As the Social Science & Humanities Research Associate III, Delyla works on the Texas Autism and Developmental Disabilities (TX-ADDM) project through the ADDM Network at the Center for Disease Control (CDC). A Houston Native, Delyla graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Sam Houston State University. She previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in ABA therapy and provided one-on-one direct therapy services to children with an ASD diagnosis in clinic and in home training. Delyla’s personal connection to individuals with diverse abilities, combined with 18 years of experience in special education field, and a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher has fueled her dedication to addressing disparities and advocating for inclusive practices.
Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand the disproportionality of diagnoses among different racial and socioeconomic groups, and this is what led her to a different occupation in research with the Texas Autism and Developmental Disabilities. These concerns have driven her involvement in education policy fellowships, including Latinos for Education, Texas Education Policy Fellowship Program, and Texas Teach Plus. Delyla continues to advocate and educate herself to influence policies that in the present and future will create a more equitable environment for individuals with diverse abilities. She continues to contribute her insights, advocacy, and expertise to organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children in the 2024-2025 Diversity Leadership Academy.
In her free time, Delyla enjoys spending quality time with friends, family, and Bella (family dog). She also enjoys exploring places, anything nature related (hiking, camping, etc.), reading, aerial and acro yoga, dancing, attending concerts, watching films, cooking, eating, appreciating various ethnic food(s), and more.