OUR STAFF
With 28 years of experience working with children with autism, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals reach their fullest potential through compassionate, evidence-based care. My journey began during my first year of college as a behavior therapist, where I quickly discovered a passion for supporting children and their families.
In 2015, I earned my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential after completing my graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts. Since then, I have continued to grow professionally while staying committed to providing high-quality, individualized ABA services.
What inspires me most is witnessing the incredible progress our clients make every day. Seeing children develop new skills, gain independence, and build meaningful connections is what continues to fuel my passion for this work. Applied Behavior Analysis is a dynamic, evolving science, and I believe that lifelong learning is essential to providing the best possible care. I strive to learn and grow alongside our clients, families, and team.
At our practice, we embrace a person-centered approach to ABA, recognizing that every individual is unique. We prioritize personal choice, autonomy, and meaningful, natural reinforcers to create engaging, respectful, and effective learning experiences. Our goal is not only to teach skills but to empower each child to become the best version of themselves while honoring who they are.
Samantha McLean
Executive Clinical Director
Lenora Taylor
Director of Clinical Services
Sophia Lopez
Clinical Supervisor
As Director of Clinical Services, I am dedicated to helping clients and their families increase functional skills, build lasting independence, and gain confidence. My journey in Applied Behavior Analysis began as a Registered Behavior Therapist before I continued my education to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Having spent time as a stay-at-home mother before starting my career in ABA, I bring a deeply empathetic, family-centered perspective to clinical care. I love learning and am always seeking new knowledge that drives meaningful growth for the families I support. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy playing board games and video games with my family, as well as settling in for action, science fiction, and fantasy movies and books.
My name is Sophia Lopez and I have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2020. I began my journey with A Step in the Right Direction in 2020 as a Behavior Technician and have remained with the company ever since. As I grew within the field, I pursued my education and training and worked my way into my current role as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. It has been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside the company while supporting children and families throughout their journeys.​ I believe that a collaborative, team based approach with parents provides children with the consistency and support they need to achieve the most meaningful outcomes. One of the most rewarding parts of this work, and a big reason I continue in this field, is seeing children make connections, learn new skills, and thrive in their everyday lives.
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Andrew McLean
Executive Administrative Director
Kyle is apart of our adult program, assisting us with jobs around the farm. He brings his love for music with him while helping to keep our farm looking nice.
