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Episode #248: Good Therapy Happens Through Play with Erin Stern

Erin Stern, BCBA, Founder and President of STEPS Behavioral Health, shares how her clinic takes an integrative approach by combining ABA, Speech, OT, and PT to support early learners. With a strong focus on flexibility and tailoring every goal to the individual, Erin highlights the importance of thoughtful intake and assessment, working closely with families, preparing children for school, and weaving in everyday experiences and milestones.

Erin discusses the clinic’s Early Steps Program, which supports newly diagnosed learners through Kindergarten and beyond. With no “hard lines,” the focus is always on finding the right placement, environment, and balance of clinic- and home-based services. Erin explains how determining intervention hours involves multiple factors—age, behaviors, skill needs, family dynamics, and insurance—while maintaining flexibility to meet each learner’s individual needs.

Our conversation also highlights the value of providers immersing themselves in a learner’s AAC system, staying committed to professional growth, and never forgetting the power of play. As Erin reminds us, “Don’t forget to play,” because natural learning and connection thrive in those moments.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Erin Stern is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a strong foundation in special education and over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She is the founder and president of STEPS Behavioral Health, LLC, which she launched in 2008 while teaching in the Howard County Public School System. Erin is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate ABA therapy to children with autism and other developmental needs. Under her leadership, STEPS has grown into a trusted provider across Maryland, focused on increasing access to care and building meaningful connections between families and services. Erin takes pride in helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of support services to ensure their children receive what they need to thrive. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from Towson University, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, and earned her ABA post-graduate certification from the Florida Institute of Technology. She has been a BCBA since 2015 and continues to stay deeply involved in clinical work, advocacy, and staff development and mentorship. Outside of her professional life, Erin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and two children, especially their annual trips to the beach. Her personal and professional worlds are rooted in connection, care, and commitment to making a difference.

What’s Inside:

  • STEPS Behavioral Health and the Early Steps Program.
  • Tailoring early intervention to individual learner needs.
  • Important factors to consider when determining intervention hours.
  • Why play is one of the most important factors of a learner’s success.

Mentioned In This Episode

 

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