Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Maroño
Hi abbie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I look at my life now, its like looking into an alternative universe compared to where I was even just a few years ago. Today I am a top 1% behavior analysis expert, giving speeches all around the world, and training agents of the US secret service and the FBI, among many other elite units. But, my story serves as a reminder than no matter where you come from and what you have been through, you can always make the choice to build more for yourself, to make the choice to change.
I grew up in an unstable home. The combination of a neglectful and abusive mother, mental health struggles, and bullying at school made class A and B drugs a particularly appealing way to escape my life. After being kicked out of home and school and realizing that I was suffering from a serious drug addiction at 16 years old, I had a choice to make. I chose at that point to change and be better. I dedicated all of my time and energy to personal growth and hard work, eventually getting into university to study Psychology. I went on to start publishing research papers at 19 years old, becoming a professor of psychology at 23years old, and shortly after I obtained my PhD in psychology, specializing in behavior analysis.
This was not an easy journey; I sacrificed a great deal along the way, but I stayed focus on the goal because I knew I wanted more out of my life. Shortly after obtaining my PhD, I was awarded a US residency by the US department of state, who recognized me as top 1% in my field. I moved to Orlando where I work as director of Education for Social-Engineer, LLC. Since living in the US I have published my first self-help book titled “Work in Progress” with the intention of empowering others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During this period of relentless pursuit, I was also grappling with the psychological impact of traumatic experiences. I faced the aftermath of sexual assault, a devastating blow to my sense of safety and self-worth. Around the same time, my father suffered a stroke, further compounding the emotional strain. These events left me feeling vulnerable, ashamed, and isolated, emotions I buried deep while continuing to project an image of success.
It took me a long time to understand why I couldn’t stop pushing myself—why I felt so driven, yet so disconnected from my own accomplishments. I realized that if I ever stopped, if I allowed myself to look back, I might be forced to confront the shame I carried from my past. But I also came to understand that to truly heal, I needed to stop running from those shadows, to unpack what I had buried, and let the light in—before life forced me to do it.
I was tired of living in the shadows of shame, guilt, and isolation. And I don’t want anyone else to feel they have to live that way, either.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Bringing a unique level of experience and scientific validation to my work, I am both a scientist and a practitioner in the field of human behavior. The United States Department of State has recognized my international acclaim and record of extraordinary achievements, placing me in the top 1% of my field.
Underscoring my expertise, I have been invited to provide specialized behavior analysis training for elite units such as the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which includes agents from the US Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies.
After completing my PhD in Psychology, I became a Professor of Psychology by the age of 23. I now serve as the Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, where I specialize in behavior analysis. As a regular contributor to Forbes and Apple News, I have also been featured on BBC News, WIRED, and Forbes Breaking News.
I am an active member of several internationally recognized research groups and was honored as Reviewer of the Year in 2020 for my contributions to the academic community. In addition to my research, I am an author, expert consultant, coach, and a TEDx speaker.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Passion for my field of work, and my drive to work hard at all I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abbiemarono.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorabbieofficial/
Image Credits
Alex Turner
