Our Mission statement

The Founder

Welcome to Special Education and Child Development Upskills Innovation. Founded by Michelle Ruiz, our organization is rooted in more than 25 years of experience in education, child development, and special education support, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and capable of success.

Michelle’s career began in early childhood education, where she built a strong foundation in child development, social-emotional growth, early academics, and the importance of individualized learning. Over time, her passion expanded into special education, where she has supported children with disabilities, behavioral needs, and diverse learning challenges through ABA strategies, positive reinforcement, behavior support, IEP implementation, social skills development, and independent living skills.

Her work has always been guided by collaboration with families, teachers, BCBAs, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and educational teams. As a mother of a child with disabilities, Michelle also brings personal understanding, compassion, and advocacy to every family she supports. That lived experience strengthens her commitment to helping children grow with confidence, independence, and dignity.

At Special Education and Child Development Upskills Innovation, we believe every child has strengths and potential. Through patience, structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement, we work to help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.