Dr Vera Bernard-Opitz
Behavioral Therapy, BCBA-D
(Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctorate),
IBA (International Behavior Analyst),
Psychological Psychotherapist
Team
Dr. Vera Bernard-Opitz
Vera Bernard-Opitz (Em. Assoc. Prof. NUS) is a Psychological Psychotherapist and an internationally certified Behavior Therapist (BCBA-D, IBA). She has spent many years helping children, adolescents, and adults with autism, as well as the families and teams who support them, in Germany, Singapore, and the United States.
Her journey began as Head Psychologist in a German rehabilitation center, later continuing in Singapore where she taught at the National University and coordinated the Behavioral Center for Children with Autism for 15 years. Since moving to Southern California, she has worked as a supervisor for an American ABA company, focusing on home-based programs. Today she continues to consult individuals with autism and guide international parents and home teams.
Recently she has revised her curriculum book (now in its fifth edition), edited the Autism Concrete practice series, and created cartoon books and videos to make learning communication and social skills fun and accessible. Sharing knowledge and supporting families has always been at the heart of her work. She also enjoys giving practical workshops and talks on behavior challenges, communication, social skills, and how to design programs that truly match the strengths, needs, and motivations of each individual.
Wendy Miller
Wendy Miller brings nearly 30 years of experience in general and special education. As a teacher in the SUCSESS program, she specializes in supporting students with autism and other learning differences through individualized instruction, behavior intervention strategies, and collaboration with teachers, specialists, and families. She has also worked with teams in Germany to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports for students on the spectrum. Organized, approachable, and collaborative, Wendy builds strong relationships and communicates effectively. She holds a Master’s in Special Education, a BA in Psychology, and multiple credentials, and is pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership.
Xiao Ying
Xiao Ying graduated with Honors in Psychology at the National University of Singapore. She has more than 20 years’ experience working with children and adults with autism – in early intervention, teacher-training, and subsequently as founder of the MoveMe! programme. She has also obtained a Masters in Guidance and Counselling and a Graduate Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy. She attended numerous workshops in Dance Movement Therapy, music education (Kodaly, Dalcroze) and music facilitation.
Ying passionately believes in the therapeutic value of the arts and now enjoys sharing it with diverse populations. Combining education with her experience in contemporary dance, improvisation, percussion and Playback Theatre, Ying is equipped to empower members of the community in movement activities and music-making, regardless of background and ability.
Xiao Ying - founder of MoveMe!
for Autism and beyond
Nesve Yayalar
My name is Nesve Yayalar, founder of Great Anatomy, Inc. I am a certified Personal Trainer, board-certified Massage Therapist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, and Certified Posture and Alignment Therapist from the EGOSCUE Institute. Great Anatomy provides high-quality, research-based, and ethical services tailored to individual needs. In collaboration with Vera Bernard-Opitz, I developed training programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, using methods such as Video Modeling and step-by-step movement training. Partner exercises and creative variations keep sessions engaging. My sons contribute enthusiastically by creating exercise videos, which we share to support and inspire other children.
