ABA in MIA

Lotus is always centered on growth, understanding, and meeting families where they are.

Aba in Mia Podcast

Join the Conversation!

Are you interested in learning more about autism, understanding what ABA services should truly look like, and hearing real conversations that support and empower families?

ABA in MIA is a conversational podcast created for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want honest, accessible conversations about autism and ABA services without the jargon.

Whether you’re a new parent just beginning your journey, someone exploring therapy options, or a professional wanting to reflect on best practices, this podcast meets you where you are. We talk through real questions people are asking but don’t always know who to ask like what autism really means, what quality services should look like, and how to navigate support systems with confidence.

Each episode focuses on meaningful, real world topics, breaking down complex ideas into practical, easy to understand discussions. No pressure, no judgment just informed conversations designed to empower families and spark thoughtful dialogue.

MEET YOUR HOSTS!

Karelix Alicea

Karelix Alicea is the heart behind Lotus and a longtime voice in the ABA community who believes that quality services start with thoughtful conversations. With years of experience supporting children, families, and professionals, she brings a deep understanding of what ABA should look like ethical, compassionate, and individualized.

As a clinician, educator, and mentor, Karelix is passionate about helping families feel informed and confident, especially during moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain. Through ABA in MIA, she creates space for honest dialogue about autism, service delivery, leadership, and the real life challenges families and providers navigate every day. Her approach is grounded in listening first, asking meaningful questions, and always keeping families at the center of the conversation.

Mariam Nawabi

Mariam brings a warm, grounded perspective to ABA in MIA, shaped by years of hands on experience and a genuine love for teaching and learning. She is known for her ability to connect with families and professionals alike, breaking down complex ideas into practical, relatable insights.

With a strong background in assessment, intervention, and training, Mariam is especially passionate about empowering caregivers and staff with tools that actually work in everyday life. She believes that progress happens when families feel supported, understood, and respectedand she brings that belief into every conversation on the podcast.

Together, Mariam and Karelix aim to create a space that feels informative, reflective, and real where listeners can learn, think critically, and feel less alone on their journey.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Karelix Headshot

Karelix Alicea

M.S., BCBA, ITDS

Founder / President of Lotus Behavioral Interventions

Miss Alicea received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis under the direction of the esteemed Dr. Jacob L. Gewirtz at Florida International University (FIU), and is currently in the process of completing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University.

Following a period of almost 10 years of experience in the field, she founded Lotus Behavioral Interventions in 2009. Miss Alicea taught undergraduate-level behavior analysis coursework for several years at FIU and Carlos Albizu University, and is a graduate-level intensive practicum supervisor at Simmons College, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and University of South Florida (USF), all of which are Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accredited programs.

She has presented on the benefits of sign language and telehealth services for children with autism in addition to ethical service delivery, supervision and entrepreneurship at various professional conferences, including the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) and ABAI.

Miss Alicea is an active member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), and can render services in English, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL) both face-to-face and via telehealth with the use of HIPAA-compliant technology.