Meet Our Experts
We continually strive to putting together the best team in order to give children the highest opportunities
Grow with Step Up ABA
His passion for supporting children with autism and special needs began in high school, where he first volunteered in special education classrooms and discovered his calling to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
Born and raised in the Greater Seattle area, Erik attended Issaquah High School, where his own experiences as a student in special education inspired his lifelong dedication to helping others overcome challenges through early intervention and individualized support. He went on to earn his degree in Special Education from Central Washington University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Washington.
Erik has worked professionally with children with disabilities for over 20 years. Early in his career, he specialized in academic and social skills development, as well as behavior support within public and private school settings. After a decade of experience in education, Erik transitioned into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
With the encouragement of his wife, Carolina, Erik co-founded an independent ABA practice in Colorado, where he provided individualized ABA therapy to children with autism and their families. His time in Colorado strengthened his commitment to helping children reach their full potential and inspired him to return to his hometown of Seattle to continue this mission through Step Up ABA.
Outside of his professional life, Erik enjoys wrestling, mixed martial arts, and hiking. Before becoming a teacher, he competed in mixed martial arts under Yakima MMA and continues to bring that same focus, discipline, and dedication to his work supporting children and families every day.
As a devoted mother of three, Carolina brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to her work, ensuring every family feels supported and valued throughout their journey.
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Carolina earned her degree in International Business from Universidad Regiomontana and holds a certification in Trade Finance from EGADE Business School. Her strong business foundation, combined with her lifelong passion for child development and family partnerships, has allowed her to build a company known for excellence, compassion, and integrity.
Before launching Step Up ABA in Washington, Carolina and her husband, Erik, founded Swift Behavioral in 2016, an in-home ABA therapy program in Colorado Springs. There, they supported children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through personalized care plans designed to help each child reach their full potential.
Carolina’s journey in supporting individuals with special needs began in Mexico, where she volunteered with children and adults with disabilities. That early experience shaped her belief that every child deserves access to quality autism services and compassionate care. Today, through Step Up ABA, she continues that mission—partnering with families to deliver evidence-based ABA therapy in a positive, child-centered environment.
Outside of her professional life, Carolina holds certifications in Reiki and Sound Healing and enjoys hiking, cooking, and making jewelry. She loves spending time with her children Isabella, Alyssa Lucia, and Matteo and teaching them the values of gratitude, kindness, and a love for nature.
Sangeetha Vinod is the Clinical Director at Step Up ABA’s Auburn Center. As a leader of the organization, Sangeetha combines her expertise in ABA therapy with a deep commitment to supporting both children and families. She ensures the Auburn Center delivers high-quality, individualized care while fostering a welcoming and family-focused environment.
Born and raised in India, Sangeetha moved to the United States in 2007 and brings a strong international perspective to her work in autism support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy from India, as well as a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University (2022). Sangeetha began her career in 2019 as a Registered Behavior Technician and quickly advanced to become a licensed BCBA in Washington.
In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Sangeetha serves as an Academic Associate at Arizona State University, supporting their online programs in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her dedication, leadership, and compassion make her a trusted guide for families and a driving force in the success of Step Up ABA’s Auburn Center.
Milena is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Step Up ABA’s Des Moines Center. Milena is dedicated to creating a positive, collaborative culture for both staff and families while ensuring high-quality ABA therapy services.
Melena holds a Postgraduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Social Rehabilitation from the Old Polish University in Kielce, Poland, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Industrial Engineering. With over five years of experience working with children with autism, Milena combines her clinical expertise with strong leadership skills to support meaningful progress for every child.
Before joining Step Up ABA, Milena served as a school principal, early education assistant, and Polish language teacher for both children and adults at the Polish School of Seattle. She specializes in natural environment teaching, adaptive daily living skills, and behavior reduction strategies.
Outside of work, Milena enjoys teaching, traveling, art, and design. Her dedication, leadership, and focus on building a positive, family-centered environment make her an integral part of Step Up ABA.
Colischis is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Step Up ABA…whose details are under construction. Please forgive administration as we develop this tool to introduce our outstanding team members.
Under Construction
Sin Tim is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Step Up ABA…whose details are under construction. Please forgive administration as we develop this tool to introduce our outstanding team members.
Under Construction
Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Step Up ABA…whose details are under construction. Please forgive administration as we develop this tool to introduce our outstanding team members.
Under Construction
Tiffany is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Step Up ABA…whose details are under construction. Please forgive administration as we develop this tool to introduce our outstanding team members.
Under Construction
Yohairah is a Licensed Assistant Behavioral Analyst (LaBA) at Step Up ABA…whose details are under construction. Please forgive administration as we develop this tool to introduce our outstanding team members.
Under Construction
Step Up ABA Supports the Following Groups as Excellent Partners
Step Up ABA Recommends the following organizations for expert information and partners in our mission in supporting children with Autism
