Our Commitment to Enhancing LivesAbout Us
At Ladder of Success ABA, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of children through expert ABA therapy, providing both in-home and in-clinic services to meet the diverse needs of the families we serve. Our clinical team has over 25 years combined experience in successful outcomes. Our personalized therapy plans are tailored to each child’s unique strengths and goals, guided by our team of experienced therapists who are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. We believe in a collaborative and interactive approach, involving parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that our therapy not only supports social, emotional, and cognitive development but also engages and empowers each child.
Proudly serving children across Colorado, Ladder of Success ABA focuses on building foundational skills in a caring and supportive environment. We strive to make therapy both effective and enjoyable, giving children the confidence they need to reach their full potential. Our commitment is to help every child we work with climb to new heights of success, fostering growth and development through a comprehensive and compassionate approach.
Core Principles & BeliefsOur Core Values
Everything we do is anchored by the values our team and community share.
Integrity
Collaboration
Empathy
Quality
Meet Leadership Team
Taylor Williams
BCBA
Clinical Director
AJ Stern
CEO
Janae Nieto
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kira Acosta
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Brandon Varnado
Marketing Coordinator
Taylor Williams
Clinical Director
Taylor Williams is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals. With over a decade of experience in the field, Taylor has been making a positive impact on the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions. Taylor earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston in 2012 and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2017. She earned her BCBA credential that same year. Taylor has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing center-based, home, community, and school services. As a Clinical Supervisor, she has worked extensively with individuals exhibiting severe challenging behaviors, and she has overseen a multidisciplinary team of BCBAs, behavior technicians, and support staff as a Regional Clinical Manager and later Director of Behavioral Health. Taylor’s approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices. She believes in fostering independence, promoting communication, and celebrating small victories. As a community trainer, Taylor’s commitment to neurodiversity extends beyond the professional realm, as she actively engages in community advocacy and education. She likes to spend time with her partner Spencer and their Schnoodle Coco and find a good brunch on the weekend.
AJ Stern
CEO
AJ Stern is a MBA and CPA who serves as CEO at Ladder of Success ABA with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. He strives to promote best practices and scientifically driven treatment plans to achieve industry leading quality of care while providing a wider range of services. He also serves as President at AJS Capital. He started his career at Deloitte & Touche and then as the Acquisitions and Portfolio Manager at Capital Foresight. He appreciates spending quality time with his wife and 4 kids, golfing, traveling, and engaging in charitable endeavors.
Janae Nieto
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kira Acosta
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kira specializes in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to transition-aged children with autism and developmental delays, with a strong focus on building meaningful, functional skills that foster independence, emotional well-being, and community participation. Her clinical practice centers on teaching core areas such as emotional regulation, functional communication, and adaptive living skills—each tailored to the client’s developmental needs and individual strengths. Kira also feels passionately about providing thorough caregiver training and support. She collaborates closely with families to ensure consistency across environments, promote generalization of skills, and equip caregivers with tools to support their child’s ongoing development. Her parent training emphasizes practical strategies to promote safety, independence, and success across home, school, and community settings.
Background & Education:
Kira holds a Masters in Special Education with concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Colorado, Denver. She has worked across various settings, from early intervention ABA and transition-aged centers, along with at Children’s Hospital where she worked with older children in an inpatient unit with severe challenging behaviors. With this diverse experience of ABA and psychiatric mental health, Kira will be pursuing her Doctorate in Psychology in 2026 at the University of Denver to provide more support to this under-served population.
Philosophy & Collaboration Style:
Kira believes that all clients deserve therapy that is respectful, individualized, and grounded in their own motivation and consent. She uses strength-based, trauma-informed ABA practices that emphasize teaching meaningful, functional skills, that centers on dignity and independence. She works closely with families and interdisciplinary teams with an approachable and flexible style that helps create a supportive, empowering atmosphere for families. Kira prioritizes open, ongoing communication and believe that caregiver involvement is essential for long-term success.
A Personal Note:
In her off-time, Kira enjoys cooking, spending time with her loved ones, and getting outside and moving her body — either on the tennis court or by exploring the beautiful outdoors Colorado has to offer.
Brandon Varnado
Marketing Coordinator
Having spent more than 10 years working with families in educational settings and 5+ years as a Registered Behavior Technician, I focus on supporting children with autism and helping families navigate the complexities of accessing ABA services. I also leverage my marketing expertise to assist families and individuals in the Denver/Aurora area, ensuring no barriers stand in their way. I’m dedicated to making autism services more accessible so children can reach their full potential.