Our employees are the heart and soul of Aim Star Learning. They are highly trained and experienced ABA behavior analysts and therapists that are passionate, caring, and dedicated about making a difference and empowering our clients to thrive.
Meet the Aim Star Learning Team
About Us
Directors
Lesley is the Founder and Executive Director of Aim Star Learning and is committed to excellence in ABA, delivering evidence-based treatment to her clients. With over 20 years of experience, she passionately applies the principles of applied behavior analysis, demonstrating energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care for her clients. Lesley is dedicated to guiding staff in best practices, encouraging active involvement from individuals and families in shaping their lives.
Lesley holds a psychology bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in behavior analysis and special education from Columbia University. Her interest in applied behavior analysis began during her physical therapy studies at UW, where she gained hands-on experience as a behavior technician. In New York, she worked as a teacher and early education director at the Fred S. Keller School and Hawthorne Country Day School. Since obtaining her BCBA certification in 2002, Lesley has worked with individuals of all ages, addressing diverse abilities and challenges. Lesley has worked in numerous settings, presenting at both local and national conferences on ABA research and education.
Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time hiking, paddle boarding, watching movies, and traveling with her husband and two daughters.
Kara is the Assistant Clinical Director at Aim Star Learning, leading a team of exceptional clinicians dedicated to providing meaningful, ethical, and compassionate ABA services to clients and their families. Beginning her ABA journey in February 2016, Kara has diverse experience in clinic, home, and school-based settings. She finds joy in working with families, sharing practical ABA techniques tailored to their daily lives.
Passionate about a holistic approach, Kara strives to maximize the benefits of ABA therapy for individuals with ASD and their families. Specializing in precision teaching, she appreciates the growth achievable through fluency-based instruction in both controlled and natural environments. Kara holds a master’s degree in special education and applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University, earning her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst certification in November 2020.
When not working, Kara enjoys outdoor activities, camping, and paddle boarding with her blue heeler.
Brittany serves as the Assistant Center Director in Ellensburg, playing a pivotal role in extending ABA services to the area in 2020, a project spearheaded by Lesley. Before obtaining her master's in psychology with an emphasis in ABA therapy, Brittany dedicated over 15 years to being a preschool teacher and Curriculum Lead. During her master's program, she worked at a school for children with Autism.
Brittany's enduring passion for working with children is evident in her creative approach to fostering their growth and self-advocacy. In the realm of ABA, she focuses on enhancing communication and utilizes her creativity to craft materials that benefit both the children and their families. Beyond her professional life, Brittany enjoys tending to her 10-acre farm, cooking, spending time with her puppy, and exploring the mountains in her spare time.
Program Managers
Claire joined Aim Star Learning in August 2022 and gets excited seeing her clients grow socially and develop friendships in the center. She first started working with children in 2014 as a nanny and a volunteer math tutor for middle schoolers. During college she had the opportunity to work in ABA as a behavior technician and loved the field right away.
Since then, she earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from Ohio State University, and an M.A. in special education and Behavior Analysis from the University of Arizona. She became a BCBA in March 2023.
In her free time, she loves to travel, hike, read, rock climb, and dance: She has a bucket list goal
to travel to every state and visit every National Park in the U.S.
Rachel Krilcich joined Aim Star Learning as a BCBA in 2024. Krilcich began her career as a physical therapy student in 2014-2015, but quickly shifted her focus when she recognized the need for improved care for individuals on the autism spectrum. Krilcich was previously with a small in-home ABA company and since 2015, she has been directly involved in ABA therapy implementation.
Krilcich earned her B.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University in 2018. Seeking further knowledge and professional development, she pursued her M.S. in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas, graduating in 2022. Since then, Rachel has found fulfillment in guiding individuals towards their place in the world.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys hiking, leisurely walks, cuddling with her cats, expanding her houseplant collection, and spending quality time with her husband.
Mackenzie Strom is a BCBA at Aim Star Learning, joining the company in 2024. She has been committed to supporting children and families in Western Washington since 2021. A former soccer player, Strom hung up her cleats and embarked on a career in ABA. Beginning as a behavior technician in Yakima, Washington, she dedicated herself to serving children aged 2-12 with autism, developmental delays, and distressed behaviors across various settings including home, school, and clinic environments. Rapidly developing a profound appreciation for the field of ABA, she found fulfillment in assisting children and their families in overcoming diverse challenges and rejoicing in their accomplishments, such as fostering communication skills and forming meaningful relationships.
In 2018, Strom graduated from Central Washington University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She then received a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. She then attained her BCBA certification in 2021.
Outside of work, Strom cherishes moments with her family, which now includes a new baby boy and their Frenchton companion "Bean". She also indulges in hobbies like camping, golfing with her husband, and maintaining an active lifestyle through workouts.
Shelly Coon began her journey with Aim Star Learning in January of 2022, driven by a deep-seated passion to make a difference in the lives of children who often face challenges in traditional school settings. With siblings on the autism spectrum, she understands firsthand the importance of early intervention and is committed to helping every child reach their full potential.
Her path into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was a natural progression, stemming from years of experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Aim Star recognized her dedication and invited her to apply, leading her to discover her true calling in ABA therapy.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and currently pursuing a master's in ABA, she is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide the highest quality of care to her clients.
Before joining Aim Star Learning, she devoted her time to providing daily life support to adults with intellectual disabilities, further honing her skills in fostering independence and growth.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds inspiration in the pages of a good book and enjoys the simple pleasures of taking her beloved dog for leisurely walks.
Derek Middlekauff is a LABA at Aim Star Learning, having joined the company in 2019 as a Lead Certified Behavior Technician. Derek's first experience working with children with ASD began in May of 2017 in a school setting as Paraeducator before transitioning to the field of ABA in November 2019. In that time Derek enjoyed working with clients, watching them progress, and achieve significant outcomes. He has experience working with clients in many different settings including home, school, clinic, and on community outings.
Derek has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Eastern Washington University and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analytics from Florida Institute of Technology.
When he is not working Derek enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing board games with friends and family.
In 2020, Kristina earned her B.A. in psychology with a minor in child development from Central Washington University. Joining Aim Star Learning in a CBT role after college, she quickly developed a passion for ABA. Within her first year, Kristina progressed to a mentor position, prompting her decision to pursue a master's degree in special education and Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University in 2021. Kristina achieved LABA certification in January 2023 and graduated with her master's in May 2023, solidifying her commitment to the ABA community.
Kristina specializes in working with early intervention-aged children and young adults, focusing on enhancing daily living skills and reducing challenging behaviors. Beyond the office, she spends her time walking her dog, camping, and riding her horse. Art plays a significant role in Kristina's life, and during her free moments, you can find her in the pottery room, sculpting vases and cups.
Passionate about a holistic approach, Kara strives to maximize the benefits of ABA therapy for individuals with ASD and their families. Specializing in precision teaching, she appreciates the growth achievable through fluency-based instruction in both controlled and natural environments. Kara holds a master’s degree in special education and applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University, earning her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst certification in November 2020.
When not working, Kara enjoys outdoor activities, camping, and paddle boarding with her blue heeler.
Lead BTs
Omer is a lead behavior technician at Aim Star Learning who works closely with program managers to develop interventions designed to improve the quality of life for our clients. After studying cell biology during his undergraduate years at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Omer chose to shift professions to a field focused on healthcare. He finds joy in helping clients acquire skills necessary to lead happy, independent lives.
Omer began his ABA journey in January 2021 working directly with clients in clinical, home, school, and community-based settings. He strives to form partnerships with the individuals he supports, to really understand them, and to tailor his approach to help them grow and learn.
When not working, Omer enjoys going for walks, listening to music, and exploring new restaurants.
Kyrsten is a dedicated lead Certified Behavior Technician at Aim Star Learning, serving in this role since March 2022. Drawn to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) after witnessing the transformative power of teaching children on the spectrum, Kyrsten discovered a passion for making a lasting impact on the lives of these exceptional individuals and their families.
Kyrsten holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary arts and sciences with a focus on childhood development from the University of Washington, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at National University.
Before joining Aim Star Learning, Kyrsten worked as a Behavior Technician for a national ABA center. Before this, she was a swim instructor for children with autism.
Outside of work, Kyrsten enjoys exploring the world with their two chow chows, working on cars, attending car shows, playing video games, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Andrea is a passionate lead Behavior Technician at Aim Star Learning, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to making a difference in the lives of clients and their families since joining the team in March 2022. With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and four years of prior experience at Caravel Autism, Andrea is adept at providing tailored support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities.
Andrea got into ABA after hearing the impact that it had on families and students in her community. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle, further solidifying their expertise in the field.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys exploring Washington's culinary offerings and discovering new areas in the state. She also finds fulfillment in hosting dinner parties, fostering connections and meaningful conversations.