About Us
Our Vision
We aim for a world where individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Palestine
- Receive a full range of services to enhance their quality of life
- Are contributing members of society
- Are treated with dignity and respect
- Live in a society where their talents and skills are recognized and valued
Our Mission
Empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Palestine to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives, while promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with ASD.
- We will develop and deliver customized therapies, educational, training, and recreational programs for our students.
- We will collaborate with Palestinian agencies and organizations to lead a national initiative addressing the needs and aspirations of people with autism and their families
Our Objectives
Deliver comprehensive information, targeted intervention, educational programs, and support services to children with autism.
Promote respect, inclusion, health and well-being, safety, academic success, social connections, recreation and leisure, and the pursuit of goals for children with autism.
Deliver behavioral programs grounded in best practices and create innovative interventions through thorough analysis.
Offer autism support, training, and resources to school staff, government representatives, and leaders of local youth organizations.
Collaborate with other organizations and agencies to enhance the scope and accessibility of autism services in Palestine.
Ensure that our employee behavioral analysts receive ongoing training on the latest techniques in applied behavioral analysis.
Partner with local universities to develop Applied Behavioral Analysis curriculum as part of psychology degrees.
Secure funding for the center through grants, donations, and events.
Organize societal events designed to facilitate connections to support networks within the autism community.
Tayf Autism Center was born from a deep-seated desire to bridge the gap in autism support services in Palestine. We recognized the urgent need for a compassionate, knowledgeable resource for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. With unwavering dedication, we set out to create a center where hope and support could flourish.
Founded in 2024 as a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 93-3697829), Tayf is building its local presence in Palestine with the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is rooted in compassion, expertise, and an unshakeable commitment to inclusion. We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding ASD in Palestine and provide the critical support every individual deserves.
Our journey is one of resilience, compassion,
and a steadfast belief in the potential of every human being
Meet the Founders
Maha Shabaneh
Co-Founder | Applied Behavior Analyst & Registered Behavior Technician
With over 20 years of experience in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Maha brings deep expertise and heartfelt commitment to every child she serves. Her work spans the U.S., Jordan, and Palestine, including establishing The Star Project for autistic children in Amman. Maha holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature and a Diploma in Education from Bethlehem University.
“Personal connections with students are the cornerstone of meaningful growth”
Osama Shabaneh
Co-Founder | Business Executive & Global Strategist
Co-Founder | Business Executive & Global Strategist Osama has over 35 years of experience leading global programs at major U.S. technology firms. With a Master’s in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and a deep connection to his homeland, he brings both strategic leadership and cultural understanding to Tayf. His vision is to create sustainable, far-reaching change for families affected by autism in Palestine.
“Tayf is a regional hub for best practices in autism support — fostering innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact.”
Board Members
Alex McCallen (Chehab)
A multilingual and multicultural Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 25 years of experience, who has a wealth of experience in providing guidance and support to students of different abilities, their families, and their support teams. Alex McCallen holds a Master’s in Special Education K-12 across all different abilities (George Mason University), and a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Mary Washington College). She is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the states of Oregon and Washington, and is also an International Behavior Analyst. She has worked diligently in various roles — from behavior interventionist to clinical director — with clients ages 15 months to 28 years. She founded Behavioral Imprints to further impact social change in her field, community, and beyond. Alex McCallen’s ABA and special education knowledge, combined with her experience, international background, and focus on Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), and quality care, have enabled her to reach individuals and organizations across a broad spectrum.
Asmaa El-Ghazali
An American born Palestinian who completed her medical education at the University of Washington, where she is now training in general surgery as a resident physician. Asmaa is passionate about health equity and delivering excellent care to vulnerable patients who have been marginalized by various sociopolitical systems. She has been involved with many non-profit efforts to deliver care to refugees and low-income individuals within the Greater Seattle area and is excited to support Tayf Autism Center.
Gary Stobbe, MD
Dr. Gary Stobbe (he/him) is a Board-Certified Neurologist specializing in cognitive behavioral neurology. He is a Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, with dual appointments in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Stobbe serves as Medical Director of the UW Medicine Adult Autism Clinic and Director of the Adults and Elders Program at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at UW. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Stobbe also has a strong background in clinical research and is actively involved in teaching and training medical providers in neurodevelopmental health and wellness.
Jim Mancini
Jim, a 25-year licensed speech-language pathologist, had been supporting individuals with various communication difficulties and specifically autism, (IDD) intellectual and developmental disabilities, and co-occurring mental health conditions. He brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and advocacy, while developing programs that expand access to care, training healthcare professionals, and driving system-level change. Jim currently serves as the Director of the Washington INCLUDE Collaborative (Interdisciplinary Network of Community Leaders with a Focus on the Underserved and Disability Education) at the University of Washington. INCLUDE strengthens local provider networks across Washington State by training professionals in IDD, neurodiversity, and mental health — using the ECHO model to build confidence, competence, and collaboration across the state.
Monica Chen
Monica holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University Teachers College. She also maintains credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her experience in behavior analysis includes teaching at the Fred S. Keller School in Westchester County, helping launch one of Hong Kong’s first behavior analytic schools (The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong), serving as Program Manager at Northwest Behavioral Associates, and founding Jigsaw Junction—the Seattle area’s first center-based ABA clinic. In every role, her commitment to families and to the science of behavior analysis has remained the common thread throughout her career.
Join Our Team
