Meet Team PLAN

I’m Miranda! I live in Frederick with my husband, James, and three children. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly 20 years of experience. I enjoy reading and being outdoors, and cheering my kids on in their sports. I love playing Balderdash and Apples to Apples, which leads to a lot of laughs and “heavy” competition with the kids. I have irresistible dance moves in the kitchen, and my husband and kids not only encourage me, they usually can’t help but join in the fun.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I love PLAN for so many reasons. The kids we work with inspire me; learning new skills can be so hard and their perseverance is incredible. I love seeing the reaction when a child is successful or does something for the first time – the light in their eyes gets me every time! PLAN is such a happy place, and the laughter of the kids and staff is infectious. The staff at PLAN is second to none and I feel incredibly proud to work alongside them.

Hi, I’m Michelle! I enjoy the time I get to spend with my husband and our two beautiful little girls. We love traveling and exploring new places, watching family movies, and cooking or baking together. I love playing board and card games. Some of my favorites are Uno, Yahtzee, and Scrabble. I also love dancing and singing, especially while cooking or baking some delicious food!

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I always knew I wanted to work with others. There is nothing more amazing than working with individuals with unique needs, skills, and interests. I am so passionate about working alongside children who are in pursuit of their true potential and supporting them to achieve what they previously thought was a barrier or area of difficulty.

My name is Courteny. I am a mom to four active little boys who keep me busy! I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes going to the movies, shopping, and doing fun activities with my boys. I also enjoy throwing birthday parties! My kids are all into video games, so we have family Roblox time often.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I am a PLAN original, one of the first two people to work for PLAN. I have worked with many children over the years and have experienced great joy watching each child grow and surpass expectations. Hearing a non-verbal child say their first word, or hearing another that has worked for months asking a spontaneous question—those are the reasons I love my job! I get to see firsthand how effective ABA therapy really is to these children, and it is so rewarding to feel like you had a part in making someone else’s life a little brighter.

Hello! My name is Julie, and I’m like the Energizer Bunny. I’m frequently on the move thanks to my obsession with working out, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stop to enjoy the slower parts of life. I love to crochet and make stuffed animals, and really enjoy a good game of Catan with my roommates, family, and friends. Speaking of family, I love spending time with my dad, mom, siblings, and my three-legged cat!

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I went into this field knowing I wanted to help others. Working with kids is never boring, always changing, and you’re always learning!

Hi! I’m Nicole, and I suffer from a never-ending case of wanderlust. I love to travel and see new places! Rarely one to sit around, I find joy in going to the park and enjoying live music with my husband, two wild and adorable sons, and lovable French Bulldog mix! If they’re off doing their own thing, I get competitive and play spikeball!

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I always wanted to help others. I started working as an RBT and fell in love with the field.

Hello! My name’s Diana, and I’m really good with numbers and dates. I never forget anyone’s birthday! When I’m not working, you can usually find me in the kitchen baking up a sweet treat! I also love spending time outdoors, reading, dancing, and singing. As a family, my husband and I love to train together in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. We would include our fur-child Luna the cat in this, but she doesn’t seem interested.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

PLAN is truly a special place and it has been the “home” I’ve been looking for over the last seven years working in the field of ABA. Every single person here is dedicated to their clients and they want to help them achieve their greatest potential! Each child is so unique and I am blessed to be able to see the progress that a child makes every single day.

My name is Jake. I like to play video games and board games, and I also enjoy voice recording and painting miniatures.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I enjoy working at the center because of all the wonderful people that are a part of it. The technicians are hard-working and put in tremendous effort to help their clients. The BCBA’s and supervisory staff are always looking for the best ways they can help the kids learn and progress. The kids are the best part, though, and watching them make progress each day is extremely rewarding and reminds me of why I enjoy my time here at PLAN.

Hi, I’m Dinu. I’m usually very busy, but when I get some downtime I enjoy watching documentaries, playing video games, cooking my favorite dishes, and spending time with my mother, father, brother, and of course, our dog. I love throwing the football around with my brother, and I love swimming! I’m not Michael Phelps (yet) but I always try to be the best swimmer I can be.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I’ve always enjoyed working with kids. Seeing the positive results of the programs we implement with our kids brings so much joy into my life; it’s truly a divine feeling. When I heard of ABA I was amazed to learn that evidence-based science programs like this existed. ABA helped answer many questions I had for many years as a college student. I love the PLAN team and I feel right at home.

Hi! I’m Jordan, and I confess that my secret super power is cleaning and organizing! I love spending time with my friends and my mom, dad, and my younger sister. I enjoy shopping, listening to music, watching TV, and reading. I love all board games, but my favorite is Clue.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I went into this field because I always knew that I wanted to work with others. Being an RBT is such a rewarding job because you get to be there to see the progress that the kids make every day. I love working at PLAN because it is such a positive environment and the kids never fail to bring a smile to my face.

My name is Sandy and I am a married mom of three. I love my family, kids (mine and yours), my Golden Retrievers (Murphy and Finnegan), and college sports, especially lacrosse! My special skill is that I know a lot about Maryland history and geography and I am obsessed with the Chesapeake Bay. I also have raised over 500 trout babies and released them in a creek. My favorite game is Spot It; I love watching young children learn to be observant.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

As a teacher and librarian, I really love the chance to work one-to-one with a client. I love seeing how much a child can grow with lots of purposeful guidance. I love the joy the kids have when they see each other each day. The friendships formed at PLAN are incredible.

Hey there! I’m just a mom living life with my amazing hubby and our two little munchkins, a spirited 7-year-old and our newest bundle of joy who joined the party in February. Between work, study sessions, and the constant whirlwind of parenting, we manage to squeeze in some downtime by hiking, traveling, and playing board and card games with the kiddos. And when the stars align, you might catch me under the orange lights, showing off my dance moves—I speak three languages and have a soft spot for volleyball too! Life’s a juggling act, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why PLAN is my Passion

I’ve been an RBT for 4 years and last year I finally decided to get a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. I have always enjoyed helping people and always hoped to work with children. Seeing first-hand the progress these amazing kiddos show on a daily basis is priceless. Knowing that PLAN is able to cultivate that change and help the children flourish in their communities is the cherry on top.

Hey, there! I’m Anavi… I’m a proud wife and mom, sharing my cozy space with my husband and our awesome son, Sonny. When I’m not cheering on my nephews at their sporting events on weekends, you’ll find me immersed in the magical worlds of books or battling it out in Mario Golf on our Nintendo Switch with my husband and friends. Beyond that, I’ve got a knack for turning ordinary photos into unique and personalized gifts through my realistic drawing skills.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

PLAN fosters the most positive learning environment for kids I’ve ever worked in. I love the 1:1 attention each child gets to help them build meaningful relationships and thrive in social and academic settings. I think all kids deserve the kind of personalized dedication that PLAN provides.

Hey there! My name is Ola, and I’m all about my family! My husband and three lovely children are my world. I love spending time with them, listening to gospel music, and cooking. Trying new recipes is always exciting, and when I’m not doing that, I can probably be found rearranging rooms in my home or playing Uno or Bingo with my kids.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

My love for children is indescribable! I love to help children learn new skills and I am very excited when I see that they demonstrate learning. PLAN is a positive place to work with our amazing children.

Hello, I’m Cameron! I love spending my spare time with my girlfriend, Tori, and our beautiful Corgi mix, Scooter. We enjoy watching soccer matches, especially English Premier League soccer, and taking hikes together. Ask to see my one-handed clap!

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I enjoy working at PLAN because I love making the kids laugh and connecting with them on a social level. To get a kid to laugh at something silly that I’m doing is my greatest achievement.

Hi! I’m Liz and I love spending time with my husband, three amazing kids, and our dogs whether it’s hiking in the woods or relaxing on the beach. I also enjoy crocheting blankets as well as getting creative in the kitchen. I love all board games, but my absolute favorite is Yahtzee.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

Nothing brings me more joy than working with children and watching them become happy, confident, and independent people. Their smiles and laughter warm my heart every day. Together, with the amazing team of therapists with whom I work, we create an environment that is friendly, cheerful, and energetic, which makes learning so much fun for the children.

Hi! I’m Mikayla. I love hiking, roller skating, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m good at redesigning spaces, so I’m glad I’m also good at thrifting. I find my best work is done in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. I love playing a game my grandmother taught us called Left, Center, Right, and it’s our go-to game when everyone is together.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I worked with the learning for life kids my junior and senior year of high school and through that, I learned about ABA. I was so excited that I could pursue my dream job. PLAN is an amazing environment to work in and see these kids grow and learn. I love seeing their progress and smiles every day.

Hi! I’m Lauren, and believe it or not, one of my favorite things to do is to clean and organize! I also love to shop both at Target and online, watch movies, exercise, and spend time with my family and friends. I am an UNO fan, but I love to learn new games like Sushi Go.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I love working at PLAN for many reasons. The staff is awesome and very supportive. The best part is working with the kids every day. Seeing them master new skills is so rewarding. They are always putting a smile on my face day in and day out.

My name is Emily. I love art, video games, crocheting, and going on walks while listening to music. My favorite place to relax is at the beach.

Why PLAN is my Passion:

My mom has been an elementary school teacher my whole life and I always helped to take care of my younger siblings and cousins, so I knew early on in life that I wanted to work with children. I started working in ABA and fell so in love with the kids and the job that I just never left the field. It’s been so amazing watching these kids grow before my eyes and seeing just how awesome they’re becoming! It warms my heart when not only do they have a breakthrough in a skill, but they recognize their accomplishments. The excitement that they feel when they realize they’ve gotten something right or understand something new keeps me coming back for more every day!

Hello, I’m Vialeta. I am married to a wonderful hubby and we have a furbaby cat named Oreo. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love watching YouTube vlogs, reality tv, and also reading books in my free time. My ultimate favorite hobby, however, is playing the piano and singing. I am a life-long music lover! My secret superpower is my awesomeness at retail therapy. I love all things cozy! My all-time favorite group board game is Catan. When I am by myself, I love playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch because it allows me to design and get creative!

Why PLAN is my Passion:

I am currently in a school counseling Master’s program at Hood College. I have always dreamed about working with children and helping them learn and develop. I have a big heart for individuals with special needs, as I grew up with a special needs family member. I cannot think of anything more rewarding than helping individuals become more independent, watching them build on their strengths, and seeing them live a fulfilling life!

While I am always up for an adventure, I’m also a calm soul who finds joy in the simple things. From whipping up family recipes with my mom to diving headfirst into crochet, painting, and reading, I’m all about that cozy life. When the mood strikes, I can crush a TV show marathon in 2-3 days—no number of seasons is too many! And let’s not forget, Dance Dance Revolution is my jam, or any dancing game, really.

Why PLAN is my Passion

I have worked with children for about 5 years, and being an RBT has shown me new ways to teach kids set skills. I enjoy that I can be adventurous, helpful, and silly to put a smile on a face! Watching them grow and set new milestones is the most wonderful thing to see!

I grew up in a classic family setup — mom, dad, and an older brother. My guilty pleasures are SpongeBob and Realhousewives, but on the weekends, you can find me exploring new coffee shops wiht my roommate and whipping up some delicious food in the kitchen with my boyfriend. When it’s time to relax and play a game, Animal Crossing is my go-to, but if I’m feeling competitive, nothing beats a game of Phase 10. Ask me about my bubble blowing skills!

Why PLAN is my Passion

I’ve always known I wanted to help others in some capacity. Working with kids means no 2 days look the same and I love that.

I live with my parents, brother, and goldendoodle named Teddy! When I’m not nose-deep in books or conquering puzzles, you can catch me at the gym lifting weights or out in nature enjoying a nice hike. I’m a singing sensation with a knack for forgetting things instantly, but I’ve got my game face on when it’s Codenames or family volleyball time—things get seriously competitive during the holidays!

Why PLAN is my Passion

My grandma worked at a daycare in Belarus until she retired and she really inspired me to work with kids. Working with kids you never really know what to expect the next day which makes it fun and exciting. The best thing about working with kids is seeing their progress and growth, and knowing that you’ve impacted their lives. It’s the most rewarding job.

You can find me at home with my husband, son, and our 2 munchkin cats, Calvin and Calypso. I enjoy living an active life, whether it’s kicking it on the soccer field or hitting the gym. I’ve been known to belt a few tunes and play the keyboard, but my talents don’t stop there — I have a knack for playing Uno, too. Life is good, especially when it involves quality time with loved ones and binging a good TV marathon.

I have my own piece of paradise at home with my fiance and 3 adorable fur babies. Between building our farm, tending to 26 clucky companions, 4 quacking ducks, and 3 oinking pigs, we’re living the homestead hustle. During the summer, tending to our garden is one of our favorite hobbies — we truly live off of the land! When it’s game night, you’ll find me dealing out Dominoes and Uno cards, bringing that cozy farm life indoors!

Why PLAN is my Passion

I have worked with children all of my life. Watching them grow, learn, and experience new things is the highlight of working with children. I love working at plan, because the children are truly amazing, and the staff is so caring.

I live a blended family life with my boyfriend and our trio of awesome kids. When I’m not hitting the trails for a hike or swinging for the fences in a softball game, you can find me pumping iron, diving into a puzzle, or unleashing my creativity through drawing and painting! My boyfriend and I love hanging out with the kids or going for motorcycle rides.

Why PLAN is my Passion

I’ve worked with children/teens from coaching sports, being a nanny for multiple families, teaching art classes, and raising my own. When I was unable to continue my ‘stay at home mom’ position I knew I wanted to find a career working with children and I stumbled upon becoming an RBT and I quickly fell in love with directly teaching and helping children learn and grow.

I live with my two roomies, where I balance my time between binge-watching TV shows, belting out tunes while cleaning, and diving into the world of comics and podcasts. If game night is up to me, you may find us in a heated game of Musical Chairs or Dodgeball!

Why PLAN is my Passion

I’ve always enjoyed working with children. This my first year being a Rbt and I truly love working as an RBT.

Kicking it with my boyfriend and his awesome family, we’re about to add a new family member to the mix! Our baby girl’s arriving in 2024! When we’re not prepping for parenthood, you’ll catch us on the couch, a movie marathon in full swing, or diving into some friendly competition with our go-to game, Uno. My special talent is executing flawless hairstyles!

Why PLAN is my Passion

I love working at PLAN as an RBT. This is a good learning environment!

I live alone, but I am lucky to have a twin who visits me often! Family time is my anchor, but let’s be real – online shopping has a special place in my heart, maybe a tad more than it should. When not adding to my cart, you’ll find me embracing the zen of drawing and coloring; it’s my escape. Uno and kickball are my go-to games for some good old-fashioned fun.

Why PLAN is my Passion

I love having the opportunity to help teach and prepare kids for their futures. I hope to see the positive impact and differences made in their futures

My life is busy and full of joy with my fiance and our 3 children. When I’m not glued to the TV binging Real Housewives or Below Deck, I enjoy spending time with my kids and our extended family. I pride myself in being able to spread laughter and dominate a game of charades like a champ!

Why PLAN is my Passion

Kids are the future and I like being a helping hand that gets them on the right path to success.