Project Beacon welcomes Dr. Dorothea Lerman to Board of Directors

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Project Beacon is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Dorothea Lerman to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to serving neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Dr. Lerman currently serves as Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she chairs the master’s program in behavior analysis and is Director of the UHCL Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD). She earned her doctoral degree in psychology from the University of Florida, specializing in behavior analysis.

A nationally recognized leader in the field, Dr. Lerman brings deep expertise in autism, developmental disabilities, skills acquisition, functional analysis, teacher and parent training, and the treatment of severe behavior disorders. At CADD, she oversees a range of impactful programs, including a focused intervention program for children with autism, a vocational program for adults with disabilities, a student support program for college students with autism, and a teacher training program serving local school districts.

Dr. Lerman has authored more than 125 research articles and book chapters and has held prominent editorial roles as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavior Analysis in Practice. Her work has been supported by more than $2 million in grants and contracts. Among her many honors are the Distinguished Contribution to Applied Behavioral Research Award and the B.F. Skinner Award for New Researchers, both awarded by Division 25 of the American Psychological Association. She was also named a Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Dr. Lerman is a Licensed Behavior Analyst and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

“I am thrilled to join this group of passionate, dedicated professionals and community members who are striving to fill a critical service gap for the growing number of neurodiverse individuals entering adulthood,” said Dr. Lerman. “Project Beacon is an innovative initiative that will have a real impact on families in our community.”

We are honored to welcome Dr. Lerman to our board. Her expertise and leadership in behavior analysis and program development will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and impact.

Project Beacon is dedicated to redefining what adulthood can look like for neurodiverse individuals by providing innovative programming, meaningful opportunities, and a supportive community that fosters independence, purpose, and connection.

Project Beacon is a 501c3, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and other neurodiverse needs by providing innovative programs and support services that promote independence, dignity, and community connection.