Team
Founder’s Vision
I started this journey as a father. When my son was diagnosed with special needs, I saw how difficult it was to find the right resources and support. I didn’t want other families to go through the same struggle, so in 2006 I founded Braverhood, originally called Hand in Hand Family Services. It began as a way to connect families like mine with services, guidance, and hope.
As I worked with more families, I realized that children with autism needed even more direct, specialized care. That’s why, in 2013, I co-founded BK Behavior– an ABA company focused on helping kids with autism grow, learn, and thrive.
At BK Behavior, our mission is simple: make high-quality ABA therapy accessible to families everywhere, especially those in underserved communities. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and every parent deserves to feel supported on that journey.
What started with my son’s story has grown into something much bigger- a community, a network, and a company dedicated to helping as many children as possible live fuller, brighter lives.
Leadership Philosophy
I began my career in ABA in 2016 on the operational side, where I quickly discovered the joy of doing work that has a lasting impact on children with autism and their families. Over the years, I worked my way through different roles, eventually joining BK Behavior, where I first oversaw CBS as one entity and, in June 2023, stepped into my current role as COO.
I am deeply passionate about caring for our people—both in the office and in the field—and about building a healthy, thriving organization where culture is strong and people truly want to spend their time. I love helping others, learning continuously, and growing not only as a leader myself but also by developing and empowering our leadership team. Most of all, I find joy every day in the work we do and the lives we touch.
"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Hadassah Baum
Clinical Perspective
My journey began with uncertainty in 2001 when I took a job as a respite care provider with no idea I was about to discover my life’s passion. In my first week, I realized I was in way over my head.
Everything changed when my client’s BCBA explained a few basic ABA strategies. Things turned around with my sessions, and my client and I were having so much fun. Over the past two decades, this unexpected beginning has blossomed into an extraordinary career spanning NYC classrooms, in-home autism services, and even Broadway—where I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Theatre Development Fund on modifying productions like The Lion King to create autism-friendly performances. As an educator teaching Masters-level courses to aspiring BCBAs and an author writing books that make ABA and data collection truly accessible, I bridge complex behavioral science with practical, real-world application. What energizes me most is collaborating with, training, and learning from fellow BCBAs and future practitioners, understanding that the most powerful changes happen when professionals work together to create meaningful outcomes for individuals with autism.
From a nervous respite care provider to where I am today, I’m grateful that passion, mentorship, and dedication have allowed me to turn an unexpected beginning into meaningful work that I truly love.
I really love B.F. Skinner's quote "When you run into something interesting, drop everything else and study it." I approach people and situations with curiosity, and aspire to stay present and keep learning.
Sam Blanco
Clinical Leadership
Growing the Next Generation
I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly two decades of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. I began my journey in 2008, fueled by a passion for helping children find their voices and families feel empowered. From my early days providing one-on-one therapy to training teams overseas, leading social skills groups, conducting assessments, and running parent support programs, every step has deepened my belief that growth happens when compassion and creativity meet evidence-based practice.
Today, as Director of Training and Development, I have the privilege of shaping the next generation of clinicians while ensuring families receive the highest quality support. Nothing excites me more than seeing children unlock new skills and watching parents gain confidence along the way. Each day, my work inspires me with purpose and joy, and I am grateful to pour that energy into children, families, and the future of our field.
"My passion lies in creating spaces where children thrive, families feel seen, and providers are inspired to lead with heart."
Nicole Gorden
Bringing ABA Into Schools
I started my career working with adults in the group home setting.
Then I transitioned to school-based consulting work and was drawn to the positive impact I was able to make in students’ natural environments.
In graduate school, I did my doctoral dissertation on the adoption of ABA classrooms in public schools.
Now, I am passionate about integrating behavioral science into school systems to benefit students everywhere.
"Too much of the education system orients students toward becoming better thinkers, but there is almost no focus on our capacity to pay attention and cultivate awareness."
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Making Meaningful Impact
Before joining BK Behavior, I provided behavior analytic services in the homes of clients across southeastern Massachusetts and worked for more than 8 years in both public and private special education settings.
I have also helped advance accessibility to the game of golf through nonprofit community outreach with the NYC Parks Foundation and The First Tee.
In addition, I volunteer my time as a Reading Tutor with Literacy Partners NYC.
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make"
Dr. Jane Goodall
Expanding Access in the Heartland
I first started my career in child protection and social services in 2001 in Florida, and then transitioned to crisis counseling for adults and children.
In 2012, I moved back to Kansas where I was born and raised to raise our children. In 2015, after the unexpected death of my husband, I had to quickly go into survival mode in raising my 2 young children and navigating the grieving process personally for myself and my children. In 2016, I began working in the schools, providing social/emotional support and behavior interventions for students ages 3-18.
I was devastated to see how quickly I could ascertain counseling for myself and my children for grief, but yet children with Autism were on 2 year wait lists and this was a huge disservice to Kansas children and families. I quickly realized the vast need for services for children and families needing interventions for autism in Kansas and went into private practice in attempts to further dedicate myself to ensuring Kansan families have the much needed access to services when having a child with Autism.
“Every child deserves a champion.”
Rita F. Pierson
Clinical Excellence at Scale
I began my career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the simple desire to help children find their voices and families feel supported.
Over the years, I’ve worked across diverse communities and supervised teams of BCBAs and RBTs, building systems that focus on quality care and clinical excellence. My journey has taken me from providing direct therapy to now leading over 40 BCBAs and 80 RBTs across multiple states, ensuring that services remain ethical, evidence-based, and client-centered.
Each step has strengthened my passion for mentorship, training, and advancing the field of ABA while keeping the focus on meaningful outcomes for clients and families.
“Knowledge without action is wastefulness and action without knowledge is foolishness.”
Al-Ghazali
Elevating Ethical & Responsive Care
I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with more than a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis.
I began my career as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and BCBA at an adult day program serving individuals with dual diagnoses of developmental disabilities and mental health conditions. Over the years, I have supported a wide range of populations in diverse settings, including clinics, homes, community programs, and the Illinois state crisis prevention team.
I am currently pursuing my PhD in Behavior Analysis, with a strong commitment to advancing the quality of ABA services. I am deeply passionate about mentoring and training professionals to deliver ethical, effective, and culturally responsive care.
Janet Delgado-Gonzalez
- MA
- BCBA
- LBA-NY Clinical Director
Compassion in Practice
I began my career in the field somewhat unexpectedly. While in college, I worked as a gymnastics coach and had the opportunity to lead a recreational class for a group of autistic teenage boys. That experience sparked a deep interest in working with the autistic community and ultimately led me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
I went on to work at an ABA school, where I received extensive training and earned my board certification. Since then, I’ve primarily supported families in home-based settings, focusing on individualized, compassionate care.
Today, I serve as the Clinical Director for CBS and ABA360, where I’m proud to lead a team dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based support to the individuals and families we serve.
“This too shall pass”
Fernande Deguenon
- MC
- BCBA
- LBA Clinical Director
Compassion in Practice
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Operational Leadership
Chani Maxwell
- Director of Marketing & Patient Advocacy
Behind every service is a family searching for answers. I dedicate my work to making those answers visible, accessible, and welcoming—building trust through awareness, education, and a commitment to never turn anyone away.
Chani Kovitz
- Director of Talent Acquisition
Sam Hawkins
- Regional Director
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."
Margaret Mead
Liz Perrett
- Regional Director
"Work is love made visible."
Kahlil Gibran
Mercedes Suppes
- Regional Director
"She empowered others by truly seeing them — their strength, their potential — and stood beside them, making space for growth with open arms and unwavering belief."
Esti Sternbuch
- Regional Director
"It doesn’t matter whether the glass is half full or half empty. What matters is that there’s something in it -- and it can be refilled. Put your focus on that, and just watch how fast it overflows."
BK Clinical Team Members
Frida Balla
- LBA
- BCBA
- Senior Assessment Advisor
Leading with Assessment & Care
I began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the summer of 2016 as a Behavior Therapist, a role I held for three years. After being introduced to the principles of ABA, I quickly developed a passion for the meaningful changes it can bring to individuals’ lives.
This inspired me to pursue my BCBA certification, all while continuing my work as a Behavior Therapist to deepen my practical experience.
After earning my BCBA, I continued with Comprehensive Behavior Support as a BCBA and later advanced to the role of Clinical Director, where I served for a year. I have since transitioned into my current position as Senior Assessment Advisor, while maintaining a client caseload to remain actively involved in clinical work.
“Lead with kindness, and change the world—one child’s life at a time.”
Frida Balla
Korrie Warner
- Compliance Manager
Integrity in Action
I began my career in ABA as a Behavior Technician with CBS, where I worked for two years before joining BK Behavior as an Intake Coordinator.
Within just a few months, I discovered my passion for applied behavior analysis and decided to pursue a Master’s degree in the field. Along the way, I gained invaluable experience as both an ABA Fellow and a Quality Assurance Specialist, learning from some of the most skilled BCBAs in the state.
Now, as I complete my Master’s program, I’m excited to step into the role of Compliance Manager, taking action every day to support our mission with dedication, integrity, and meaningful impact for the families we serve.
“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
Pablo Picasso