Maria Luisa Torres, MS, BCBA, LBA-NY

I’m Maria Luisa Torres, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York State, autism advocate, and devoted mother. My work in Applied Behavior Analysis is grounded not only in clinical training, but in lived experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to ensuring families feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

For more than 25 years, I worked as a dental hygienist before my life changed profoundly in 2010 with the birth of my son. After meeting his early developmental milestones, he experienced a severe regression at 12 months—losing language, eye contact, and previously acquired motor skills. For over a year, I sought answers, voiced concerns, and advocated relentlessly until he was diagnosed with autism in 2012.

Like many parents receiving a diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed, fearful, and uncertain about what the future might hold. That uncertainty began to shift when my son started receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. I witnessed firsthand the power of evidence-based intervention—not just in skill development, but in restoring hope. What began as a parent’s search for support soon became a calling to serve other families walking a similar path.

In 2020, I earned my Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Master of Professional Studies program at Manhattanville College. I completed my fieldwork hours through direct clinical work and gained hands-on experience as an RBT and therapist. Throughout this journey, one truth became clear and continues to guide my work today: the most meaningful and lasting progress happens when parents are treated as true partners in intervention.

I know what it feels like to sit on the other side of the door—watching therapy happen without fully understanding what is being taught, why goals are chosen, or how progress is measured. Too often, parents are unintentionally excluded from the process, when in reality they are one of the most powerful components of their child’s success. Families deserve transparency, collaboration, and access to the “why” behind every decision.

My approach is rooted in compassion, clarity, and empowerment. I believe parents deserve to understand the journey, celebrate progress alongside the team, and actively participate in shaping their child’s goals and growth. At Empress Consultants, we don’t just support children—we support the families who love and advocate for them every day. We honor your insight, validate your concerns, and work together to replace uncertainty with confidence, understanding, and meaningful progress.