Meet Our Team

Rivka Kurtz

Founder & CEO, SoaringHigh ABA

As a dedicated mother of four and passionate advocate for children, Rivka Kurtz founded SoaringHigh ABA with a vision to make high-quality, compassionate ABA therapy accessible to families across the US. With over 12 years of experience in business leadership and operations, Rivka blends her professional expertise with her heart for helping others to build a company rooted in excellence, integrity, and personalized care.

Her commitment to empowering families and supporting children with autism is at the core of everything SoaringHigh does. Under her leadership, the company continues to grow while maintaining a hands-on, family-first approach that sets it apart in the field of ABA therapy.

Rachel Frankel, MSW

Administrative Director & Co-Founder

Rachel Frankel, brings a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and drive to her role as Administrative Director at SoaringHigh ABA. With a passion for supporting both families and clinicians, Rachel plays a vital role in ensuring that the organization runs with heart, clarity, and excellence. Her leadership is grounded in SoaringHigh's core values of empathy, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes for children with autism.

Rachel's strength lies in her ability to balance the day-to-day operational needs of the organization while never losing sight of the families and clients at the center of our work. Her approach is warm, transparent, and thoughtful always striving to improve systems, empower staff, and ensure that every child receives the highest quality care possible.

As a social worker by training, Rachel brings a unique lens of advocacy and integrity to everything she does She fosters a culture of trust, growth, and shared purpose, helping SoaringHigh ABA remain a mission-driven, family-focused provider. Her behind-the-scenes work is felt in every successful session, every supported therapist, and every family that feels heard and cared for.

Thomas Larum, MS, BCBA, LBA

Founding Clinical Director & BCBA

TJ Larum, BCBA is the Founding Clinical Director of SoaringHigh ABA. He holds a BS in Community Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University. He is serving as Adjunct Faculty and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis at Simmons University. He is also a Global Autism Project SkillCorps® alumnus (Rwanda 2022, India 2023, Peru 2024) and serves as a Discovery Fellow, mentoring ABA providers in Ghana and Ethiopia and helping build global partnerships in autism services.

He has presented at several national and international conferences, including ABAI, MNABA, TABA, COABA, the International Conference for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Tanzania (2023), the Latin American Summit in Peru (2024), and Analisti Del Comportamento conference in Italy (2025).

In addition to his work in behavior analysis, he is an award-winning director, composer, and choreographer of championship percussion ensembles. He was named Minnesota Percussion Association Instructor of the Year in 2015 and founded the state's first inclusive drumline for exceptional learners in 2017. He is also a published singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and he spends much of his time traveling the country with his dogs Henry and Mr. Goose.

Michael Lauer

Chief Operations Analyst

Michael Lauer serves as Chief Operations Analyst at SoaringHigh ABA. With over four years in the ABA field — most of it spent leading operations, and most recently serving as VP of Staff Development — Michael brings a measured, steady approach to leadership grounded in guidance and accountability, all delivered with an infectious positive attitude.

Michael's goal is simple: ensure the success of every child entrusted to our care. He believes that great outcomes for kids start with a strong, supported team, which is why he's just as invested in his staff's growth as he is in the progress of the clients they serve. For Michael, that means building an environment where every team member feels equipped, valued, and confident — not just going through the motions, but genuinely reaching their full potential and finding real fulfillment in their work. It's this belief that shapes how he leads and builds culture at SoaringHigh ABA.

Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three adorable children, and playing softball (order may vary depending on who's asking — his wife, his kids, or his softball team).

Dr. Aabett Johnson, PhD, BCBA, LBA

Assistant Clinical Director

Dr. Aabett Johnson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2013 and has been certified since 2017.

Dr. Johnson has extensive experience providing ABA services to individuals across the lifespan, from toddlers to seniors, diagnosed with autism and other disabilities. She has worked in a variety of settings, including clinics, telehealth, schools, homes, and community environments, offering comprehensive support to both clients and their families. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Johnson has experience teaching in online higher education settings and currently serves as an assessing and supervising BCBA, guiding the development of both clients and future behavior analysts.

She earned her PhD in Human Behavior from Capella University in 2021, where she conducted and published research on parents’ experiences using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with their children. Her research interests include early intervention, AAC, parent training, and holistic, individualized treatment approaches.

In her free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and reading.

Deepa Patel, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

My name is Deepa Patel, and I have been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the past seven years. Working with my clients brings me immense joy as I witness them achieve new milestones and acquire skills each day. This field has also provided me with the opportunity to connect with many families and children, which has deepened my understanding and learning about the various facets of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The daily smiles and giggles from my clients are incredibly rewarding, and I cherish those moments dearly. When I am not working with my clients, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and traveling around the globe. I also love being outdoors and playing with my little ones at home!

Kiera Jackson, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

I’m Kiera Jackson. I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. I specialize in creating individualized treatment plans for children with developmental disabilities, collaborating closely with families, schools, and RBTs to ensure consistent progress and continuity of care. I also enjoy training and mentoring new clinicians and traveling to provide on-site support when needed. Outside of work, I love writing poetry—it’s my creative outlet and a way to process the world through rhythm and reflection.

Alejandra Olivas, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Hello! My name is Alejandra Olivas (Ale), and I have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over eight years. I began my journey as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where I quickly developed a deep passion for the field. That passion led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and earn my certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings—including clinics, homes, and schools—which has given me a well-rounded perspective on client care. I find great fulfillment in supporting the growth and progress of my clients, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing meaningful training to both staff and families.

As a BCBA, I am committed to promoting inclusion and acceptance, and serving as a supportive mentor to RBTs and future professionals in the field.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, our baby, and our dog. We’re foodies who love to travel and explore new places together.

Anne Schwenk, MA, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Anne, a Louisiana native, has over 15 years of experience in social services, including 5 years in Applied Behavior Analysis. She specializes in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly non-vocal children with sensory needs. Passionate about empowering families and fostering growth, Anne also enjoys being a “boy mom” to four sons, with hobbies like sports, hiking, and Nerf Wars.

Kelly Motes, BCBA, MA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Kelly Motes is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst who has been serving individuals and families since 2000. With over two decades of experience, she has provided ABA services in a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, homes, telehealth, and community environments. Kelly has worked with clients across the lifespan—from 18 months to 96 years old—diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions. She also successfully owned and operated her own ABA practice and has supervised and trained future behavior analysts, helping to shape the next generation of professionals in the field. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys dancing, the beach, live music, fitness, traveling, and spending time in nature.

Monica Dukes, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

My name is Monica Dukes. I am a Tennessee mom with three awesome little ones! I began my journey and deep dive into ABA when my firstborn was diagnosed with level 3 ASD at the age of 3. I immediatly began learning more about the field and how I could make a positive impact. I became an RBT and worked in homes, schools, and clinic. I have four years of experience in the field. I received my undergrad degree in Psychology with minors in criminology and mental health services. My graduate program I graduated with distinction with 4.0 GPA, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I look forward to meeting your family and building positive outcomes!

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Mollie Crown, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Mollie Crown, M.A., BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst who is passionate about providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to children and families. With more than seven years of experience in the field, Mollie focuses on creating individualized, evidence-based interventions that help children build meaningful skills, strengthen independence, and thrive across settings.

Mollie believes that progress is best achieved through collaboration, respect, and connection. She works closely with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to ensure every plan reflects the child’s unique strengths and needs. Her approach emphasizes empowering families with practical tools and fostering positive, supportive environments where growth can flourish.

Outside of work, Mollie enjoys spending time with her husband and son, playing games with family, and creating memories together whenever she can.

Alison Eshrich, M.A., LMFT, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Alison Eschrich is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to children, families, and communities. With dual licensure in behavior analysis and mental health, she brings a unique perspective that integrates evidence-based ABA practices with therapeutic insight, always centering dignity, safety, and collaboration in her work.

Alison is passionate about empowering families and equipping caregivers with practical, sustainable strategies that promote growth and resilience. She values cultural responsiveness, individualized treatment planning, and fostering strong therapeutic relationships that honor each person’s experiences.

She holds a B.A. in Developmental Psychology from William Jessup University, an M.A. in Psychology from Brandman University, and a post-graduate certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Brandman University.

Sandhya Mahesh, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

My name is Sandhya Mahesh and I’m a BCBA with experience across home, clinic, school, and telehealth settings. What began as an unexpected introduction to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has grown into a deeply personal and rewarding career. I’m passionate about building strong, supportive relationships with clients and their families and I approach each case with a commitment to growth, learning, and meaningful outcomes. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and discovering new restaurants.

Melissa Clara, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

My name is Melissa, I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2019. I am dedicated to supporting children and their families through individualized care that promotes meaningful progress and long-term success.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across clinic, home, and interdisciplinary settings, which has strengthened my collaborative approach and appreciation for working closely with families and other providers. As a bilingual provider in English and Spanish, I strive to make services accessible, culturally responsive, and supportive of each family’s unique needs and values. I especially enjoy helping children build communication, social, and daily living skills that foster greater independence and improve overall quality of life.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, going on walks, staying active, and trying new restaurants.

David Hurdle

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

David Hurdle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than six years of experience supporting children, adolescents, families, and clinical teams across in-home, clinic, school, and telehealth settings. He has a strong background in early childhood intervention, functional communication training, caregiver collaboration, and individualized treatment planning for learners with a wide range of developmental and behavioral needs.

‍David’s clinical experience includes serving in leadership roles such as Assistant Clinical Director, where he supported staff supervision, clinical quality, parent training, and program development. He is especially passionate about ethical, assessment-driven care and helping clients build meaningful communication, independence, and daily living skills.

At SoaringHigh ABA, David is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to clients and families while collaborating closely with caregivers, RBTs, and clinical team members to promote meaningful and lasting progress.

Alyson Martin

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Hi, I’m Alyson! I’m a BCBA with over five years of ABA experience working with children and families across home, clinic, and school settings. I focus on helping kids build meaningful skills that carry over into everyday life, while supporting families in a way that feels practical and sustainable.

I take an individualized approach and prioritize trauma-informed care and assent-based practices so clients feel safe, comfortable, and involved in their progress. Building strong, collaborative relationships with families is an important part of what I do, and I aim to create an environment where people feel supported and understood.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, being in the mountains, camping and most importantly spending time with my 2 cats.

Bonnie Robinson

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Bonnie Robinson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years of experience in education and more than five years of experience providing evidence-based behavior analytic services. She is passionate about helping children and adolescents develop meaningful skills that increase independence, improve communication, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Bonnie earned her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Southeast Missouri State University and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She values building strong relationships with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to create individualized treatment plans that support each learner's unique strengths and needs.

Throughout her career, Bonnie has provided services in school, home, and community settings. She is committed to using compassionate, data-driven, and person-centered practices to help individuals achieve meaningful, lasting progress.

Bonnie believes that successful outcomes are built through collaboration, consistency, and empowering families with the tools and support they need to help their loved ones thrive.

Christy Duong

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

My name is Christy, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over eight years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and my Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.

Throughout my career, I have worked across a variety of settings, including home, clinic, and school environments. I specialize in skill acquisition programming, communication development, social skills training, adaptive living skills, caregiver training, and the reduction of challenging behaviors through function-based interventions. My approach to behavior analysis emphasizes dignity, respect, and person-centered care. I believe that every client has the potential to achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life when provided with individualized and compassionate support.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my cat, traveling, and exploring new hiking trails.

Cindy Rocha-Esparza, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Cindy Rocha-Esparza, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst specializing in individualized ABA assessment, intervention planning, and caregiver training. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that fosters independence, meaningful communication, and positive behavioral outcomes.

Debra Woolard, MS, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2008. I have been serving individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults, in various settings such as schools, homes, and clinics.

Having obtained my BCBA certification in 2018, I am dedicated to applying evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges. I am passionate about helping others reach their full potential and strive to create personalized treatment plans that are effective and sustainable.

My approach to therapy is rooted in fun and play based with an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and truly caring for the whole person. I believe in building a strong rapport with my clients and their families to foster a supportive and trusting environment. I am committed to promoting positive behavior change and empowering individuals to achieve their goals.

I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those I work with and look forward to continuing to support and advocate for individuals with diverse needs.
On a personal note, I am fortunate to have a loving partner, three daughters and one son. I thrive on the chaos of family life and find joy in the everyday moments of love and connection.

Renee Cangelosi, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Renee Cangelosi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with four years of experience providing behavior-analytic services to individuals from toddlers through adulthood. She has worked with clients with a wide range of disabilities in diverse settings, including schools, clinics, homes, adult day habilitation programs, and research.

Renee is dedicated to delivering compassionate, individualized, evidence-based care that helps clients reach meaningful goals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing video games, and dancing.

Caitlin La-Motte Kerr, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Caitlin has been in the field of ABA since 2012, bringing experience across in-home services, school settings, and university- and center-based clinics. She earned her master’s degree in ABA from California State University, Northridge in 2015 and went on to provide therapy for both private-pay and insurance-funded clients in Los Angeles before relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2019. Caitlin is especially passionate about helping learners build meaningful communication skills, strengthen executive functioning and social skills, and increase confidence while navigating anxiety.

She is also interested in supporting young adults as they transition from the family home into group or independent living settings. Since becoming a parent in 2022, Caitlin has focused exclusively on remote supervision and consultation. Outside of work, she is an avid skier and traveler, and while life with two young children has changed the pace of those adventures, she now enjoys sharing her love of the outdoors and reading with her kids.

Katie Spicer, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Hi, I'm Katie Spicer! I'm a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 10 years of experience spanning clinical directorship, multi-site program oversight, and learning & development leadership. Over the past six-plus years, I've worked remotely leading multi-region clinical teams and virtual training programs across multiple clinics and states.

I regularly use Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr) in my work and am a Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist. At the heart of it all, I take a compassionate approach that meets each family exactly where they're at. I believe strong outcomes come from real relationships, and I genuinely love building those connections with the families and teams I work with.

Outside of work, I'm a wife and a mom to a new baby, plus two cats and a dog who keep our house lively. I enjoy reading, and you can usually find me playing or watching soccer whenever I get the chance! Go Thorns and Timbers!

Kristina Schwertz, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Kristina Schwertz is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 10 years of experience working in early childhood, including nearly 5 years in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She specializes in working with young children and supporting the development of communication, social skills, and independence through early intervention. Kristina is passionate about helping children reach their full potential by taking a holistic approach that considers the whole child and the people who support them.

Kristina believes meaningful progress comes from collaboration, open communication, and bringing together the people who know and support each child best. As a Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Level 2 certified clinician, she uses natural, play-based, and motivation-focused strategies to make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun.

Outside of her work, Kristina enjoys spending time with her husband, four daughters, and the family dogs Ruth Anne, Frieda and Felix.

Jovanna Trejo

Operations Director

Hi, I’m Jovanna Trejo, currently the Client Care Coordinator, but my journey in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) actually started on the clinical side. I spent years working directly with clients and families, which gave me a deep understanding of the challenges they face and the kind of support that really makes a difference.

Now, with over 6.5 years in the field, I’ve transitioned into the administrative side, where I get to combine my love for organization with my passion for helping people. I’m here to make sure every family feels supported, heard, and cared for from the very beginning of their ABA journey.

Outside of work, you can usually find me out on a hiking trail, exploring local dog parks with my chocolate lab, or browsing a weekend farmer’s market. I believe in balance, connection, and always finding joy in the little things.

Coeura Lafferty

Talent Acquisitions Manager

Hi, I’m Coeura! I’m a passionate recruiter with over three years of experience in full-cycle hiring, team development, and recruitment strategy. I love connecting great talent with meaningful work and am always looking for ways to elevate the candidate experience. Before transitioning into recruiting, I worked as an RBT for three years, which gave me a strong foundation in client care and team collaboration.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me either chasing my two puppies to reclaim a stolen sock, watching the latest horror movie, or painting!

Brenda Zuniga

Recruiter

I’m excited to bring my HR background into the ABA field as a Recruiter, where I enjoy connecting talented and compassionate individuals with opportunities to make a difference. I’m passionate about building relationships and helping candidates feel supported and welcomed throughout the recruitment process. As I’m newer to the ABA field, I’m excited to continue learning and growing while helping bring great people into the field.

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, as well as enjoying a good movie and trying new foods. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends and making the most of life’s simple moments!

Payton Ball, RBT

RBT Supervisor and Trainer

With four years of experience in the ABA field, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with children and their families. My journey began on the clinical side, where I discovered my passion for delivering ethical and impactful care. This led me to a new role as a trainer, where I now get to support my colleagues to help ensure that every family receives the best care they deserve.When I’m not working or studying for my psychology degree, you can find me hiking on a trail, catching a movie, or diving into a new book.

Alaina Reichard

Intake Coordinator

Hi, I'm Alaina! I have 4+ years of experience in administration and make it my goal to ensure a smooth transition for families wanting to get started with services. My favorite part about intake is getting to be that main point of contact for our families and supporting them through each step of the intake process. I pride myself on my attention to detail, as well as my ability to provide a compassionate and empathetic listening ear. I truly enjoy collaborating with families and my team to create a positive and supportive environment.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and playing together with our son. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, and binge watching either a comfort show, new series, or the latest reality show!

Marissa Hemp, RBT

Care Coordinator

Hi, my name is Marissa! I have over four years of experience in the ABA therapy field, beginning my career as a Registered Behavior Technician. I later transitioned into an administrative role as a Case Manager, where I developed a strong understanding of how to support families as they begin and navigate their ABA services. This experience has equipped me with the skills to thoughtfully guide families through each stage of their journey, providing clear communication, consistent support, and compassionate care along the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, being with family, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen!

Hannah McCarty

Social Media Marketing Manager

Hi there! My name is Hannah. I have a background in healthcare as a respiratory therapist, where I gained valuable experience supporting individuals and families through important moments of care. In addition to my clinical experience, I have over two years of experience in healthcare marketing, outreach, and social media. Through this work, I create meaningful, educational content and help connect families with resources and services that can truly make a difference.

I value building strong, trusting relationships with families, meeting each child where they are, and celebrating progress every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports, camping, reading, homeschooling my two kids, and enjoy the slow moments of my day.