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- erik@stepupaba.com
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After moving to Colorado, Carolina and Erik realized quickly that meeting the needs of individuals with Autism was a journey they wanted to take together.
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Erik got into special ed in high school, which he first ventured into by volunteering in classrooms. Erik Eagle grew up in the Greater Seattle area, receiving a degree in Special Education from Central Washington University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Washington.
In his formative years he attended Issaquah High School where he was in Special Ed courses himself, which served as a catalyst for his desire to turn his struggles as a student into help for others through early intervention.
Having worked professionally with kids with disabilities for 16 years, from early on he specialized in academic acquisition in the school system. After ten years in public and private schools working with academic skills, social skills and addressing problem behaviors, Erik was ready for a new challenge and started working as a Behavior Analyst upon finishing his Master’s degree. With the support of his wife Carolina, they began a small independent practice in Colorado.
During his 3 years in Colorado, he very much enjoyed all the families he was able to support in his independent practice. Upon experiencing such great success he soon realized he would be able to continue his dream of helping kids with Autism in his home-town of Seattle.
Outside of his passion for helping kids with Autism Erik enjoys wrestling, mixed martial arts and hiking. Prior to becoming a teacher Erik competed in mixed martial arts under the banner of Yakima MMA.
Carolina Eagle is the founder of Step Up ABA. Her dedication and commitment to her helping others have made Step Up ABA a leader in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Born in Monterrey, Mexico Carolina’s academic background includes a degree in International Business from Universidad Regiomontana.
She also has a certification in trade finance from EGADE Business School.With her husband Erik, Carolina also founded Swift Behavioral in 2016, which offered in-home ABA therapy services for children with ASD in Colorado Springs. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carolina is passionate about learning about other cultures and developing strong partnerships with families.
Her passion for community service led her to volunteer with individuals with disabilities while residing in Mexico.
Carolina’s desire to continue her pursuits in business along with her love of supporting the community inspired her to help many kids with Autism.
Carolina is a mother of two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Alyssa Lucia, and believes in the importance of instilling strong values and a love of nature in her children. Carolina has a certification in Reiki and Sound Healing. She also enjoys hiking, cooking, and making jewelry.
Born and raised in India, Sangeetha immigrated to the United States in 2007. Sangeetha graduated from India with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy.
In addition, she received her Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2022. She is an RBT and CBT who has completed the 2000 hours of BACB supervision necessary to qualify for the BCBA exam. Sangeetha has worked as an RBT for more than three years.
Sangeetha has experience implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions, including Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Naturalistic environment teaching (NET), Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), Picture exchange communication system (PECS), Social skills training, cognitive skills training, communication skills, and safety skills training.
Sangeetha was also a member of her previous company’s Organizational Behavior Management Team (OBM). She has assisted BCBAs/BCaBAs with intake interviews, administering VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R assessments, and preference assessments. In addition, she has experience administering Behavior Skills Training (BST) on new technicians and assisting with supervised supervision training for new technicians.
Kelsie McQueen-Gerhart is a BCBA/LBA originally from Sacramento, California. She has worked in the field of ABA since 2009 and has been certified as both an Assistant Behavior Analyst in 2016 and Behavior Analyst in 2021.
Kelsie received her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in ABA from California State University, Sacramento in 2014, and received her Master’s in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology in 2021. Driven to pursue a career in ABA to better support the neurodivergent community, Kelsie prides herself in her compassion and advocacy.
She specializes in functional communication, social skills, and building individualized programs. In her off-time she enjoys creating art, playing video games, and weightlifting.
Sierra was born and raised in North Carolina and received her Bachelors in Special Education from the University of Wilmington North Carolina.
She received her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Prior to becoming a BCBA Sierra worked as a Special Education Teacher for 5 years. Sierra‘s passion for Autism and helping individuals reach their full potential in life led her to become a BCBA.
Sierra practices assent based practices and specializes in functional communication training, discrete trial training, naturalistic teaching and decreasing challenging behaviors using evidence-based practices. In her spare time she loves spending time with her dog Archiebald, snowboarding, cooking, reading, hiking and golfing.
Shelly was born and raised in Renton, WA and received her Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Green River Community College.
Prior to becoming a CBT Shelly worked in childcare with clients between the ages of 1 to 9 years. Shelly is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Infant and Child Mental Health in order to become a counselor.
She decided to pursue a profession in ABA therapy because, on a personal level, that was where her skills were most lacking, and she also believes every child deserves an opportunity to learn despite their disability.
Having specialized in precision teaching, functional communication training, language development, natural environment teaching, Shelly loves that each child has their own set of goals which can be modified depending on a variety of factors. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and go on walks and hikes in nature as well as read and relax.
Maya is from Auburn,WA with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Lewis and Clark State University.
Before working for Step-Up ABA, Maya worked as a pre-school teacher for the Muckleshoot reservation, specializing in toddlers. When a client smiles after learning a new skill is when Maya enjoys the ABA process the most.
She has worked closest in natural environment teaching, speech and language development and discrete trial teaching. Maya’s hobbies include working out, collecting sneakers, traveling, and learning about different plants.
Milena is from Poland. She is currently working to become a BCBA and recently received her Postgraduate Cert. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Prior to becoming a CBT Shelly worked in childcare with clients between the ages of 1 to 9 years. Shelly is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Infant and Child Mental Health in order to become a counselor.
She decided to pursue a profession in ABA therapy because, on a personal level, that was where her skills were most lacking, and she also believes every child deserves an opportunity to learn despite their disability.
Having specialized in precision teaching, functional communication training, language development, natural environment teaching, Shelly loves that each child has their own set of goals which can be modified depending on a variety of factors. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and go on walks and hikes in nature as well as read and relax.
Daniela is from Wenatchee, Washington. She is fluent in Spanish and English with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Washington University
Having worked for 7 years in ABA as well as being a pre-school teacher before joining the Step Up team. Eventually, Daniela hopes to go back to school and study behavior analysis in a Master program.
After her extensive experience in the field, her favorite part about working in ABA is teaching communication skills to kids, including the use of AAC devices, PECS and verbal language skills.
Daniela enjoys spending time reading and time with her family.
Benjamin is from Kent, WA. He is fluent in German, received his Bachelor’s in English from Central Washington University in 2020 and has worked with kids for over 3 years since graduating.
His areas of interest in ABA therapy include AAC devices and natural environment teaching. Benjamin believes young people are the key to a sustainable future and is driven by being there to help them through tough times.
His hobbies include music, writing and long walks on the beach.
Whether you are just discovering ABA Therapy or are ready to visit our center, feel free to leave a message, one of our experts will assist you.
Step into change with our Autism care experts.
Whether you are just discovering ABA Therapy or are ready to visit our center, send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible,
Whether you are just discovering ABA Therapy or are ready to visit our center, send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible,
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