Sandhya Vakekalam

Sandhya Vakekalam is the Co-Founder and Director of Elevate Kids Clinic, an organization built on a comprehensive child-development system designed to transform communication, behavior, and school readiness into measurable independence. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and nearly a decade of experience in behavioral therapy, she leads with a structured, multidisciplinary approach where clinical precision meets genuine empathy.

​Her leadership is grounded in extensive frontline and supervisory experience. As a Senior ABA Therapist, Supervisor, and Case Manager, she has developed complex intervention programs and mentored therapist teams to uphold the highest standards of care. Her clinical leadership is backed by an elite suite of credentials, including certifications as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), an International Behavior Therapist (IBT), and in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); she is currently advancing her expertise through the Qualified Autism Services Practitioner (QASP-S) certification.

​Beyond clinical practice, Sandhya has played a pivotal role in shaping the operational and therapeutic foundation of the center. She specializes in integrating behavioral triggers with environmental design to create spaces that naturally support focus, comfort, and emotional regulation. Her work bridges the gap between structured therapy sessions and the real-world demands of home and school environments.

​At the core of her philosophy is the belief in elevating potential with infinite care. Through a neuro-affirming, evidence-based, and family-centered approach, Sandhya ensures that Elevate functions as a true center of excellence: a nurturing ecosystem where specialized care and clinical integrity empower every child to reach their fullest potential.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), BCBA®
• International Behavior Therapist (IBT), IBAO®
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Certification
• Qualified Autism Services Practitioner (QASP‑S), QABA® Candidate

Areas of Expertise

• Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Coaching
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Principles
• Early Intervention and School Readiness
• Neuro‑affirming Programming
• Environmental Design for Therapy
• Functional Communication and Independence Training
• Case Management and Supervisor Mentorship
• Social Skills and Emotional Regulation
• Caregiver Training and Family‑Centered Interventions