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Shelley P. Cox MA,
Executive Director
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Early Childhood
Specialist
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Prenatal, Perinatal,
Infant/Toddler & Preschool Mental health Specialist
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Parent/Professional
Education Counselor & Trainer
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Certified Collaboration
Specialist-Advocacy & Conflict Resolution
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Transition planning and
IFSP/IPP/IEP Preparation
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Founder of EDU-Play
Basic Training Institute
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Behavior Intervention
Specialist-ABA-RBI-FSP (Applied Behavior
Analysis/Relationship Based Intervention/Family
Support Program
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Program Development
Specialist
As
Executive Director and Founder of Step-By-Step Early
Childhood Development and EDU-Play programs, it is my
honor to provide services for children and families. I
have been working as an early interventionist for 25
years. The focus of my practice emphasizes growth and
development of families who have children with
developmental delays.
My
undergraduate and initial graduate work is in human
development with an emphasis in special education. My
original graduate program focused on family therapy and
school counseling. In my second master program, I
specialized in Prenatal-Perinatal and Infant mental
Health and Psychology. My Post-graduate study and
research interest focus on Prenatal Parenting,
attachment and attunement.
I
have three grown children. My oldest has a severe
disability and has grown into a delightful young woman.
She is my inspiration and my mentor.
My
vision for all children with disabilities and their
families is that they are provided the resources needed
to enable their child to become as independent as
possible so that they may be an active participant in
their community with friends and family.
It
is my philosophy that learning is a lifelong process.
New ideas and applications of intervention strategies
are being researched and found useful every day. There
is no one right way to support children and families. I
founded the EDU-Play principles based on what I have
learned from experts and families over the years.
EDU-Play is a recipe that is flavored by different
ingredients. The foundation of the EDU-Play “dough” is
the development of a trusting, honest, creative,
playful, encouraging relationship. Theory, knowledge
and experience are the “yeast” that helps the “dough”
rise to perfection. Collaboration is the baking process
and the product is child and family success!
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Cox,
John
Director of Operations
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As
Director of Operations, I work closely with the staff to
manage the corporation and facilitating the health of
our facility and the business overall. I am excited
about making a difference in children and families
lives. This work is so important. |

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Friedman,
Judi
Fiscal Director
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Email
"I have been Financial
Director of Step by Step since the company started in 1998. I have a BA
in Social Ecology from University of
California Irvine.
One of the best parts of my job is helping parents regarding the
services their children may be receiving. I am also the mother of a
child that was born with Developmental Delays. He was lucky enough to
receive Early Intervention services and is doing very well."
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Bogart,
Kadie,
MFT Intern
Interventionist
I
graduated from the University of Michigan with a
Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology. I continued my
education at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute where I
received a Master's in Clinical Psychology with a
specialty in pre and perinatal bonding. For the past
four years I have worked at Early Childhood Parenting
Center in Santa Monica as a Child Development
Specialist.
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Brewer, Ariana
Social Skills Assistant |

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Brown, Brandi, B.A.
Interventionist/Life Coach
"I am a
Graduate of California State University Dominguez
Hills, and earned my B.A. in Sociology and minored in
Political Science in 2003. Upon Graduation I have worked
with at risk youths in the group home settings, I have
also worked with the Los Angeles County probation
department in the gang units doing home visits, and I
have also done work with the non profit organization
Unity ONE and Assemblies in Motion, both aimed at Gang
Intervention. Since October 2008, I have been enjoying
working with Step By Step as a life skills coach and
part time social skills teacher."
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Casanova, Betty, B.A.
Early Childhood Program Supervisor
"I
started with Step by Step in 2000 when the company was
brand new. I returned to school and finished my BA in
Child Development and Family services. I recently came
back to Step by Step and am providing Early
Intervention, Social Skills and Behavior Intervention
for families and children. I speak Spanish and English.
I am currently back in school working on a Masters in
Social Work (MSW)." |

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Cobey, Lisa
M.A., LMFT
Clinical/Early Childhood Program Director
"I
am the Clinical Director of all programs at Step By Step
and am very much looking forward to getting to know all
of our families personally. My role is to support
parents and caregivers through trainings, parent groups,
and individual meetings as well as provide clinical
training and supervision to our staff. I will also be
active in community outreach. I have extensive
experience doing clinical work with children and
families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures for
over the past 15 years. I am Licensed as a Marriage,
Family, and Child Therapist and obtained my Master's
degree in clinical psychology with a child/family
emphasis from the University of North Carolina and
Bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State
University."
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Cooper, Carole
Intervention Assistant
I have
worked for the Santa Monica school district for over 29
years. I have worked in full day pre schools; school
aged day care, one on one in a general education
classroom, and currently working in a special day class
in Santa Monica. I joined the Step By Step team in
September of 2008. Here I will continue to learn, share,
and gain knowledge about children with special needs.
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Cox, Kimi,
B.A.
Interventionist
"I recently graduated from San Diego State University
with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Music.
However, I have been working with children at Step by
Step since 2001 primarily during Summer Camp. I plan to
continue my education by obtaining my Masters Degree in
Music Therapy."
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Cox,
Travis
Intervention
Assistant/Maintenance
"I have been working at Step by Step for over 4 years I
teach the Saturday sports class and work in the building
during the week doing anything from fixing a table to
teaching a class. I am currently attending Junior
College and will major in psychology and minor in child
development."
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Cruse, Annie
Intervention Assistant
"I
have worked with children for a number of years. I
worked as secondary care giver at the Growing Place at
Marine park for 3 ½ years, and I’ve worked for the Santa
Monica School District for 5 ½ years. I’ve been
providing intervention in multiple Step By Step
classrooms for over the past year."
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Cunningham, Carolyn, PhD
Building Healthy Boundaries Program Coordinator
"I am
a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes
in working with children who have boundary issues,
children with social skills issues, and with children
who are victims of trauma. In addition, I am a
specialist in attachment disorders in children, as well
as working with children with Aspergers Disorder, and
ADHD. I have worked with a children my entire
professional career, first as a teacher, and then as a
therapist for twenty five years I am the author of
several books and journal articles and have trained
other therapists nationally and internationally.
Additionally, I served as an adjunct faculty in several
universities, where I was an instructor in the areas of
play therapy, developmental issues, and research and
methodology."
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Dahlin, Karlee, MFT Intern
Interventionist
In
June 2009, I received my Masters Degree in Clinical
Psychology and am an MFT Intern. I have received
training from the Early Childhood Parenting Center and
have gained valuable knowledge about the relationships
between caregivers and their infants and toddlers. I
also taught ages 3-12 years at Play Mountain Place where
I practiced conflict resolution and communication skills
with children each day. I have been working with
children for 10 years in many different arenas. I was
recently certified as a yoga teacher and have a
background in art and plan on incorporating both of
these interests into my work at Step by Step. I am very
happy to join the Step by Step team as an
Interventionist.
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Eshraghi, Amir, BA
Interventionist/Translator
"I am
a Teacher, Social Skills Instructor as well as a
cultural advisor/translator at Step by Step. I joined
the agency in September of 2008. I recently completed my
B.A. in psychology at Cal State Northridge, and will
continue with my Masters next year. I am also a local
musician/recording artist in the Los Angeles area. "
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Garcia, Katy
Intervention Assistant
I am an art student at
West Los Angeles College and have worked at Step By Step
since January of 2007. My experiences with children and
teens with special needs in those two years and my work
as a nanny for almost four years have opened new doors I
never knew existed. I now know that I want to use my art
to work with children, teens and adults with special
needs as an Art Therapist in the future. I am currently
completing a transfer program at WLAC and am majoring in
Fine Art and minoring Socio-Cultural Anthropology.
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Garcia, Lili, B.A.
Interventionist
I
have been working in the early child development field
for 9 years. I began as an intern at The Growing Place
in Santa Monica during my early high school years and
later got hired as a teacher assistant. I received most
of my experience working at the Growing Place with young
infants and older preschoolers. The Growing Place
follows the Reggio approach and RIE approach in where I
took value that children are competent learners and need
to be respected in their learning environment.
I
currently have a BA in Sociology and minor in early
child development from California State Long Beach
University. At a time of my life I took a different
route working in the Human services field and enjoyed it
but my real passion was working with children. I am now
at Step by Step and I am really excited to be teaching
here.
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Jenkins,
Adrian
Intervention Assistant
"My name is Adrian
Jenkins. I have been working with kids since I have been
able to work. I realized early on that I have a passion
for working with children of all ages. I love what I do
and could not dream of doing anything else. I worked
with a gang intervention program for the city of Los
Angeles for about 5 years as a mentor and a tutor and
then working with case management. It was very rewarding
and allowed me to grow in my career interest and as an
individual. I recently worked at Junior Blind of America
as a one to one aid for children with special needs.
Working at Junior Blind afforded me the opportunity to
be exposed to the different spectrums that encompass the
special needs community. I learned a lot about patience
and understanding through training and working with the
kids on a daily basis. I have worked with kids from all
the age groups, backgrounds, ethnicity, and families. I
have come in contact with the many issues that our youth
and teens have to face on a daily basis and have
developed an understanding and compassion for children
of all ages. Through my years of experience I have grown
to understand that children are the reason why I am here
on this earth and there is no walking away from that. I
am still very much a kid at heart and enjoy working with
them. I look forward to working with your son or
daughter and learning from them as much as they can
learn from me."
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Klein, Sarah, B.S.
Interventionist
"I
have a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development
and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at
Austin. I began working with children in 1995 as a camp
counselor. I have been working at Step by Step since
May 2009 as a social skills facilitator and as a
behavior interventionist. I am now also teaching in the
Lions and am looking forward to working in the Pre-K
classroom and meeting all of you. When I am not working
with children, I enjoy designing and making jewelry,
which I sell to stores around town. "
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Kuester,
Karla,
B.A
Early Intervention
Field Supervisor
"I am
a Behavior/Social Skills/ Early Interventionist working
with special needs infants and their families for Step
By Step EDU-Play Programs in Santa Monica since 2000. As
the EI Field Supervisor, I will be providing supervision
and training for parents and interventionists in the
field for our home-based Early Intervention program. I
am certified by the American Montessori Society
(pre-primary) and a Certified Resources for Infant
Educarers (RIE) Associate (infant/toddler). I have been
involved in early childhood education and developmental
psychology since 1977.
Since 2003, I have been an instructor at UC Irvine
Extension teaching “Infants & Toddlers: A Course for
Caregivers” each spring. I also present at conventions
and consult for teacher training programs nationally on
methodology, respectful caregiving practices, special
needs and other related topics. I have also had a
private tutorial practice for older children since 1988
which offers enrichment and remediation."
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Lopez, Betty, B.A.
Administration
"As a
recent addition to the Step by Step family, I hope to be
of great assistance to every SBS family. As
administration support, I can be of great service to you
and your needs. I would be more than happy to assist
you make an appointment for a tour of our facility and
learn more about our programs and services. I hope to
answer any questions and ease any concerns you may
have."
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Louderback, Ashley BA
Interventionist
"My
name is Ashley Louderback. I am originally from Northern
California where I spent four years in the Santa Clara
Unified School District working with students with
special needs. I worked both one-on-one with students
as well as facilitated small groups. My experience
includes classroom programming to integrated community
opportunities. I graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in
English and a minor in Public Affairs. I am working
towards going back to school for a Master's degree in
this field in order to continue research and awareness,
support families, and ultimately help to support
children to grow and develop to their highest ability."
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Lernihan, Terry, B.A.
Interventionist"I have
been working with children for 25 years now, but
actually all my life since my mother had 14 children of
her own. This opportunity of having so many siblings
has given me my greatest gift and passion of accessing
children’s strengths. One of my best friends as a
teenager was an 18-year-old named Henry who had cerebral
palsy. I made sure he was part of our “group” and he
was always laughing and bringing light to us. He also
became as mischievous as us (and his mother was
delighted).
Presently, I am the Vice-President of North Bay
Association for the Education of Young children (for 8
years) and a mentor and mentor leader of the
Professional Development Institute and Early Pathways.
I am honored to bring special education to the forefront
of our professional development organizations.
After working at St. John’s Therapeutic Preschool as a
therapeutic child specialist, I was asked to take over a
preschool that was failing. After 3 years as the
Director of Trinity Children’s Center, I turned the
school around and it became a quality childcare center
with 88 children and 16 staff.
Yet
I still had this passion for children with special needs
and the need for preschool teachers to understand, so I
decided to start my own business working directly with
children and families with home based early intervention
and consult and support preschools. I am especially
sensitive to children who need extra support in their
early childhood development.
I
am currently a Step by Step consultant (I was also
trained by Shelley Cox at her first Edu-play at her home
about 10 years ago). I am also doing home-based
behavior intervention with clients of Step by Step."
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Mahoney,
Kelli,
B.A
Interventionist
"My
name is Kelli Mahoney. I am originally from Boston,
MA. I moved to California after completing my BA in
psychology at the University of New Hampshire in 2004.
I have been working at Step by Step for the past 3
years. I provide Behavior Intervention in the schools
and home, and Social Skills intervention at Step by Step
in the afternoon. I have recently begun taking classes
at the California State University at Long Beach,
working towards earning my Master's Degree in
Education."
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Maner,
Christine, B.A.
Interventionist |
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Mayer, Allison
Intervention Assistant
"I was
born in Los Angeles, but spent my early childhood in
Canada. After returning to the States at the age of 6,
I spent the next 8 years in competitive gymnastics. I
later obtained my Child Development degree from Santa
Monica College, and a Wardrobe Certificate from
Cosmetology school. I have worked with special needs
kids in a number of places. I worked at Therapy West as
an assistant to the therapists; Broadway Gym where I
worked as a shadow teacher with special needs kids;
taught Gymnastics and worked as a preschool teacher at
La Tijera Center for Children; and was a preschool
teacher at University Parents Nursery school (UCLA
affiliated). I have also worked with special needs
adults in Life Management where I taught them about
wardrobe and makeup. I joined the step by Step staff in
February 2009, and I am very happy to be working with
the kids and families here. I am looking forward to
working with you."
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Mikonowicz, Andrea, MFT Intern
Interventionist
I am a
pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a
Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica
Graduate Institute. I graduated Cum Laude with my
Bachelors degree in Women Studies from San Francisco
State University where I also studied American Sign
Language and Deaf culture for two years. My background
includes women’s advocacy, and I have volunteered at
Sojourn’s Children’s Program since September 2009. I
also have a private therapy practice in West Los
Angeles, and my approach focuses on creating a
nonjudgmental and empathetic therapeutic environment for
every client, couple, family and group I work with. I
have been seeing clients of all ages in various
placements since 2007 and truly enjoy being a therapist.
I am excited to be working with families at Step by
Step.
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Molina,
Blanca
Administrator
"I have experience working with children in the
home and in preschool settings, and have been working for
Step by Step for almost one year. I work primarily
with infants and toddlers, and am dedicated to the
families I serve."
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Morich, Karin, B.A.
Interventionist
"I believe that being the parent of a son with a
severe learning disability has given me the experience,
patience, and a love needed for working with children with
special needs. I am confident working with
children of all ages, and always enjoy a challenge."
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Muller,
Stuart, M.A., LMFT
Behavioral Interventionist/Supervisor
"I have worked with children since 1989 as a play
therapist, behavioral interventionist, and social skills
facilitator. I am a licensed Marriage Family
Therapist, and have my Master’s Degree in Clinical
Psychology."
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Perez, Lisseth
Intervention Assistant
I have
been working with children with special needs for 7
years. I worked as a behavioral and early
interventionist providing 1-on-1. I believe that every
child deserves the opportunity to learn and excel. The
philosophy of on-going collaboration between
parent/caregiver and provider is of “utmost” importance
and is necessary for the effectiveness of the
intervention. I have learned so much since joining Step
by Step family. I am proud and grateful to be a part of
this dynamic and exceptional group of professionals!"
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Pincus,
Rachel, MFT Intern
Interventionist
"I am a graduate of Antioch University with a Masters in
Psychology and previously spent time doing licensure
hours at educational facilities on the Westside: The
Poseidon School and ECPC (The Early Childhood Parenting
Center). I also have a strong interest in art and
achieved a BS degree in Industrial Design and a BFA in
Sculpture. At Warner Bros. Licensing division, I
developed the Looney Tune Babies."
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Ramirez, Wendy
Interventionist
"I have been working with children for over 7 years. At
Leo Politi Elementary, I garnered experience with grades
kindergarten through 5th, and at The Growing Place in
Marine Park, I worked with children whose ages ranged
from 3 months to 5 years. I am excited about being
part of the “Step by Step family” and building great
relationships with the children, parents and staff. "
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Ramos, Ana
Interventionist
and Social Skills Supervisor
"I am a Human Development
major at Pacific Oaks College with a minor in
Developmental Education. I have been working with young
children and their families for ten years with an
emphasis on relationship-based play, strong foundations
for early literacy, conflict resolution, diversity, and
visual and performing arts. I am excited to be part of
the Step By Step Early Intervention and Social Skills
teams and looking forward to developing meaningful
relationships with the Step By Step children and
families. I am also working towards becoming a state
certified addiction treatment counselor."
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Pam
Shaffer, MFT Intern
"I
recently graduated with my Masters in Psychology and am
now accruing hours as an intern for my MFT license. My
traineeship was at the Early Childhood and Parenting
Center, where I received invaluable training and
experience with young children. For the past several
years, I have been working as an academic and test prep
tutor with children and adolescents. Spending time with
many children one-on-one has been illuminating and has
inspired me to pursue a career in psychology. I love
working with families and am passionate about helping
children get the most of out their relationships and
their education. When I am not working with children, I
am often composing and recording music or performing
around LA."
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Smith, Lupe
Enrichment |

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Waters, Emily, BA
Interventionist
Send EmailMy name is
Emily Waters and I am the new teacher in the Ducks class!
I recently graduated from the University of Southern
California with a B.A. in International Relations and a
minor in Human Rights, and will now be working full time
at Step-by-Step. I have been part of the Step-by-Step
since 2008, mainly in the social skills program but also
summer camps and part time with the preschool.
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Zayani, Mary LCSW
Clinical/Behavior Intervention and Social Skills Program
Director
"I
hold a Masters of Social Work degree from Columbia
University in NY with a concentration in Clinical
Counseling with Children and Families. I have over ten
years experience working with children and adolescents,
including seven years at Los Angeles Child Guidance
Clinic in downtown Los Angeles.
I
am licensed as an LCSW in both California and New York.
I am greatly looking forward to meeting and working with
all of the Step by Step families."
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Ziesmer, Jillian
Intervention Assistant
"I
have been in the field of early childhood education for
two years, working as a Teacher Assistant at a
preschool. At Santa Monica College, I completed and
graduated from the Early Childhood Education program. I
am continuing my education, and I plan to transfer to
Cal State Northridge to pursue my bachelor’s degree in
child development or psychology. I have been a Social
Skills Interventionist at Step By Step on Saturdays,
where I have been given the opportunity to design the
Music and Movement class. I recently joined the Early
Intervention Program onsite. I thoroughly enjoy
singing, dancing, and doing art projects with the
children."
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Ziemer, Kriss
Interventionist
"I
have been with Step by Step from almost the beginning.
I participated in the very first EDU-Play training.
During the day I work at a private preschool. I provide
Social Skills intervention and enjoy teaching cooking
and gardening to all children. I am currently
completing my BA in Child Development."
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