FirstSteps was established in 2005 by four women committed to truly supporting parents while providing the most fun and effective, empirically validated, behavior analytic treatment to children diagnosed with autism and related challenges.
We wanted to create a larger community...a village.... for our wonderful families, where they all would know that their needs were our absolute priority.
Laurie Deurmier, M.S., BCBA
Program Director 2005 to Present
Since 2005, we have grown substantially, always mindful of our mission to maintain a standard of excellence in all we do. We now provide services in both Northern and Southern California in our five FirstSteps Learning Centers.
At FirstSteps, your family will be supported from your first call to your child’s last day of service when we celebrate your child’s and your family’s incredible learning and accomplishments.
Throughout your time at FirstSteps your family will have a dedicated board- certified (BCBA) Program Director with the graduate degree, clinical experience, and developmental expertise to design and guide your child’s treatment from start to finish. Your Program Director will oversee the work of your child’s entire treatment team, ensuring that every minute with FirstSteps benefits your child and your family.
In addition to your Program Director,
your treatment team will include our
wonderful board-certified Registered
Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who we
call Instructors. Without exception, all
FirstSteps Instructors have completed
over one-hundred hours of in-person
training and assessment in both the
science and practice of ABA and
have been critically evaluated prior to
being assigned to your family.
While prior ABA
experience is valued, our
training department is excellent and
incredibly thorough, and we
prioritize new hire skills based on what we know kids need –
Our Instructors are kind, smart, patient, smiling, fun, AND have a history of dedicating their time to helping others.
With your treatment team by your side, you will find FirstSteps to be a place where you may ask anything, share your biggest fears and your greatest hopes, and where you will be heard and encouraged to take an active role in your child’s treatment.
With your treatment team by your side, you will find FirstSteps to be a place where you may ask anything, share your biggest fears and your greatest hopes, and where you will be heard and encouraged to take an active role in your child’s treatment.
Our clinical staff share your optimistic goals and will not hesitate to communicate when changes are needed to ensure your child THRIVES at FirstSteps.
THIS IS OUR MISSION
A mission that we love and look forward to sharing with you.
Serving All Office Locations
Directing Our FirstSteps Learning Centers
Regional Clinic Directors
"I love going to my FirstSteps cause I can see my friends and do lots and lots of fun things.” Jackson, age 5
Our Centers represent the heart of our organization. They are where we first meet our families and your beautiful children, where our staff collaborate and learn, where our administrative team ensures the wheels never stop turning for your kids, and most critically, where your children’s treatment plan is developed, reviewed, and often implemented.
Given that we support our children in any and all environments optimal for their learning, our Centers were built accordingly. With kid endorsed art and décor, spectacular murals, fully stocked toy libraries, group-learning “classrooms,” and focused learning pods for 1:1 instruction, our children have endless opportunities to learn and thrive.
We look forward to welcoming you to your local FirstSteps Center where you will discover your new supportive ABA community!
South Bay | Redondo Beach (Headquarters)
Janine Strack, M.S., BCBA
Leads our Redondo Beach team, serving the entire South Bay and neighboring regions.
“The South Bay office has been my work home for the past 15+ years and I am so proud of what we have and continue to accomplish together. I am dedicated to supporting my team, who then dedicate themselves to their teams, who then dedicate themselves to their clients. In that way, I have the privilege of imparting change on a large scale, both within the company and across a multitude of clients. I take that seriously, and am
proud of the work we do and the team we are and have become.”
Redondo Beach HQ
119 W Torrance Blvd.
Suite 100
T:310.374.3300
T:310.374.3300
This office was our first, opening its doors in 2005 and growing steadily for nearly two decades. Recently moved to our new larger ocean-front location in Redondo Beach, our kids cherish their center-based learning, excited to hear not only the cheers of encouragement from our team, but also from our resident sea lions lounging on floats just outside our doors.
I love our shared passion for helping others and working together to provide the best treatment possible for our clients. I love being able to work with such an amazing group of clinicians, families, and most of all the kiddos.
Sarah Bolla
M.Ed., BCBA
Sarah Bolla
M.Ed., BCBA
The collaboration, commitment to clinical excellence, and genuine care our entire team has for our clients is inspiring. I love coming to work each day knowing I am making a difference in the lives of all of my kids!
Erin Connelly
M.Ed., BCBA
Erin Connelly
M.Ed., BCBA
I am honored to be working amongst an amazing group of clinicians who all work together to achieve the best for our clients. We all have so much enthusiasm for our clients and the work that we do!
Ellen Forsyth
M.A., BCBA
Ellen Forsyth
M.A., BCBA
I have been with FirstSteps for over a decade and I can proudly say that it is my home! Not only has my time here at FirstSteps been the most rewarding, but it has also been the most fun!
Christina Kowan
M.A., BCBA
Christina Kowan
M.A., BCBA
FirstSteps truly cares about the quality of services we provide to our clients. It is beyond rewarding for all of us to work with our beautiful children and their wonderful families, to help positively change lives.
Angela Gosselin
M.A., BCBA
Angela Gosselin
M.A., BCBA
I’m extremely proud to have been a part of the FirstSteps’ team since 2011. The dedication to clients and staff is the reason I have quite literally grown up with this company.
Danielle Wagoner
M.A., BCBA
Danielle Waggoner
M.A., BCBA
West Los Angeles
Erica Baron, M.S., BCBA
Leads this bustling urban Westside location.
Erica's perfect day includes “seeing so many of her kids at the FirstSteps Center smiling and having fun while rapidly learning. You can just feel the collective energy in our Center - every single person from toddler to adult
is engaged and benefitting from being together.
West L.A.
3424 Motor Ave Suite 101
T: 424.672.6716
T: 424.672.6716
West L.A.
3424 Motor Ave Suite 101
T: 424.672.6716
T: 424.672.6716
The FirstSteps team brings a passion, care, and collaborative approach to each child’s treatment that is fueled by dedication to each child’s success! This amazing team, and our families inspire me every day!
Cyndie Gonzales
M.S., BCBA
Cyndie Gonzales
MS, BCBA
I love being part of a team that values compassion and creating a meaningful change in a kid and their family’s life! It is so rewarding and inspiring to work with our families, kiddos, and clinical team!
Jasmine Lau
M.S., BCBA
Jasmine Lau
MS, BCBA
Teaching new skills that enable our kids to participate in their homes, schools, and communities is so rewarding. FirstSteps is the best career home ever!
Marivel Ramos
M.S., BCBA
Marivel Ramos
MS, BCBA
I am filled with joy when I see our kids learn in session and then use those new skills across all aspects of their lives and without our support! That is the true evidence of the meaningful work we do at FirstSteps.
Veronica Simonton
M.S., BCBA
Veronica Simonton
MS, BCBA
Everyone at FirstSteps is so genuinely kind, understanding, and caring. There is a wonderful family feel here. I truly appreciate being a part of such a collaborative group of individuals who have devoted their careers to helping others.
Elizabeth Garcia
M.S., BCBA
Elizabeth Garcia
MS., BCBA
The team here at FirstSteps is like none other; I feel so lucky to learn from and collaborate with them as we collectively support our families. I cherish the proud smiles of my kids who are enjoying learning on a daily basis!
Megan LaVal
M.S., BCBA
Megan LaVal
MS, BCBA
North Los Angeles | Ventura County
Taira Lanagan-Bermudez, M.S., BCBA
Known for their center-based programs, Taira leads this North LA and Ventura County location.
She and her team want their families to feel “that we have supported their child and their family as a whole to better access the things in life that are important to them. My hope is that our team can support our clients to provide them with the tools they need to have a life with choices and opportunities to do what makes them happy!”
Calabasas
5741 Las Virgenes Road Suite A
T: 818.712.8250
T: 818.712.8250
Sparkling in its new location with so much space in and outside for our little ones, Ms. Taira Lanagan-Bermudez, MS., BCBA oversees this Center as the Regional Clinic Director. Ms. Lanagan-Bermudez is a champion for values-driven clinical work, and it shows in all aspects of her Center.
I have been with FirstSteps from day one and love that with our growth, we have maintained our close community feel. Working with so many precious kids and seeing them thrive has been the honor of my lifetime.
Laurie Deurmier
M.S., BCBA
Laurie Deurmier
MS, BCBA
I believe wholeheartedly in helping others achieve what is meaningful to them. I love that at FirstSteps, our kids preferences in what and how they learn is a priority and ultimately results in a new love of learning!
Michelle Ramirez-Ortiz
M.A., BCBA
Michelle Ramirez-Ortiz
M.A.., BCBA
I have grown significantly as a clinician here at FirstSteps and have had the best experience with my coworkers and the incredible families and kids we serve! I am so lucky to call this transformational company my FirstSteps Family!
Merrin Christenson
M.A, BCBA
Merrin Christenson
M.A, BCBA
We are a work-family that takes great pride in our collaborative culture and working together to best support of kids. That is what I have always loved and continue to love about FirstSteps.
Erin Silverman
M.S., BCBA
Erin Silverman
MS, BCBA
At FirstSteps, I have learned the necessity of listening to and amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals. I’m so lucky to be where above all else, compassion and values are the priority.
Naomi Ongjanco
M.S., BCBA
Naomi Ongjanco
MS, BCBA
East Los Angeles Center | Alhambra
Wai-Ling Wu, M.S., BCBA
leads this fantastic FirstSteps team.
"My team is extremely dedicated to the children and families we serve and to the clinical quality of their treatment. Our team prides ourselves in providing effective and compassionate services to our clients, and every single member of our team contributes to the smiles and skills that our clients gain!"
Alhambra | East LA
1000 S. Fremont Ave. Bldg. A-5 Suite 5100
T:626.407.0740
T:626.407.0740
This Center was established in conjunction with the USC graduate program with the specific mission to help bring ABA to historically underserved areas. Our Center at the beautiful Alhambra campus sits among red brick buildings, sprawling tree-lined walkways, and side by side other health and wellness practices, including the East Los Angeles Regional Center.
I love working alongside children to help develop their skills so that they may fully enjoy their lives and truly thrive. I am lucky to be a part of the FirstSteps team where progress, collaboration, and compassion are highly valued!
Natalie Tinnerman
M.A., BCBA
Natalie Tinnerman
M.A.,, BCBA
I so appreciate our collaborative team and working together to communicate ideas, ask questions, and share the amazing progress of our clients.
Guadalupe Curiel
M.S., BCBA
Guadalupe Curiel
MS, BCBAA
There is nothing more reinforcing than that moment when something “clicks” for a client, staff member, or family. Knowing I had at least a small hand in that is far and away the most special part of my job.
Erin Herbe
M.A., BCBA
Erin Herbe
M.A., BCBA
FirstSteps is an incredible place for both clinicians and clients. I love seeing our new instructors learning and mastering ABA strategies and our kids benefiting so much as a result!
Lauren Servellon
M.S., BCBA
Lauren Servellon
MS, BCBAA
I love teaching play skills to our FirstSteps kids. It is incredible to see how having these new skills positively impacts each of my kids at home, school, and in their community.
Joh Zaporteza Zipser
M.Ed., BCBA
Joh Zaporteza Zipser
M.Ed., BCBA
Northern California Center | Walnut Creek
Caitlin Wineman, M.ED., BCBA
Serving families in her Walnut Creek center and across the East Bay.
“Working together with every person in the office to ensure my entire team is focused and prepared to support our young learners and their families. Partnering with the parents of our kids, prioritizing what they see is most important for their children, and working together to help their beautiful children.”
Walnut Creek
877 Ygnacio Valley Road
Suite 100
T:925.482.3330
T:925.482.3330
Located in the charming city of Walnut Creek, Ms. Caitlin Wineman, M.ED., BCBA oversees all clinical and administrative operations of our beautiful center. Ms. Wineman feels that partnerships are essential to great client care.
I love to see the progress and impact that FirstSteps makes on each of our family’s lives. We prioritize our families and work collaboratively to best support them and their individual needs.
Kim Corbett
M.A, BCBA
Kim Corbett
M.A, BCBA
I started my career at FirstSteps as an instructor and can’t imagine being anywhere else! The colleagues, families, and kids I’ve met continue to strengthen my clinical skills and my devotion to the field.
Jenna Deeman
M.Ed., BCBA
Jenna Deeman
M.Ed., BCBAA
FirstSteps is always encouraging me to continue to develop my clinical skills, and my clients are benefit as a result. It has truly been a wonderful experience working here and I feel so lucky to call FirstSteps my career home.
Alyssa Di Dio
M.S., BCBA
Alyssa Di Dio
M.S., BCBA
