Providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to families has brought Esther deep fulfillment for over 15 years. Her journey into ABA began while working as a paraprofessional at a local preschool, where she observed firsthand the progress children made when consistency and compassion were applied through structured programming.
In 2012, Esther earned her BCaBA certification and spent eight years working directly with clients and in supervisory roles. During that time, she witnessed incredible transformations—children who once struggled to communicate began engaging meaningfully with others; those unaware of their surroundings began seeking connection; and individuals who had difficulty tolerating peers developed social skills and interactions. These successes were rooted in patience, compassion, communication, and collaboration—values she upholds in every aspect of her work.
In 2020, Esther became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), joining a community of professionals whose support continues to expand her knowledge and passion for the field.
A mother of seven and grandmother of five, Esther enjoys family time, the outdoors, and the fine arts. Esther has also illustrated two books in the Peebles Beaubian series about a giraffe with autism.
After decades in the corporate world, raising children, and overcoming personal trauma, Kerstin felt a strong calling to support children with unique abilities. This led her to transition from a career in corporate administration to roles as a para-professional and substitute teacher in special education, first at the elementary level and later in middle school. A pivotal moment came when she was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through a friend’s child with autism and a seizure disorder.
Kerstin began working at an ABA clinic, earned her Registered Behavior Technician certification, and applied ABA principles across a broad range of ages and abilities. While helping neurodivergent children grow, she discovered how much she was learning from them. This deepened her commitment to trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and ABA as a combined practice.
Though no longer able to provide full-time direct services, Kerstin contributes to Growing Minds Behavioral Services LLC through both administrative expertise and part-time support. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments that foster independence and growth. In her free time, she enjoys coffee, quiet reflection, friendship, and volunteering in her church’s special needs ministry.
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Since 2021, Nikita has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), bringing dedication and compassion to the field of behavior support. His passion for helping children began during college, where he volunteered with children unable to attend daycare. Whether serving as a language tutor or mentoring fellow student-athletes, he found deep fulfillment in supporting growth and development.Outside of work, Nikita’s life is filled with meaningful, grounding activities. Weekends are often spent tending a balcony garden filled with herbs and vegetables. Evenings may involve tabletop role-playing games with close friends, or relaxing while watching a Colorado sunset, frisbee in hand, accompanied by their wife and mastiff. When winding down, he enjoys video games, often with a purring cat nestled in his lap.Nikita’s reason for choosing this field is rooted in a desire to create a more peaceful world. By planting seeds of kindness and compassion, he strives to help grow stronger, more empathetic communities. As a mentor, he remains authentic, supportive, and steady—even during life’s most challenging moments.