Located in Brick and Parsippany, New Jersey, our expert team provides center-based and in-home services tailored to meet each individual's needs. We believe in working together to help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
Our Commitmentto Excellence
We provide a range of services, including:
✅ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) • 1:1 ABA therapy • In‑clinic, home‑based, and community‑based options • Early intervention • Social skills development • Parent training • Behavior reduction plans
✅ Outpatient Mental Health Counseling - Anxiety - Depression - Anger management - Behavioral challenges - Trauma‑informed care - Family therapy
We believe that by working together, we can help raise the bar for each child and family we serve. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child and family can achieve their goals through collaboration and empowerment.
Personalized Carefor Every Need
Our experience enables us to offer effective, individualized services. We treat every need with a unique team approach, ensuring an appropriate treatment plan for your child and family.
Our focus is on helping individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this through partnerships with children, families, providers, and community members, customizing each treatment plan to meet specific concerns.
Supporting You EveryStep of the Way
We promise to be there for you throughout your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, capitalize on your strengths, build a supportive team, and move forward to where you want to be.
We’re committed to serving the underserved and ensuring that every family has access to the support they need.
Commitment to Diversity,Equity, and Inclusion
Step Up Family Services is dedicated to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We protect and support all staff and clients, judging solely on the quality of their skills, not on race, nationality, sexuality, gender, or religion.
By working together on a heart level, we empower each other and step up in harmony as a community.
David Timpanaro is the owner/founder and CEO of Step Up Family Services. Dr. Dave has completed his BA in Psychology, MS in Human Services, and his PhD in Multidisciplinary Human Services. Dr. Dave has been working within the in-home service field of social services for over 20 years, using his personal life experiences to develop the organization.
John Vitug, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D - Vice President/Co-Founder
John has been practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2015 with experience in the field working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2012. He joined Dr. Dave in co-founding Step Up Family Services' ABA services and holds a Master’s degree in Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology.
Lia Timpanaro - Program Director
Lia has a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Women's Studies. With over 20 years of experience working with children, her expertise includes general behavioral and mental health and Autism. Lia is a fundamental part of how Step Up Family Services grows and connects with children, families, clients, providers, and referring agencies.
Staci Chmielewski, LCSW - Mental Health Clinical Director
Staci completed her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2004 and is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with children, families, and adults across many mental and behavioral needs and is certified to provide clinical supervision.
Danielle Anderson, LAC, LBA, BCBA - ABA Clinical Director
Danielle has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2012 and a Licensed Associate Counselor since 2009. She received her BA in Psychology from The Catholic University of America, MS in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University, and completed her Certification in Behavior Analysis.
Rebecca Ehnstrom, MA - Director of Operations
Rebecca holds an MA in Clinical Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a postgraduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Rebecca has worked as an Intensive In-Community (IIC) therapist with the Children’s System of Care (CSOC). She brings over 20 years of experience working with young children and adolescents with diverse developmental and physical disabilities across various settings, including school districts, homes, communities, and clinics. Rebecca leverages her personal experience as a mother of a child with physical disabilities to establish a strong connection with parents.
Candace Tomassetti, LBA, BCBA - Training Specialist
Candace is a BCBA with Step Up Family Services. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Kean University in Communication Disorders and Deafness in 2018 and her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2021. Before becoming a BCBA, she worked in the field providing services to individuals in home, community, and school settings.
A Path to aBrighter Future
At Step Up Family Services, our commitment to personalized care, excellence, and inclusivity ensures that you receive the best support possible. Take the first step towards achieving your goals and enhancing your quality of life.
Florida‑Required Telehealth Statement (Meets the disclosure expectations under Florida Statute §456.47) Telehealth services are provided in accordance with Florida Statute §456.47. All clinicians delivering telehealth services to Florida clients are licensed in the State of Florida and follow the same standard of care as in‑person services. Clients must be physically located in Florida at the time of service. Controlled substances are not prescribed via telehealth except as permitted by Florida law.
