Applied verbal behavior analysis is a verbal behavior program which focuses on natural environment teaching in a one-to-one setting, then in a small group before transferring skills into a large group social setting. Perri K. Palermo is the director of Applied Behavior Therapy for Life and Speech for Life Therapy Center. Palermo graduated from Wayne State University with a master's degree in communication disorders in 1999. She has been practicing speech and language pathology with all age groups and in a variety of settings, including school based, acute care/hospital-based care, skilled nursing rehabilitation, autism therapy, home health, early childhood intervention and private practice.