Meet Our Director
MAYA BETTENCOURT, MSW, PPSC, BCBA
Maya has been working in the fields of special education and behavior analysis for 20 years. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work, a credential in School Psychology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analysis.
Maya has extensive experience working with learners with significant needs and has practiced in school, home, and clinic settings. She currently consults to school districts throughout California and overseas. She is passionate about building the capacity of educators so that they are equipped with the skills needed to foster a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
At Estero Learning Partners, we prioritize the health, well-being, and academic success of learners. Our approach integrates behavioral expertise with educational support to address the unique needs of each learner.
We are passionate about collaborating with educators, parents, and administrators to create comprehensive, sustainable solutions that promote growth and development.
Our Approach
Estero Learning Partners was created from a simple belief: meaningful progress happens when people feel supported, understood, and equipped with practical tools they can use in everyday life.
After nearly 20 years working alongside students, adults, families, educators, and support teams, Maya saw a common challenge. Many people were being given recommendations, strategies, and goals, but were often left to figure out implementation on their own. Families felt overwhelmed, educators felt stuck, and support teams were working hard without always having the guidance needed to turn ideas into meaningful progress.
Estero Learning Partners was founded to help bridge that gap.
Rather than focusing solely on assessments or written recommendations, our approach emphasizes collaboration, practical problem-solving, and ongoing partnership. We know that real progress doesn't come from a report sitting on a shelf—it comes from helping people understand challenges, develop realistic solutions, and feel confident putting those solutions into practice. Our goal is to create support that is meaningful, practical, and sustainable over time.
Today, we partner with schools, families, and individuals in the Central Coast and Central Valley of California. Whether supporting a student at school, an adult working toward greater independence, or the people who support them, we are committed to listening, understanding, and helping create a path forward when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.
Our Story
