a more inclusive community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She is the founder of Love Beyond Limits, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting acceptance, understanding, and meaningful opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Through her leadership and vision, she continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of countless families and the broader community.
Teachers
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Gretel is a dedicated and compassionate teacher at Diverse Abilities. Her nurturing spirit and creative approach make her a cherished presence in the classroom, She has a deep love and passion for the arts, which weaves into her teaching to spark imagination and connection. Gretel brings heart, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.
Mrs. Gretel Blair
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Adah Hall is a recent graduate from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in Child Development and a minor in Psychology. She is also a certified lifeguard instructor, swim instructor, and divemaster. Passionate, adventurous, and enthusiastic, Adah loves teaching and sharing her interests with others, especially in ways that empower and inspire those around her.
Ms. Adah Hall
Adriana Benevides is a dedicated educator from Brazil with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other comorbidities. She holds a degrees in Pedagogy, Psychopedagogy and Neuroscience, as well as her RBT license. Passionate about her work, she is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.
Mrs. Adriana Benevides
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Natalie Ostrenko is a newly certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with over three years of experience supporting adolescents with developmental delays and physical disabilities, including children in the foster care system. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is committed to providing compassionate, impactful care. Natalie’s goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.
Ms. Natalie Ostrenko
Ms. Danielle Bowcutt
Danielle Bowcutt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Broward College and brings valuable experience in children’s home care, along with a strong understanding of 504 plans. She is deeply passionate about advocating for students who may not yet have a voice of their own. Grounded in empathy and a commitment to inclusion, Maria believes every child deserves to be seen, heard, and fully supported in their educational journey.
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Teacher’s Assistants
Namesis Gutierrez is a 21-year-old Teaching Assistant. She speaks English and Spanish, and brings a calm, caring energy to the classroom. With a background in medical assisting, she’s experienced in supporting others with patience, empathy, and attention to detail.
Miss Namesis “Nami” Gutierrez
Registered Behavioral Therapists (RBT)
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Jordyn Pitter is a driven professional currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
(BCBA). As a former student athlete, Jordyn brings the same discipline, resilience, and teamwork from the field into her work in behavior analysis. With a strong foundation in Special Education and a passion for helping others thrive, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families.
Miss Jordyn Pitter
Mr. Jorge Figueroa
Jorge Figueroa has been an RBT for over 2 years. His expertise, compassion and honest nature, combined with a touch of humor, allows him to create a welcoming and supportive environment his students. His goal is to continue improving the lives of those he works with and expand his knowledge in ABA.
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Ms.Melba Sequeira
Melba Sequeira has working with children and adults on the spectrum for over 4 years as a teacher assistant. She has now been a certified RBT for over a year. She’s very passionate about helping kids reach their goals and love seeing the progress they make each day.
Ms. Liliana “Lili” Jous Liraza
Liliana Jous Liraza has been an RBT for over a year and holds a degree in Elementary Education from Cuba. She has always felt a strong calling to support children in overcoming challenges, developing essential life skills, and reaching their full potential. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the children she works with. She firmly believes that every child deserves understanding, support, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
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Ms Helen Yaburt
Helen Yaburt is a RBT with nearly two years of experience supporting children on the autism spectrum as a paraprofessional. Her hands-on work in the field inspired her to pursue RBT certification and deepen her impact in behavioral support. Helen is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing, with a continued commitment to providing compassionate and individualized care.
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Diverse Abilities School extends its commitment to equity and inclusivity to all staff members. We firmly uphold principles that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or any other protected category, ensuring that every employee is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity in the workplace