A Personal Journey. A Purpose-Driven Mission.
Rooted in Experience. Guided by Compassion.
Connections Therapy was founded from a deeply personal journey—one that transformed not only our lives, but our purpose. When autism became part of our family’s story, we experienced firsthand the impact that thoughtful, compassionate, and effective therapy can have.
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That experience inspired us to create something different—something more connected, more intentional, and more aligned with what families truly need.
A Family-Led Approach to Care
Connections Therapy is proudly family-founded, built by individuals who understand both the clinical and personal sides of care. What began as one family’s journey grew into a shared mission between sisters and cousins—professionals who were inspired to enter the field and dedicate their lives to supporting others.
With backgrounds as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and School Psychologists (Psy.Ds), our team combines clinical expertise with lived experience to provide care that is both evidence-based and deeply human.
We believe therapy should never feel cold or one-dimensional. It should feel supportive, empowering, and rooted in connection.
Our Approach to ABA Therapy
The field of ABA is evolving—and so are we. At Connections Therapy, we are committed to providing modern, ethical, and compassionate care that reflects the latest advancements in the field while honoring each child as an individual.
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We take a naturalistic, play-based approach using Natural Environment Teaching (NET), allowing children to learn and grow through real-life experiences rather than rigid, clinical settings. Our goal is to create meaningful progress that feels natural, functional, and lasting.
Meet the Team Behind Connections Therapy
Our team brings together clinical expertise, lived experience, and a shared passion for supporting children and families. With backgrounds in behavior analysis, psychology, and education, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that makes a meaningful difference.
Maya Brandt
Co-Founder & Supervising BCBA
Maya is the Co-founder and Supervising BCBA of Connections Therapy. Maya received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from FAU in 2009, her Master’s degree in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2012 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2014. She then went on to complete a Specialist Degree in School Psychology (Psy.S), becoming a Licensed School Psychologist. and She garnered experience in a variety of settings including Baudhuin preschool, the Broward County school system, Early Steps as an ITDS (Infant Toddler Development Specialist) and as a supervising BCBA. Her areas of expertise include Early Intervention, ADHD, ASD, OCD and anxiety disorders, as well as in administering psycho-educational evaluations, parent training and staff training.
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Maya decided to become a BCBA because she is passionate about working with kids and their families to promote the highest quality of life. Maya loves to spend time with her family and her many pets and has a great love for animals. She enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through optimal nutrition, exercise and keeping active.
Alona Cohen
Co-Founder & Supervising BCBA
Alona is the Co-founder and Supervising BCBA of Connections Therapy. Alona received her B.S. in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Central Florida in 2010, and her Licensed Specialist degree (Psy.S) in School Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, becoming a Licensed School Psychologist. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014, but has been working as a behavior therapist for almost a decade. She has served children and adults of all ages and from all over the world. She is well-versed in psycho-educational evaluations, special education, and academic and behavioral interventions.
Alona is extremely passionate about working with individuals with special needs, and strives to serve as a mentor and advocate for the children and families she works with. Alona has worked as an early interventionist with children on the spectrum and related disabilities for Early Steps, where she trained families and teachers on behavior modification and verbal behavior techniques. Having a personal connection to children with special needs, her main priority is bettering the lives of the children and families she works with.
Shiri Weizman
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
Shiri is the Co-founder and Director of Operations at Connections Therapy. She oversees Client Intake and Coordination, Insurance Billing and Community Outreach. Shiri began using ABA therapy when her son was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 2. Through trying many different types of therapies, including RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), Music Therapy, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), Shiri realized that integrating many different approaches and tailoring them to her child’s specific needs, led to the most amount of progress.
She decided to co-found Connections Therapy to serve a need in the community for a more naturalistic approach to ABA that was open to using whatever strategies were needed to help children succeed. Shiri has advanced degrees in Literature, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, but believes that the experience she has gained from advocating for her child has been her most important achievement.
Core Values
Presume Competence
We believe every child is capable and deserving of respect
Strength-Based Focus
We nurture what makes each child unique
Family-Centered Care
We support the entire family, not just the child
Connection First
Growth begins with trust, safety, and understanding
Ethical & Compassionate Practice
We lead with integrity in everything we do
More Than Therapy — A True Partnership
At Connections Therapy, we go beyond traditional therapy models. We build relationships—with our clients, with families, and within the communities we serve. We take the time to listen, understand, and create personalized plans that align with your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
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Because meaningful progress isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about how your child feels along the way.