Melina DosSantos-Falquez, MA, BCBA

Melina DosSantos-Falquez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals with autism through applied behavior analysis. She holds a BA in Psychology from Montclair State University and an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Melina has been a BCBA since 2015 and has worked across a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, homes, and community-based programs.

Originally from Brazil, Melina is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Her multicultural background informs her commitment to culturally responsive care and helps her build strong, trusting relationships with families from diverse communities. She has supported individuals across the lifespan—from early intervention through adulthood—and brings a deep understanding of autism-informed practices to her work.

As a parent of a child with autism, Melina is passionate about empowering families with practical tools and compassionate support. She specializes in individualized care planning, behavior support, and staff training, and is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

Outside of work, Melina enjoys spending time with her family, exploring DIY projects, and finding creative ways to bring joy and connection into everyday life. She’s also a speed reader who loves diving into books and binging movies and TV shows—especially as a way to unwind and stay connected to pop culture trends that resonate with the teens she supports.

Melina can be reached directly at 551-380-4873 and Unwind@CopeCenterforAutism.org.