Check out Dr. David Timpanaro, founder of Step Up Family Services, on the Wraparound the World Podcast! You can see the whole episode using this link: Wraparound the World Episode 21
We’re excited to share that David Timpanaro, owner of Step Up Family Services, was recently featured on the Wraparound the World podcast — a leading platform for conversations that strengthen mental health systems through community, collaboration, and the wraparound philosophy.
👉 Listen to the full episode below (open Spotify app to watch a video of the podcast)
Click here
In this episode, the Wrap Brothers sit down with Ken from Innovia Circle and David from Step Up Family Services, two passionate wraparound champions from New Jersey, to explore what it truly means to support our “at-promise” youth.
💬 Key themes from the episode include:
How to build stronger, more sustainable support systems for youth and families
The importance of community-based solutions and kinship
Innovative technologies that can elevate care coordination
New ways the wraparound process can evolve to meet modern needs
David brings his experience, compassion, and forward-thinking approach to the conversation, offering meaningful insight into how we can uplift youth by empowering the families and communities around them.
A huge thank-you to the Wraparound the World team for highlighting the work happening here in New Jersey and for creating space for important conversations that move our systems of care forward.
What secrets are family courts hiding???
Dr. David Timpanaro, CEO of Step Up Family Services connects with Catherine Jones to discuss Family Court. Dr. Timpanaro has been involved in this area of the field for over two decades.
It starts in a courtroom with no cameras, no public transcripts, and no clear accountability. But, behind those closed doors, a quiet pattern is repeating itself. According to Dr. David Timpanaro, the CEO of Step Up Family Services in New Jersey, in recent years, mothers are losing custody, and “experts” are profiting. And children? Well, they’re caught in the middle of it all. Welcome to family court.
Please read and share if it hits for you:
It starts in a courtroom with no cameras, no public transcripts, and no clear accountability. But, behind those closed doors, a quiet pattern is repeating itself. According to Dr. David Timpanaro, the CEO of Step Up Family Services in New Jersey, in recent years, mothers are losing custody, and “experts” are profiting. And children? Well, they’re caught in the middle of it all. Welcome to family court.
Timpanaro says he’s been in the family court trenches for decades, as a professional working within the system. He holds a PhD in multidisciplinary human services, with a focus on what he calls “practices around children and families.” His job is to create what he describes as “a wraparound plan to ensure the success of that child and family,” pulling together court systems, therapists, schools, and psychiatrists who, he explains, often don’t communicate at all. But the courts are not working as planned. And he says that what he has seen from inside that system is deeply troubling.
“You have children and families that have court involvement, psychiatry involvement, psychology involvement, school and IEP involvement, private therapist involvement, and none of these entities talk to each other,” he says.
In fact, he says he has noticed a concerning and recurring issue in the past decade: the courts have turned against mothers. And that breakdown opens the door for unethical practices, often hurting the very people the system is designed to protect. What may seem shocking to the public is just routine in the family court world, he says. One example is a case unfolding in Jesup, Georgia, where a child has been removed from her mother’s home completely, without due process.
“It’s not unusual,” Timpanaro says.
Timpanaro believes real change must include transparency, retraining, and oversight. Because the stakes are too high. “These professionals thrive in a system that’s fractured,” he says.
“They can manipulate things, and there’s almost no oversight. Judges rely too heavily on their word, even when those so-called experts are acting unethically. That’s dangerous.”
The emotional toll runs deep, not only for the parents caught in the system, but for the children whose futures hang in the balance.
“When I entered family court, I believed it was about truth and justice. I quickly learned it was about business transactions,” Tina Swithin, founder of the advocacy organization One Mom’s Battle, writes. “To the system, your life is another case file, another hearing, another line on the docket. It is inhumane and calloused. … Expecting justice or fairness in family court is like searching for an avocado in a hardware store.”
Still, there is hope. Across the country, concerned mothers and other victims of family court are stepping out of the shadows. They’re showing up with hot pink signs and undeniable stories.
“There’s hope in that,” he says. “Once people start pulling back the curtain, it’s hard to unsee what’s really going on.”
The signs are part of a growing national, grassroots movement to bring awareness to the country’s family court system. Recently featured on the WPLG’s World News segment, the hot pink sign movement started with a handful of mothers demanding visibility and has since grown into a national symbol of protest and survival.
From front yards in Georgia to sidewalks in California, the hot pink signs with children’s photos are raising awareness, one family court case at a time. Much like the pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, these signs are turning a spotlight on a crisis that has long remained hidden for years. Each sign carries the message that something is deeply wrong inside the nation’s family court system.
Timpanaro and a growing network of advocates believe these signs will awaken the public to the need for urgent reform. They see them as the start of a national reckoning. The hot pink signs force the country to ask a long-overdue question: what happens when the system meant to protect families becomes the one that tears them apart?
https://medium.com/@cathyjonesfsu/behind-closed-doors-what-family-court-doesnt-want-you-to-see-930ce398c319
At Step Up Family Services, we believe every child deserves the tools to thrive. One of the most effective tools we use to support emotional growth and mental wellness is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a proven, practical approach that helps children and teens understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented type of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. It helps children recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones.
For example, a child who often thinks, “I’m not good at anything,” may learn to challenge that thought and replace it with, “I’m still learning, and I’ve improved a lot.”
CBT is especially effective for children and adolescents dealing with:
Through age-appropriate techniques like role-playing, journaling, and interactive activities, CBT empowers young people to:
CBT sessions are collaborative and engaging. Therapists work closely with children and their families to set goals and track progress. Parents are often included in the process to reinforce skills at home and support long-term success.
CBT is backed by decades of research and is considered a gold standard in mental health treatment. It’s effective, short-term, and adaptable to each child’s unique needs.
At Step Up Family Services, our licensed therapists use CBT to help children not just cope—but grow. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior issues, or just needs extra support, CBT can be a powerful step forward.
At Step Up Family Services, the workplace isn’t just where you clock in—it’s where you grow, connect, and make a lasting impact. From the moment you join the team, you become part of a mission-driven community that’s deeply committed to empowering families and transforming lives through compassionate care and collaboration.
Step Up Family Services thrives on a wraparound model of care, which means every team member—whether a therapist, behavior analyst, or care coordinator—is part of a unified support system. This collaborative approach ensures that services are consistent, family-centered, and tailored to each individual’s needs [1]. Employees work together across disciplines, creating a dynamic and supportive environment where ideas are shared freely and progress is celebrated collectively.
The organization’s mission is clear: to support and empower children and families through personalized, high-quality services. Staff members are not just employees—they’re advocates, mentors, and change-makers. Whether providing in-home ABA therapy, outpatient counseling, or diagnostic services, every role contributes to a larger purpose of healing and growth [2].
Led by Dr. David Timpanaro and a team of seasoned professionals, Step Up Family Services is built on a foundation of experience, empathy, and excellence. The leadership team brings decades of expertise in psychology, behavior analysis, and social work, fostering a culture where professional development and personal growth are encouraged [3].
Step Up Family Services is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where every staff member is valued for their skills and contributions. The organization actively supports diversity across race, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religion, ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered [3].
The positive energy at Step Up Family Services is reflected in the heartfelt testimonials from families and clients. One parent shared, “My daughter currently receives services through Step Up and we could not be happier. They have gone above and beyond and consistently exceed our expectations. My team is amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support” [2].
Working at Step Up Family Services means being part of a team that’s passionate about making a difference. It’s a place where your voice matters, your skills are nurtured, and your work has real meaning. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to grow in a supportive, mission-driven environment, Step Up offers a path to fulfillment and purpose.
🧩 Is Your Child’s School Meeting Their Needs?
If your child is on the autism spectrum or requires ABA services and their school just isn’t providing the support they deserve, Step Up Family Services is here to help.
🌟 We offer individualized, Center-Based ABA therapy & autism support designed to unlock every child’s potential—right in Brick, NJ and Parsippany, NJ, during the day.
👪 Because your child’s future shouldn’t be defined by limitations, but by possibility.
📍 Visit ABA Learning Center Information to learn more and schedule a consultation today!
📸 Tag us, follow us, and share with families who need to know they have options. #StepUpFamilyServices #ABAtherapy #AutismSupport #BrickNJ #ParsippanyNJ #SpecialNeedsCare #MorrisCounty #OceanCounty #School #Education
The Power of Wraparound Collaboration: Transforming Mental Health and ABA Services
At Step Up Family Services, we believe that healing and growth don’t happen in isolation—they happen through connection. That’s why we champion the wraparound model: a collaborative, family-centered approach that brings together a team of professionals, caregivers, and community supports to create a unified plan for each individual’s success.
What Is Wraparound Collaboration?
Wraparound collaboration is more than just a buzzword—it’s a structured, holistic approach to care. Originally developed to support children with complex emotional and behavioral needs, the wraparound model ensures that all service providers—mental health therapists, ABA specialists, educators, and family members—work together toward shared goals 1.
At the heart of this model is a dedicated care coordinator who ensures communication flows smoothly between all parties. This person helps align strategies, track progress, and adjust plans as needed, ensuring that the individual’s needs remain front and center.
Why It Matters in Mental Health and ABA Services
Mental health and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services often intersect, especially for children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or trauma-related challenges. Without collaboration, these services can become fragmented—leading to confusion, inconsistent strategies, and missed opportunities for progress.
Here’s how wraparound collaboration makes a difference:
Consistency Across Environments: When ABA therapists and mental health counselors share insights and strategies, children receive consistent support at home, in school, and in therapy sessions.
Family Empowerment: Families are not just passive recipients of care—they’re active members of the team. Wraparound planning ensures their voices are heard and their strengths are leveraged.
Faster, More Sustainable Progress: Unified goals and coordinated interventions reduce redundancy and accelerate growth.
Crisis Prevention and Response: With a team in place, families have a built-in support network ready to respond to challenges before they escalate.
Real Impact, Real Stories
At Step Up Family Services, we’ve seen firsthand how wraparound collaboration transforms lives. Whether it’s a child learning to regulate emotions more effectively or a family finally feeling supported and understood, the outcomes speak for themselves.
One parent shared:
“My daughter currently receives services through Step Up and we could not be happier. They have gone above and beyond and consistently exceed our expectations. My team is amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support.”
Our Commitment to Holistic, Family-Centered Care
With locations in Brick and Parsippany, NJ, our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed therapists, and care coordinators are dedicated to providing personalized, wraparound support. Whether through in-home ABA therapy, outpatient counseling, or diagnostic services, we’re here to walk alongside you—every step of the way.
Ready to experience the difference of wraparound care?
Contact us today to learn how we can build a support team tailored to your family’s needs.
When a child struggles to manage their emotions, it affects the entire family. Simple, everyday situations become stressful.
Parents searching for a path forward, one that offers real solutions, often find Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
ABA provides practical tools, not just theories. It is a structured, scientific approach designed to improve a child's behavioral health by teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors.
This therapy helps create lasting, positive change for children and their families.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It operates on the principle: Positive behaviors can be taught and encouraged using reinforcement.
It is not a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs a plan tailored to each child's specific needs.
While it is well-known for its effectiveness with children who are on the Autism Spectrum, its principles also successfully support children with other developmental and behavioral disorders, like ADHD.
To understand how ABA works, it's important to first understand two main concepts.
Children with poor emotional regulation often act out. They may have disruptive behaviors because they have not learned a better way to express their feelings.
ABA therapy directly addresses this by teaching children to identify and communicate their emotions. It also examines the "ABCs" of behavior:
By understanding this pattern, a therapist can identify the cause of a behavior. Then, they can teach the child a better way to respond.
For example, if a child screams to escape a difficult task, the therapist can teach them to ask for a break instead. Ultimately, this process replaces a challenging behavior with a useful skill.
Many of these strategies are core to the programs at our ABA learning center.
ABA therapy proactively builds a foundation of skills that support long-term behavioral health. It helps children develop a toolbox of strategies they can use when they feel overwhelmed.
By mastering these skills through positive reinforcement, children gain confidence and a sense of control. This empowerment is central to their well-being and helps them interact more successfully.
Examples of these skill-building blocks include:
Your child's growth is a process of building one skill upon another. ABA therapy provides a clear, structured framework to guide that process and support their behavioral health.
You do not have to figure this out alone. Our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to creating personalized plans that foster real change.
We provide the tools and support your family needs to move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is provided as general information only and should not be taken as professional advice. All content is offered with no guarantees or warranties, and the blog does not substitute for professional consultation or service. Always consult a professional before making any decisions based on the content of this blog.
Meet Dr. David Timpanaro. Our Team and CEO are dependent on team work at Step Up Family Services to help with your needs. Call and ask how we can help!
Happy 5 Years to the Step Up Family!!! Step Up Family Services has crossed our 5 years with a strong family representing us! Thank you to all of the providers and leadership that have gotten us to this point and continue to pour their passion and skills into the individuals, children, and families we work with.
