A Message from Our CEO

Looking Ahead at ELIJA

As summer winds down and we look toward the year ahead, there is so much to celebrate at ELIJA.

This year marks 10 years of ELIJA Farm, 20 years of the ELIJA School, and 25 years since the founding of the ELIJA Foundation. These milestones are more than number they represent decades of commitment, perseverance, growth, and, most importantly, families who have trusted us to be part of their journey.

I am personally grateful to still be part of an organization that was born out of love, commitment, and passion for our children and families. ELIJA may be a small organization, but we are a powerful one. We have always believed in supporting individuals and families across the lifespan, and our commitment to integrity, quality, and meaningful outcomes remains unwavering. At ELIJA, every child, young adult, and adult we serve is considered one of our own.

Change is constant, and I have always believed that change can nurture creativity and inspire us to think differently. It challenges us to grow, to innovate, and to create new opportunities for the people we serve. That spirit of possibility has been at the heart of ELIJA from the beginning.

Empowering Long Island’s Journey is more than our name. It is my personal commitment to my own family, to the ELIJA family, and to every family who has placed their trust in us.



Growing Our ELIJA Family

As we move into this next chapter, I am especially proud of the talented people who continue to strengthen our organization. Growth at ELIJA is not only about new programs and services it is about building a team with the experience, passion, and vision to move our mission forward.

I am thrilled to recognize several important changes within our leadership team:

• Tamikka Moore has stepped into the role of Director of Finance, bringing her dedication and expertise to an area that is essential to the strength and sustainability of ELIJA.

• Derrice (Reese) Smith has moved from Coordinator to Director of Development. Reese has grown tremendously within our organization, and I am excited to see her take on this new leadership role as we continue to expand our development efforts and build the future of ELIJA.

• We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Minkoff into a new position as Director of Family Services. Rachel brings tremendous experience and a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, and we are fortunate to have her expanding her role within ELIJA.

• And finally, Janet Valentin has joined our team in Finance Support, working alongside our finance and administrative team to help strengthen the systems that support our growing organization.

These individuals represent just a part of the incredible team behind ELIJA. Their leadership, commitment, and willingness to grow with us are an important part of what makes ELIJA special.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the difficult reality facing our country and the individuals who depend upon vital services and supports. We are witnessing unprecedented threats to systems that took decades to build. The work of advocacy, inclusion, education, employment, housing, and community support cannot be taken for granted. If these critical supports are dismantled, rebuilding them will take generations.

We must continue to speak up. We must continue to advocate. And we must continue to believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live a life filled with love, health, happiness, purpose, and belonging.

And now, on a brighter note, I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead. In this newsletter, we are sharing some of the new adventures, opportunities, and initiatives taking shape across ELIJA. From the continued growth of ELIJA Farm and our School programs to new services and exciting plans for the Foundation, there is much to look forward to.

Thank you for believing in ELIJA, for standing beside our families, and for being part of this extraordinary journey.

Twenty-five years later, our commitment has never been stronger and our journey continues.

Hugs and Love,

Debora Thivierge

Founder & CEO

ELIJA Foundation

 Introducing the ELIJA Comprehensive Evaluation Center (ECEC)

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the ELIJA Comprehensive Evaluation Center (ECEC) — offering specialized autism assessments for both children and adults!

Led by Dr. Monica Howard, PhD, BCBA-D, Dr. Karen Chin, PhD, and Dr. Rachel Minkoff, Ph.D., LMSW, C-SWHC, the ECEC provides individualized behavioral, psychological, and diagnostic evaluations. Our goal: highlight each person's unique strengths, clarify their needs, and chart a meaningful path forward.

The Evaluation Center also specializes in conducting the diagnostic assessments required for OPWDD eligibility, helping individuals and families navigate the process with expertise, compassion, and confidence.

Following each assessment, families receive:

• Personalized recommendations to support lifelong growth and development
• Connections to essential services, including evaluations required for OPWDD eligibility
• Clear next steps tailored to each individual's needs

Visit our website to explore the ECEC and what it offers or apply for an evaluation for yourself or a loved one!

Have questions? Reach out — we're happy to walk you through it! We're so excited to offer this new resource to our community!

Launching the Siblings Support Program

We're debuting a new program for siblings of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities — led by Dr. Rachel Minkoff, Ph.D., LMSW, C-SWHC — and we need YOU to help make it a success!

This program creates a space for connection, fun, and belonging, where siblings can feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Who it's for:

• Ages 6–12: Fun, friendship, and activities in a safe, understanding environment
• Ages 13–18: Connect, share, and build confidence with peers who just get it

What to expect:

• When: Weekends, late morning, twice a month
• Where: ELIJA Farm, South Huntington, NY
• What to expect: Recreation-based activities, program activities, discussions, and more!
• What we offer: A welcoming space where siblings can feel seen, supported, and empowered
• Cost: A fee applies; scholarships may be available

Siblings often have unique experiences and perspectives — your time and compassion can help them feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can empower families!

Interested in making a difference?

👉 Contact Dr. Minkoff to learn more or to learn about volunteer opportunities!

Want to help make this program possible?

We're also accepting sponsorships to support the launch of this important new program! Your support helps ensure siblings have access to a fee, scholarships, and a program that truly makes a difference.

📚 Save the Date: LIBAC 2026 is Coming! 🧠



Interested in learning more about Behavior Analysis? Join us for the ELIJA Foundation's annual Long Island Behavior Analysis Conference (LIBAC) on December 3rd & 4th at the Melville Marriott!

📅 Date: December 3rd & 4th, 2026

📍 Location: Melville Marriott in Melville, NY

Founded by the Long Island Behavior Analysis Group (LI-BAG), LIBAC brings together professionals and parents to share insights on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) — while giving practicing BCBAs direct access to top experts in the field.



Attendees can look forward to:

• Keynote speakers sharing insights from the field
• Interactive workshops and hands-on learning
• Panel discussions on today's biggest topics in ABA
• The latest research and innovative, practical approaches

It's a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers and families, and sharpen your professional skills — all while supporting a great cause.



Ready to be part of it? There are a few ways to join in:

👉 Register to attend

👉 Become a sponsor

👉 Sign up as a vendor

📩 Attendee registration, sponsorships, and vendor sign-ups are all available through BehaviorLive.



We can't wait to welcome our community of professionals back this December!