About Hema
Certified Autism Specialist & Board Certified Cognitive Specialist
Meet Hema Ujjini
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) • Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (BCCS) • Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP)
As Frank Sonnenberg once observed, "You have to start somewhere in order to get anywhere." Hema's journey began in the elementary classroom, where a passion for teaching led her to seek out the most effective strategies for student success. Today, she serves as a Special Education Instructional Aide (Mod/Severe Extensive Needs) at Solana Beach School District, dedicated to supporting students who inspire her daily with their growth and resilience.
Driven by a commitment to professional excellence and a deep interest in neurodiversity, Hema has focused her career on understanding the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through rigorous training and collaboration, she has earned credentials as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (BCCS), and a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP) through IBCCES.
Hema believes that while kids with extensive support needs are unique, they matter — and they deserve an educator who is as dedicated to their potential as they are to their progress. With over a decade of experience, she brings warmth, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to every child she works with.
Certifications & Credentials
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
Valid: Jan 2025 – Jan 2027 • ID: CAS25492039
Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (BCCS)
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
Valid: Nov 2025 – Nov 2027 • ID: BCCS25994968
Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP)
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
Valid: Jul 2025 – Jul 2027 • ID: CATP25861155
Coach Specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Certified Excellence Consultants
Issued: Jun 2025 • ID: ID-46552-83933
Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI)
Crisis Prevention Institute
Non-violent crisis intervention certification
Understanding Autism
The Open University
Valid: Jun 2025 – Jun 2035
Understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Alison
Issued: Aug 2024 • ID: 5010-17779794
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Professional Certification
Issued: July 2024
Diploma in Special Education
Professional Development
Issued: Aug 2024
Special Education Law, IEP & High-Quality Educational Programs
Process Center — Professional Development
Issued: Dec 2025
Leadership of Inclusion — Thinking it Through
The Open University
Issued: Jun 2025
Teaching Methods in Education of Autism
Professional Development
Issued: Aug 2024
Professional Background
Hema is a dedicated Special Needs Educator and Certified Autism Specialist with extensive experience delivering individualized instruction to students with diverse learning needs. She is skilled in designing and implementing IEP-aligned strategies that support academic, social-emotional, and adaptive development within inclusive environments.
With a proven ability to collaborate effectively with educators, therapists, and families, Hema ensures consistent, student-centered support across all settings. She is experienced in behavior management — including implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) — and maintaining structured, positive learning environments.
Hema is proficient in assistive technology and alternative communication systems such as PECS and AAC to support non-verbal learners. She brings a strong background in multilingual instruction and culturally responsive teaching, fostering meaningful engagement for students from diverse backgrounds.
Recognized for her patience, empathy, and commitment to empowering every learner, Hema provides personalized, holistic support across in-person and hybrid settings — always putting the child's potential at the center of everything she does.
Tutoring Strengths
Strength-Based Individualized Instruction
Recognizes and builds on each student's unique strengths to foster confidence, independence, and meaningful progress. Designs personalized, strengths-driven learning strategies aligned with IEP goals, integrating academic, communication, and social-emotional development.
Adaptive Instruction & Behavioral Support
Skilled in adapting instruction for diverse learners, including those with moderate to severe needs, using positive reinforcement and evidence-based behavioral supports. Implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) within structured, nurturing environments.
Assistive Technology & AAC
Effectively utilizes assistive technology and alternative communication methods — including PECS and AAC — to enhance student voice, engagement, and independence. Supports non-verbal and minimally verbal learners in finding their communication pathway.
Structured, Nurturing Learning Environments
Creates structured yet nurturing learning environments that support regulation, focus, and skill development. Maintains predictable routines that reduce anxiety and help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Family & Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Strong collaborator with families and multidisciplinary teams — including teachers, therapists, and specialists — ensuring consistency and continuity of support across home, school, and community settings.
Empowering Every Learner
Committed to transforming each student's strengths into pathways for growth and long-term success. Brings patience, empathy, and a deep belief that every child — regardless of their challenges — has the capacity to thrive.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free initial consultation and let's discuss how Hema can support your child.
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