About
Why Foundry 8:1:3
Foundry 8:1:3 was created around a simple belief: access to a classroom is not the same as access to meaningful instruction. Some learners are ready to engage in learning but require more sustained, systematic, and individualized teaching than many educational settings can consistently provide. Foundry 8:1:3 is designed to close that gap by continually adapting instruction to the learner while maintaining meaningful expectations for academic, communication, social-emotional, executive functioning, and independent growth.
Our Vision
We empower every scholar to develop greater confidence, stronger communication, and the critical thinking skills needed to make meaningful choices and lead independent, fulfilling lives.
Our Mission
Every day, we strive to understand how each learner learns best, challenge our own thinking, continually refine our teaching, and deliver individualized instruction grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Guided by student and staff safety, a student-centered culture, instructional rigor, and staff talent development, we are committed to helping every scholar grow towards greater independence.
Dr. Helena Han, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, SBL
Founding Director of Program, Foundry 8:1:3 | Vice President of Clinical Operations
Dr. Helena Han is the Founding Director of Program of Foundry 8:1:3 and Vice President of Clinical Operations at Harbor Education Group. An educator, behavior analyst, and school leader with more than two decades of experience, Dr. Han has dedicated her career to developing educational and clinical programs for students with autism and related developmental disabilities.
Dr. Han led the development of Foundry 8:1:3 from the ground up, shaping its educational and clinical model, building its interdisciplinary team, and establishing the systems that support individualized instruction and evidence-based behavioral services. Her approach brings together specialized education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and data-driven decision-making to create a supportive learning environment in which each student can make meaningful academic, behavioral, and social progress.
Her experience spans early intervention, public and private education, clinical supervision, school leadership, and multi-program operations. Prior to joining Harbor Education Group, Dr. Han founded and led an ABA-based private school in New York City, overseeing its growth from inception and developing the educational, clinical, staffing, and operational infrastructure needed to serve students with complex learning needs. Throughout her career, she has focused on translating research and evidence-based practices into effective school programs while strengthening the educators and clinicians who support students and families.
Dr. Han holds a PhD and MPhil in Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Disorders, with a specialization in ABA, from Columbia University, as well as an MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D), New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, certified School Building Leader, and certified special and general education teacher. In 2025, she was named a Power Women of Queens honoree for Educational Leadership.