Julia Santos BCBA, LBA

It is with profound sadness that we honor the life of our beloved colleague and friend, Julia, who passed away in 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer, just shy of her 32nd birthday.

Julia’s journey in Behavior Analysis began at James Madison University in Virginia, where her passion for ABA was first sparked through her work in a rat and pigeon lab. This initial interest evolved into a dedicated career in developmental disabilities, beginning in 2016. Julia supported individuals of all ages, from children to young adults, eventually moving from Virginia to Chattanooga, TN, where she joined our team at Elevate Behavior Services.

A compassionate clinician and inspiring leader, Julia was the driving force behind Elevate Academy and our RISE program. Her contributions established a legacy of hope and opportunity for countless children and families. Julia was more than a voice of empathy and guidance for her clients and supervisees; her passion for helping others was unparalleled. She was often moved to tears of joy, overwhelmed by the progress of her clients, a testament to her deep love for her work.

Beyond her professional achievements, Julia brought joy and enthusiasm to everything she did. A devoted cat lover and true crime enthusiast with an impressive knack for solving puzzles, she filled every moment with laughter and kindness. Her love for game nights, her infectious laughter, and her radiant spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Julia’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and joy will live on in the lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever inspire us.