About us

Our Mission to Support & Empower

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 Commitment to Excellence

We provide a range of services, including:

• Advocacy for children
• In-home therapy
• Behavioral assistance

• ABA services
• Classroom support training

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 Care for 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 Every Step 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.

Meet the Team

Our Leadership

David Timpanaro, Ph.D. - Owner/Founder

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, BCBA - 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 Coordinator

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 - Outpatient 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, BCBA - Clinical Coordinator

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.

Florencia Torres, BCBA - Clinical Coordinator

Florencia received her master’s degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent psychology in 2013 from Montclair State University. She is also a certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 12 years of experience in the field of special education and autism.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts

Candace Tomassetti, BCBA - Clinical Manager

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.

Anne Marie Harris, BCBA - Clinical Manager

Anne Marie has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2018. She started college at the age of 17, where she gained a BS in Psychology from The University of Scranton. She later earned a Master’s degree in Psychology at Palo Alto University and completed her coursework and practicum to become a BCBA at Rutgers University.

Susan O'Sullivan, BCBA - Clinical Manager

Susan has been working with learners on the autism spectrum since 2007 and has been practicing as a BCBA since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Masters in Special Education from Ball State University. She has worked with learners ranging in age from 2-21 and in many different settings.

Clinical Supervisors

Victoria Leonett, BCBA - Clinical Supervisor

Victoria is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working with Step Up Family Services since 2021. She started her career as a certified Special Education Teacher in 2018, but found her passion in ABA shortly after working in a school that catered to students with autism. Victoria has a master's degree in Education from Rutgers University.

Janis Birch, BCBA - Clinical Supervisor

Janis is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Step Up Family Services. She grew up in Baltimore, MD, before moving to South Jersey in her early 20’s. She received her BA in Communications from Stockton University in 2003. Janis taught preschool before being introduced by a neighbor to the field of Autism, which ignited her desire to become a BCBA.

A Path to a Brighter 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.

Get In Touch

Together Towards Better Lives

Supporting Your Family's Goals and Well-being