Meet Our Staff
We are a team of highly skilled professionals who are intensely invested in the growth of your child and ultimately, your family. We are Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Assistant Analysts, and Registered Behavior Technicians, many of whom have extensive background in the education system. Together we have years of experience working in various areas of education and with an immensely varying range of skill sets, challenging behaviors, and developmental disabilities. We are driven by continuous learning and the joy we feel from contributing to your child’s success.
Ms. Herrick focuses on the family as a unit and the development of meaningful social skills. ABA based in practice, Rachel does not subscribe to a ‘one-way-fits-all’ method and uses a variety of intervention approaches that have proven to elicit positive results including:
Rachel applies knowledge of effective leadership skills in the field of developmental disabilities and understands the challenges faced by these individuals across the lifespan.
She specializes in early intervention and family-centered therapy and is a multifaceted professional; believing strongly in the power of Errorless Learning while incorporating the educational environment, community participation, and family dynamic in all services provided. As a former teacher, she possesses the skill-set to bridge the gap between school and intervention and is uniquely qualified to offer IEP consultation and advocacy support.
Rachel’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. She completed an education degree from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York and became a certified New York and Florida teacher. During her first year teaching in an intensive placement classroom she obtained an Autism Endorsement from St. Petersburg College and was nominated for Teacher of the Year. She went on to earn a Masters of Science in Developmental Disabilities and Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. Rachel is currently a PhD candidate in Psychology and Behavior Analysis with research interests in Peer Mediated-Pivotal Response Training. With more than 10 years of experience Rachel has worked with children with a range of needs including those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Genetic Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD, ADD), Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness), Depression, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
Rachel is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA). She attends national and international conferences annually and is a supervising analyst for students working to become BCBA’s.
Jordan earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. During her undergraduate years, she also received a minor in Educational Studies and specialized in Positive Psychology while volunteering for organizations such as Young Athletes, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies. It was during this time volunteering that Jordan’s passion for the neurodiversity movement began to blossom. After completing her undergraduate studies, Jordan moved back to South Florida and began working as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Over the years, she gained experience providing therapy in various settings such as home, school, centers, and community-based locations. Jordan has supported students with various needs including cognitive deficits, developmental delays, severe aggression, self-injurious behaviors, attention deficits, use of alternative communication, and other behavioral needs related to ASD and diagnoses within the neurodiversity spectrum. Jordan also has experience working with children with comorbid diagnosis’ and genetic disorders. She has collaborated with a diverse range of families and practitioners and is passionate about designing and implementing the most effective interventions to support client progress across providers.
Jordan pursued a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Ball State University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. As an integral part of the JumpStart Interventions family, Jordan oversees direct support to all staff including providing growth opportunities for RBTs, clinical oversight and direction for student analysts, and mentorship to new behavior analysts. She is driven by her love for helping children connect with their families, friends, and communities and takes pride in providing the best quality care to all who are lucky enough to work with her.
Ruth Sterling received her bachelor’s in psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2015 and then chose to pursue further education in nursing. During the course of her studies, she worked at a mental health facility, taught as a substitute teacher, and was a youth care specialist at a shelter where she helped adolescents avoid the juvenile justice system through interventions such as counseling, family support, and behavioral management. Ruth also volunteered at her local church in both the outreach department and the children’s ministry. In the outreach department, Ruth helped provide food, faith initiatives, and assistance to the residents in her community. While teaching as a Sunday school teacher in the children’s ministry, Ruth had the pleasure of working with two students who were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Her love for their unique personalities propelled her to her current work as an RBT and senior student analyst with JumpStart Interventions.
Although Ruth’s former professions helped shape her as an individual, when she came across the field of ABA, she grew a desire to continue working with children of different ability levels. Ruth has considerable experience working with children who benefit from different learning styles; she specializes in assisting children and their families in ABA-based home-education programs using visual supports, differentiated teaching, and scaffolded concepts. She exudes a love of teaching concepts from many perspectives and is relentless in her pursuit to ensure children feel confident in their abilities to learn. Ruth is currently pursuing her certification as a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst and has her next goal set on obtaining a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis to become a future Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Linda has always had careers that showcased her care and compassion for others. Her career began at Baudhuin Preschool where she realized she was meant to work with children on the spectrum. Her desire to keep learning and pushing herself led her to become a paraprofessional in Broward Schools which ultimately merged her path with ABA at its best alongside Rachel Herrick. During JumpStart’s early years, Linda left her career in the school board to work fulltime with JumpStart Interventions and has continued to grow as an RBT. Linda has worked in the most diverse settings including clients’ homes, schools, camps, and the JumpStart clinical setting. Linda’s work in the community has included doctors’ offices, beaches, birthday parties, grocery stores, parks, gardens, zoos and many more. Linda’s love of affording children with immersive opportunities to learn and grow is unparalleled.
Although Linda seamlessly wears many hats, her innate understanding and flawless implementation of natural environment training (NET) stands out as one of the best in the field. Her love of teaching functional communication in combination with NET is unmatched. JumpStart is very lucky to partner with Linda so that she may positively touch the lives of so many children and families.
Tara received her bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University in Early Childhood Education. During her undergraduate program. During her undergraduate program, Tara pursued her passion of working with children across various settings within the community and in preschool classrooms. While working in the preschool setting, Tara’s drive to understand children on the Autism Spectrum grew from a connection she developed with a student in her care. Due to this blossoming love and interest, she furthered her education studying at the University of Cincinnati and completing a Masters in Behavior Analysis. Tara continued to work in the field of education as a classroom teacher for both first and second grade students and was intrinsically motivated to grow in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis. As a Registered Behavioral Technician with JumpStart Interventions, Tara has had the opportunity to support, guide, and work with children with various developmental needs in the home, school, and center environments. Tara’s passion to partner and collaborate with families in a meaningful manner created a bridge of success for celebrating the individuality of each child and providing meaningful therapy to both children and families in need. Tara has been a part of JumpStart’s student analyst program and has worked tirelessly to learn and apply the science in an impactful manner. Tara’s goal is to not only grow with JumpStart Intervention professionally but also to work towards becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). Tara fosters compassion, integrity, and independence in all that she does.
Aneesa received her Bachelors in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and decided to further her education, working toward a Masters in Human Services in Child Protection with a concentration from Nova Southeastern University.
During the earlier course of Aneesa’s educational journey, she became a part of a peer counseling team who worked with children with autism spectrum disorder. This experience not only allowed Aneesa to gain knowledge of the ASD community but inspired her to pursue a career that would allow her to make a difference in at least one child’s life. Little did Aneesa know that her journey would lead her to make a positive impact on many more than one child! Aneesa is admired by her colleagues for her compassionate and ever-patient demeanor and has become a favorite therapist to many children and families. Aneesa is versatile in her abilities, working with children with complex health issues, oppositional behavior, and varying means of communication. She approaches all behavior from a positive standpoint and uses functional communication training in all opportunities.
An integral part of Aneesa’s experience in the field was while she interned at the Challenging Behavior Clinic at NSU. This time allowed her to grow her love for applied behavior analysis (ABA). Through her experience at this clinic, Aneesa was able pursue her certification to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Aneesa started working for JumpStart Interventions shortly after where her caring and compassionate nature has allowed her the opportunity to guide, support, and work with children with varying developmental needs. She has had to opportunity to work in home and center environments and has become a senior student analyst, receiving mentorship and supervision while she continues to work toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Caroline was gifted to JumpStart after a long-standing relationship with staff who used to serve students in her classroom. As a teacher specializing in individualized curriculum for students with a broad range of disabilities, Caroline worked tirelessly to help every student achieve to their best ability. She formed excellent relationships with family members and remained a favorite teacher to many. Caroline received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Flagler College, concentrating in early childhood education, and receiving minors in Sociology, Spanish, and Criminology. This educational background equipped Caroline to apply theoretical perspectives to practical applications as she served as an advocate for her clients. Initially, Caroline started her career path as a youth counselor at a boarding school for grades 8-12 in addition to teaching at a preschool academy where she directed her attention to helping diverse learners succeed. Whether Caroline was teaching alternative forms of communication or preparing students for college, her goal has always been to help others find meaningful engagement with the broader world.
Caroline continued her education by obtaining a Master’s in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University. During these years she devoted time to Easter Seals Early Steps. She was part of the assessment team and oversaw the therapeutic process. Caroline is familiar with the BDI-3, VB-MAPP, MCHAT, ASQ among other developmental screenings and ASD tools. It was at this time that Caroline found a greater love for the ASD community and pursued a career in ABA. After several years working as an RBT, and with experience in clinical settings, home, school, and community environments, she recently graduated from Ball State University with a Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis and is on her way to becoming a future BCBA! While Caroline brings a vast education and incredible experience to her work at JumpStart, it is her heart that is her best asset. She loves the children she works with and gives effortlessly to them and their families.