Meet our Team
We continually strive to putting together the best team in order to give children the highest opportunities
Grow with Step Up ABA
BCBA, LBA
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. Sangeetha Vinod is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in WA. Sangeetha began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician in 2019 and obtained her BCBA certification. In addition to her work as a BCBA, Sangeetha is also an Academic Associate at Arizona State University for their special education and applied behavior analysis online programs.
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.
BCBA LBA
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.
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
Milena is currently working to become a BCBA and recently received her Postgraduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis and holds a Master’s degree in Education specializing in social rehabilitation from the Old Polish University in Kielce, Poland, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Industrial Engineering. Milena has 5 years experience working with Autism and has been a school principal, early education assistant, as well as a Polish language teacher for adults and children at Polish language teacher for adults and children at Polish School of Seattle.
After graduating, she moved to Seattle and found a job working with 2 kids with autism which influenced her decision to go into ABA therapy. Milena specialized in natural environment teaching, adaptive daily living skills and problem behavior reduction. Milena’s passions include teaching, traveling, art and design.
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.
He is originally from Washington State and got his master’s degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University before moving back to the Pacific Northwest. He also has his Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA). John is located in Bellevue and provides home visits and social group opportunities to students in the eastside/Seattle as well as across Washington state virtually.
