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.


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.

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
Redondo Beach HQ
T:310.374.3300
Sarah Bolla
Sarah Bolla
Erin Connelly
Erin Connelly
Ellen Forsyth
Ellen Forsyth

Christina Kowan
Christina Kowan
Angela Gosselin
Angela Gosselin
Danielle Wagoner
Danielle Waggoner
West Los Angeles

Erica Baron, M.S., BCBA
West L.A.
T: 424.672.6716
West L.A.
T: 424.672.6716
Cyndie Gonzales
Cyndie Gonzales
Jasmine Lau
Jasmine Lau
Marivel Ramos
Marivel Ramos
Veronica Simonton
Veronica Simonton
Elizabeth Garcia
Elizabeth Garcia
Megan LaVal
Megan LaVal
North Los Angeles | Ventura County

Taira Lanagan-Bermudez, M.S., BCBA
Calabasas
T: 818.712.8250
Laurie Deurmier
Laurie Deurmier
Michelle Ramirez-Ortiz
Michelle Ramirez-Ortiz
Merrin Christenson
Merrin Christenson
Erin Silverman
Erin Silverman
Naomi Ongjanco
Naomi Ongjanco
East Los Angeles Center | Alhambra

Wai-Ling Wu, M.S., BCBA
Alhambra | East LA
T:626.407.0740
Guadalupe Curiel
Guadalupe Curiel
Jessica Escobar
Jessica Escobar
Erin Herbe
Erin Herbe


Lauren Servellon
Lauren Servellon
Natalie Tinnerman
Natalie Tinnerman
Northern California Center | Walnut Creek

Caitlin Wineman, M.ED., BCBA
Walnut Creek
T:925.482.3330
Kim Corbett
Kim Corbett
Jenna Deeman
Jenna Deeman
Alyssa Di Dio
Alyssa Di Dio


