Our Mission
Bright Behavior Analysts fills service gaps for neurodiverse individuals, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Our services are customized for clients and organizations while maintaining a trauma-informed perspective and utilizing evidenced-based behavior analytic practices. We specialize in providing education to client-facing personnel to better understand the individuals they serve. Our team helps create safe, accepting, and supportive environments for neurodiverse individuals by prioritizing their individual needs and valuing uniqueness.
About Us
Bright Behavior Analysts was created by two veteran Behavior Analysts who have worked across the field for a combined 30 years. Our co-founders are leaders in the field and have helped shape organizations, advocated for state legislation, and served on professional boards. Bright Behavior Analysts is the culmination of their work, to help organizations improve their client services to ensure that no individual goes underserved.
Maureen O’Grady, BCBA, LBA
Co-Founder
Maureen O’Grady, a Board-Certified and NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst since 2014, has a wealth of experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She began her career as a school-based behavior consultant, parent trainer, and ABA program supervisor across Long Island, where she also managed after-school and weekend programs for children and teens with complex needs. As an Assistant Clinical Director, she oversaw home and school-based programs and managed the insurance-funded services.
In 2016, Maureen expanded her work to the child welfare system, becoming a Program Director for Autism and ABA services by 2018. She recognized and began addressing disparities in service accessibility for children below the poverty line, advocating for systemic changes at local and state levels. Maureen supported foster care systems by consulting with staff and foster parents, helping children with complex needs remain in stable homes. Maureen currently serves on the board of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA), where she advocates for the improvement of the practice of behavior analysis in NY.
Maureen pioneered a unique Social Skills Program for children and young adults with autism involved in the child welfare system and developed caregiver training programs for birth and foster parents. Maureen supports families navigating services in the Department of Education, specializing in Functional Behavior Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Behavior Consultation and Caregiver Training. With her broad expertise, Maureen is uniquely equipped to deliver tailored services to diverse clients, families, and stakeholders across multiple settings.
Sana L. McCarthy, BCBA, LBA
Co-Founder
Sana has extensive expertise in applied behavior analysis (ABA) as a Board-Certified and NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst since 2008. She began her career as a supervisor in an intensive ABA private school, becoming lead clinical supervisor after two years. In this role, she oversaw classroom operations, provided staff and parent training, and developed treatment plans for children and teens with diverse behavioral and learning challenges.
Building on this experience, Sana created ABA systems and protocols for non-public schools across New York City while continuing to supervise treatment in homes, schools, and agencies. She has also worked in the child welfare system, specializing in caregiver training, including sleep and toilet training, consulting with foster parents, and assisting with a grant-funded social skills program for children with complex needs.
A passionate advocate, Sana supports families during IEP meetings and educates parents on how to advocate for their children’s rights. Her contributions to organizational growth include developing HR handbooks, staff training protocols, and operational procedures, along with participating in fundraising and public relations campaigns. Sana’s work reflects a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across diverse environments.
