We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Helena Han, Head of School at AYM, was honored as a Power Woman of Queens 2025 by Schneps Media. This prestigious honor celebrates fearless women who make Queens a thriving place to live, work, and grow, and Dr. Han’s extraordinary leadership at AYM has made her a standout in the field of education.
When Gersh Autism partnered with AYM in 2023, we quickly recognized the brilliance of Dr. Han’s vision and the depth of her dedication to students on the autism spectrum. With a career spanning roles as a behavior analyst, special educator, and school leader, Dr. Han has continually set a high bar for excellence. Her ability to blend innovation with compassion has transformed AYM into a beacon of individualized education, empowering both students and their families.
Dr. Han’s leadership is deeply rooted in her impressive academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Disorders, a M.Phil. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and a M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and holds multiple teaching certifications, along with an Advanced Certificate in NYS School Building Leadership. These credentials underscore her expertise in creating meaningful programs that help students thrive.
“Dr. Han’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to students on the autism spectrum have made a profound impact at AYM and beyond. Her recognition as a Power Woman of Queens 2025 is a testament to her leadership and the transformative work she does every day. At Gersh Autism, we are honored to have her as a partner in our mission to change lives, and we look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and innovate in the field of autism education.” Amy Malmquist, CEO – Gersh Autism
“Dr. Han is positively influencing our entire company by sharing her immense knowledge of ABA Therapy and applying it in an educational setting. She is mentoring and inspiring staff and helping to level up the skills of our BCBAs. Her passion, attention to detail, expertise and patience add tremendous value to our organization and is a role model for others. Her love for the students and connection to her families has been amazing to witness and I am honored to have her on our team.” Susan Diamond, Chief of Staff – Gersh Autism
Since the opening of AYM in 2021, Dr. Han has led several transformative initiatives that have shaped the school’s growth and impact. She has trained all teachers and therapists in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a research-based methodology that uses scientific principles to design individualized educational programs and equip educators with effective teaching strategies. To further elevate professional development, she established an official affiliation with the Hunter College Master’s Program in ABA, ensuring staff receive ongoing training and maintain high educational standards. Dr. Han has also implemented enrichment programs that promote skills generalization across different settings and individuals while fostering independent learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. Through a data-driven approach, she has enhanced student outcomes while cultivating a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach within a structured yet flexible, highly individualized learning environment, empowering both students and staff to thrive and develop the leadership skills to inspire others.
“Dr. Han’s leadership at AYM has been nothing short of transformative. Her commitment to expanding opportunities for students, advancing data-driven strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous learning has made a lasting impact on our school community. She is not only an advocate for students on the autism spectrum but also an inspiring mentor to educators. Her recognition as a Power Woman of Queens 2025 is a well-earned honor, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate her achievements.” Maureen Miller, Principal – Gersh Academy
“Dr. Han is a pioneer in utilizing and developing cutting edge methods in ABA for students on the spectrum. Her leadership and expertise in the field has led to outcomes that have had a positive impact on her students and staff alike. Dr. Han’s pragmatic and analytical skillset are what has made her a trailblazer in this field. It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside her.” Joseph Mille, Principal – Gersh Academy
Dr. Han’s impact extends beyond the classroom. As a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews, she credits her family as a source of inspiration for her work. Her leadership reflects a personal and professional commitment to helping children on the autism spectrum realize their potential.
Dr. Han’s recognition as a Power Woman of Queens is a testament to her tireless efforts to advance autism education and make a meaningful impact in the Queens community. At Gersh Autism, we are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to seeing the continued growth and success she brings to AYM!
We sat down with Helena to learn more about her journey, her work at AYM, and what this recognition means to her.
Q&A with Dr. Helena Han
Q: Congratulations on your nomination! What does being recognized as a Power Woman of Queens mean to you?
Helena: Being recognized as a Power Woman of Queens means so much more than a personal achievement: It’s a testament to the journey, dedication, and collective impact of AYM. I still remember the early days of community outreach and marketing, when people would say, “You have a great vision and a wonderful program plan. This type of school is exactly what’s needed, and if you can make it happen, that’s amazing. Let’s talk again when your dream becomes reality.”
Today, that dream has become a reality, and AYM is not just my vision or dream: It belongs to AYM, our students, families, and dedicated team. It’s a collective achievement. This recognition affirms that our work is not only needed but truly making a difference and valued by the community. It inspires me to continue leading with passion, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others, knowing that every step we take at AYM changes lives of those we serve.
Q: How has your leadership at AYM shaped your vision for education and your impact on the Queens community?
Helena: One of my favorite quotes by B.F. Skinner, who is a renowned psychologist known for his pioneering work in behaviorism and the study of learning, is, “It is not the task of the educator to impose values on students, but to help students recognize the impact of their actions and shape a world that is more meaningful.” This quote perfectly encapsulates my philosophy at AYM.
I founded AYM not solely for children on the spectrum, but for all learners (regardless of their age). I’ve seen too many students left behind in traditional special education classrooms and too many teachers overwhelmed and unmotivated. Determined to make a difference, I set out to create an environment that promotes a growth mindset and empowers every individual who walks through our doors. Our goal is to foster ownership and leadership by training everyone to lead themselves and, in turn, lead and inspire others.
At AYM, we accomplish this by sharing a clear vision, establishing defined missions and expectations, and holding one another accountable. This approach has transformed my vision for education from simply imparting knowledge to building a thriving community of empowered individuals who positively impact their lives, the Queens community, and the broader communities to which they belong.
Q: What inspires you most about working with students on the autism spectrum? And how do you see AYM making a difference in their lives?
Helena: My journey in education began with my own experiences of feeling misunderstood and underestimated. Growing up in South Korea, I faced my own challenges, but immigrating to Canada in my late teens brought a new set of obstacles—adapting to a different culture, learning a new language, and struggling to be understood beyond my accent and verbal abilities. I often felt judged by what I could express rather than what I was capable of.
That personal experience shaped my deep connection to students on the autism spectrum, many of whom face similar struggles in being understood. My inspiration to work with them began when I met a remarkable 7-year-old girl with limited verbal communication skills. I watched as she expressed herself through frustration and long, intense tantrums, and I saw a reflection of what it felt like to be unheard. While others doubted my ability to connect because I was “too emotional,” I leaned into that connection, teaching her math, life skills (e.g., going to the grocery store, park, movie theater, etc.), and piano lessons. Over time, I saw how building trust and understanding transformed her ability to learn and engage with the world around her. That moment changed everything for me.
At AYM, we carry this philosophy forward by creating an environment where every learner is empowered to lead their own journey. We focus on early intervention, proactive strategies rather than reactive measures, individualized instruction, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure students are not just learning but thriving. More importantly, we emphasize respect, clear communication, and the belief that every learner deserves to be understood and valued beyond their verbal abilities.
What inspires me most about working with learners on the spectrum is their resilience, curiosity, and ability to grow when given the right tools and support. At AYM, we are making a difference by providing a structured yet flexible environment where students, families, and educators work together to unlock potential, celebrate progress, and build a community that embraces every learner. The work is ongoing, challenging, and ever-evolving, but I know we are just getting started in shaping a future where all learners, regardless of age or ability, can thrive.
Q: Who has inspired you in your career, and how have they influenced your journey?
Helena: Dr. R. Douglas Greer, a distinguished Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Teachers College, has been one of the most influential figures in my career. Dr. Greer has made groundbreaking contributions to the field, including developing Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®)—a system that integrates behavior analysis into education to improve student outcomes.
Early in my career, I worked with children aged 2 to 6, focusing on pre-verbal skills such as teaching shapes, letters, and numbers. Despite hours of repetition, many students struggled to retain information. I realized that if I continued teaching this way, they would never catch up to their typically developing peers. That frustration led me to Dr. Greer’s research and the protocols on Inducing Verbal Developmental Cusps and Capabilities, which completely changed my perspective. Instead of applying short-term fixes, his work focused on identifying the root causes of learning delays and bridging developmental gaps so students could learn in new ways that they could not before. His research wasn’t just about teaching new skills: It was about teaching students how to learn and adapt to new ways of acquiring knowledge.
His mentorship extended beyond academics and deeply impacted me on a personal level. At one point, I nearly dropped out of my Master’s program in ABA because I felt that my accent was holding my students back. I sat in his office, overwhelmed with guilt and frustration, when he calmly told me:
“Helena, there are thousands of native English speakers, but very few effective teachers. You become the strategic educational designer and hire those native speakers to implement the plan. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.”
That moment changed my outlook on leadership. True leadership isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about designing effective systems, empowering others, and ensuring students receive the best education through a well-structured, collaborative approach.
Dr. Greer’s influence has shaped my leadership at AYM, where we focus on active learning, engagement, individualized strategies, and data-driven decisions to create lasting educational experiences. His guidance instilled in me a commitment to building not just skilled educators, but strategic leaders who foster environments where all learners thrive.
In my career, I have been profoundly inspired by Dr. Tina Covington, who is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism and was previously the Chief Executive Director at Hawthorne Country Day School. Both Dr. Covington and I are proud students of Dr. Greer, though she graduated well before me, which highlights our shared academic background and connection to a respected mentor.
After completing my doctorate, I was teaching a master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Parma University in Italy when Dr. Covington reached out to me on LinkedIn. She invited me to join her team at Hawthorne to help disseminate the science of teaching.
Although I enjoyed my time in Italy, I missed the fast-paced environment and the vibrant community of New Yorkers, so I eagerly accepted her offer. I started as the Senior Behavior Analyst and was later promoted to building leader. Under Dr. Covington’s empowering leadership, I learned the importance of leading without the fear of making mistakes. This experience was eye-opening, as I worked with a diverse group of individuals from various educational and cultural backgrounds, which was a departure from my previous research settings at Columbia.
During my development phase for the AYM program, Dr. Covington was instrumental in connecting me with leading researchers and professors in the field. Her guidance helped me design a program that not only added value to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis but also effectively met the needs and potential of our students. Dr. Covington’s dedication and commitment to the field of ABA and education are truly inspiring, and I deeply admire her leadership. One of my proudest achievements during my time there was successfully expanding the school-age program to accommodate students up to 21 years old. Her mentorship continues to guide me in my professional journey.
Another pivotal mentor in my life has been Sister Remigia Kushner, CSJ, the Director of the School Leadership Program at Manhattan College. While working at Hawthorne, I came to realize that having a Ph.D. doesn’t automatically make one a great leader. Seeking to enhance my leadership skills, I enrolled in the School Building Leadership program at Manhattan College, where I had the privilege of meeting Sister Kushner.
The journey was not easy; every week for a year, I took the red line from Fulton Street all the way to the Bronx, getting off at Van Cortlandt Park station after a long day at work. Along the way, I met many aspiring leaders who were also eager to make an impact. Sister Kushner’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental in shaping my leadership philosophy. Her teachings led to the development of AYM’s “Learning to Learn” and “Learning to Lead” programs, emphasizing the importance of learning to lead in order to lead others effectively.
My mentors have profoundly influenced my journey, helping me to grow and evolve as a leader in the field of education.
Q: What message would you share with other women aspiring to leadership roles?
Helena: My message to aspiring women leaders is that while gender can influence career advancement, a clear vision and unwavering commitment truly define effective leadership. When I first opened AYM, I handled every aspect of building the school from the ground up—creating our school logo, developing the website, crafting our brand identity, and leading community outreach and marketing efforts to drive enrollment and partnerships. I also wrote program manuals, developed policies and procedures, managed hiring and training, and set up all the school’s electronic systems. On top of that, I answered phone calls, cleaned bathrooms, took out the trash, cleared snow, and handled everything in between to ensure the school operated smoothly. These early days were demanding, but they taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of rolling up my sleeves to bring my vision to life.
I also learned that success isn’t achieved in isolation. At Gersh, our all-female leadership team—including our CEO, CFO, CHRO, VP of Education, VP of Enrollment and Admissions, VP of Facilities and Real Estate, Chief of Staff, VP of Data and Compliance, and more—came together naturally, not by design, but because we shared the same vision and commitment to excellence. This experience has shown me that regardless of gender, when you align your vision with a supportive network, you can empower not only yourself but also those around you.
To any woman aspiring to leadership, I say: embrace every challenge with determination, trust your resilience, and lead with authenticity. Your journey is not just about your personal success: It’s about inspiring and uplifting your community along the way.
Q: What do you see as the future of education for students on the autism spectrum, and how does AYM fit into that vision?
Helena: The future of education for students on the autism spectrum—and for all learners—should focus on fostering independent, responsible individuals who can navigate their social world with confidence and purpose. True education goes beyond academics: It’s about equipping students with the skills to make their own choices, take ownership of their decisions, and engage meaningfully in their communities.
At AYM, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey and that developing a growth mindset is essential. Challenges don’t end after school, which is why we value the home-school partnership, promote the generalization of skills beyond AYM, and teach students to apply their learning in real-world situations. Our goal is to ensure that education extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to navigate social and professional environments, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Ultimately, education is about teaching problem-solving skills, equipping students with the tools and resources to make their own choices, and empowering them to lead a life they find meaningful and fulfilling. It’s about fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and self-advocacy so that students can confidently face challenges and take ownership of their decisions. As educators, our role is to expand their knowledge, increase their awareness of the world, and provide them with the tools to evaluate options and make informed decisions. We must guide them in identifying what serves them best and ensure they feel empowered to shape their own future.
AYM’s vision aligns with this philosophy: “Transforming lives beyond the AYM experience to empower all learners to become responsibly independent, effectively interdependent, and successfully integrated.” This vision is deeply connected to Gersh Autism’s mission: “We Change Lives.” Together, we are working toward a future where every learner has the tools, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
Q: What advice would you give to rising leaders in education or those looking to make an impact in their community?
Helena: My advice to rising leaders in education and those looking to make a lasting impact in their community is to balance passion with strategy. Young, passionate leaders often have strong ideals but may lack experience in working with other professionals or understanding the business and operational aspects of education. No matter how noble your vision is, you cannot sustain it without financial stability and strategic planning.
Prioritization, adaptability, and a clear goal are essential. Being an advocate doesn’t mean refusing to take “no” for an answer: It means stepping back, assessing the situation, and leading your team toward solutions together. If you’re unsure about something, do your research, study, and gain clarity so you can advocate effectively for what is truly needed. I’m still learning this myself.
It’s crucial to stand by your values and ethical standards, but strong operational intelligence is just as important. Without it, your vision may remain just a dream. Never blame others when things don’t go as planned; focus on problem-solving. And finally, don’t be task-oriented: Be goal-driven. The true measure of leadership is not just completing tasks, but achieving meaningful, long-term impact for your students, your team, and your community.