Margie and Lisa opened B.L.A.S.T. after recognizing the need for supplemental specialized social skills instruction for children and adolescents with social cognitive deficits. After researching other programs, curriculums, and strategies, they developed their program and opened their facility in November of 2002, growing from a handful of students to over 70 students per session.

Lisa Whittaker, M.Ed. BCABA, has a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Special Education, a Master of Education degree from the University of Florida and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.

She has taught children with varying disabilities in the Broward County school system since 1981, earning the honor of Teacher of the Year for Maplewood Elementary School in 1997. She then held the position of Autism Coach at Coral Park Elementary School from 1997 until 2002, where she supported students in both self-contained and inclusive settings.

Margie Pedron, B.Ed., earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Miami, with a major in Special Education and a minor in Speech Pathology.

She has taught children with special needs in both California and Florida since 1976. Margie has held a variety of positions in the Broward County school system, teaching students of varying exceptionalities in both self-contained and inclusive settings. She was a classroom teacher for children with autism spectrum disorders from 1997 until 2002, specializing in mainstreaming and inclusion strategies.

Both Margie Pedron and Lisa Whittaker have taught in the public schools for over 25 years and have completed extensive training in:

Curriculum and Instruction	Applied Behavior Analysis
Positive Behavioral Support	Social Skills Training
Structured Teaching	Direct Instruction
IEP Development	Visual Support Systems
Inclusion Strategies