behavior technician

board certified behavior analyst

clinical supervisor

regional director

clinic manager

Active Steps

I started with this company taking over for a supervisor that was supposedly not doing her job correctly and was without warning, thrust into a storm of half-finished work, backed up FBA's and cases on hold with little to no information to complete them. I am very good at what I do, so I put my cape on and proceeded to untwine the tangled web of confusion that was thrust upon me but with minimal training and absolutely no support from my immediate supervisor.

 She was too busy with her other districts to give my district the attention and support it needed to dig out of the hole we were in. To make matters worse, the company decided to get rid of a flawed but workable ABA data collection software for a new program that turned out to be twice as bad as the one it replaced. This was probably the beginning of the end for me, I just didn't know it yet. I was forced to forget everything I learned (mostly self-taught) about the old program and instead subject myself to this glitchy, horribly executed nightmare of a new program. The program was so archaic, we had to input every client in our database by hand with no shortcuts and was told it would take 3 hours to input 1 client. 

We had over 25 and we had to have them input over a weekend, with poor training and a seemingly unattainable deadline all without extra compensation, which meant long nights and weekends staring and cursing at a computer. Once that nightmare ended, the next one began. I still had to clean up the mess created by my predecessor but there was only one me and little support from my direct supervisor so they ended up hiring another clinical supervisor (my role) to split the work and help get it done. Great idea, but like everything else with this company, it was done backward and haphazardly. We ended up hiring a seemingly capable young man to assist us but after only a couple of weeks, he too left and now I was tasked with cleaning up his incomplete work along with mine. 

I dont know if the stress of running 3 districts with no help was starting to eat away at her common sense or if she was just getting too comfortable in her position but my direct manager out of nowhere began to question my work a little too much and pushed me through unnecessary hoops without pushing herself through those same hoops. She was a poor leader but because she was the ONLY BCBA WE HAD IN OUR DISTRICT, she wielded a mighty sword that the company couldn't afford to strip her of. She wouldn't show up to the really hard cases when we needed her support, but would show up to her other easier going clients back to back to back in an attempt to reach her supervising hours. Not the right thing to do but it made her LOOK busy in the eyes of the detached company owners. She belittled me and others and turns people against each other with her NICETY attitude and constant undermining. 

The hardest part about working here believe it or not is that the owners of the company are amazing people, absolutely amazing. Very genuine, very caring and really wants to do right and help people. The problem is, they don't know how to scale this business properly. All of the templates, company forms, employee info and other vital docs needed to complete jobs were outdated, incomplete and hard to find. Everyone expected everyone else to know how to do their jobs but there was never a standard or training to go by. 

The best way to describe working for Active Steps is you feel as if you are alone on a huge battleship with young lives hanging in the balance but no captain, no food and only one paddle to get around and everyone on the crew thought they knew their jobs but because they weren't trained to work as a team, they were all doing different things at different times and instead of moving forward, the ship was swimming in circles.

A typical day at Active Steps is fast-paced, collaborative, and incredibly rewarding. As a BCBA , no two days are ever the same, but each one is grounded in supporting clients, mentoring clinical staff, and helping families navigate meaningful progress. I spend my days overseeing treatment plans, coaching Behavior Technicians and mid-level supervisors, collaborating with our interdisciplinary team, and ensuring our clients receive compassionate, high-quality, hands-off ABA services. Even on the busiest days, the work feels purposeful.
One of the things I value most is how much I’ve learned, and continue to learn, throughout my time with Active Steps. Beyond advanced clinical skills, I’ve grown significantly in leadership, training, staff development, and systems-level thinking. Working here has challenged me in the best ways and strengthened my ability to manage teams across regions, implement ethical and modern ABA practices, and create a supportive structure for staff success.
Management at Active Steps is responsive, supportive, and genuinely invested in both staff development and client outcomes. Leadership encourages open communication, autonomy, and ongoing training, and they actively listen to feedback to improve processes. It’s a company where growth is not only possible but expected and supported.
The workplace culture is one of the strongest parts of the organization. I love our hands off, trauma-informed and compassionate care approach to ABA, I feel that sets us apart. Additionally, Team members are collaborative, welcoming, and passionate about the work they do. We celebrate our wins, help each other during challenges, and truly care about creating a positive, ethical, and compassionate environment for both clients and staff. Creativity, flexibility, and teamwork are valued, making it a place where people feel connected and appreciated.
The hardest part of the job is the fast pace and the emotional weight that can come with working in the ABA field, especially when managing complex cases or navigating insurance and scheduling barriers (managing hours without BTs can be difficult, but it comes is waves) . However, the company provides strong support systems, and the challenges are balanced by the meaningful impact the work has on families.
The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing real growth, whether it’s a child gaining independence, a parent feeling supported, or a technician developing confidence and new skills. Watching staff succeed, grow into new roles, and feel empowered in their work is incredibly rewarding. The sense of purpose and community makes each day fulfilling.
Overall, Active Steps is a great place to work if you want to be part of a compassionate, growth-oriented, and innovative ABA company.

A typical day at Active Steps is fast-paced, collaborative, and deeply rewarding. As a BCBA, my work centers on supporting clients, mentoring clinical staff, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring families receive high-quality, compassionate, hands-off ABA services. Even on busy days, the work feels purposeful and meaningful.

During my time at Active Steps, I’ve grown not only in my clinical skills but also in leadership, training, staff development, and systems-level thinking. The role has challenged me in positive ways and strengthened my ability to manage teams across regions while implementing ethical, modern ABA practices.

Leadership at Active Steps is responsive, supportive, and genuinely invested in both staff growth and client outcomes. Open communication, autonomy, and ongoing training are encouraged, and feedback is actively used to improve processes.

The workplace culture truly sets Active Steps apart. The hands-off, trauma-informed, and compassionate approach to care, combined with a collaborative and supportive team environment, creates a space where staff feel valued, connected, and empowered.

While the pace and emotional demands of the field can be challenging at times, these are balanced by strong support systems and the meaningful impact the work has on clients, families, and staff. Overall, Active Steps is an excellent place to work for anyone seeking a growth-oriented, ethical, and compassionate ABA organization.

I’ve been working at Active Steps for about 30 days, so while it hasn’t been a long time, I’ve had several different employment experiences and can say with confidence that Active Steps is incredibly supportive and informative. The job itself may not seem easy, especially for those with no prior background in the field; however, Active Steps has designed their training in a way that allows anyone with a positive attitude and genuine interest to not only begin successfully, but to truly grow and thrive.

Additionally, Active Steps offers significant growth potential for employees, which feels especially fitting given that the core mission is dedicated to the growth and progress of the clients. I find that alignment both motivating and meaningful.

One important aspect to understand is that you are encouraged to advocate for yourself in order to gain more clients, more hours, and more opportunities for growth. What makes this especially positive is that the Active Steps staff is genuinely supportive of this process and helps guide you as you learn how to advocate for yourself professionally. I see this as a major strength of the position, because it teaches an essential soft skill that is valuable in any career.

The only drawback is that you may not start out earning a high income right away. However, with dedication, initiative, and a positive attitude, I believe you can expect steady growth in your income as you continue to develop—something that has been true in my own experience.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part of working here is the genuine sense of teamwork. For the first time, I feel like I'm truly part of a team where everyone is incredibly collaborative. At the beginning, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of policies and protocols, but my manager and three of my coworkers took the time to explain everything to me with patience. I truly appreciate the positive vibes and the supportive, professional environment we have

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Since the company is growing quickly and adding many new clients, the most stressful part is the fast-paced environment. It requires us to be highly accurate to avoid any confusion and to resolve issues on the spot. Balancing that speed with the necessary attention to detail is our biggest daily challenge

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I love the weekly check-ins to see how we're doing and the shout-out program; receiving recognition is highly motivating and makes me feel truly appreciated

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It’s a day full of active communication. I manage a high volume of emails and calls, coordinating with different areas to ensure everything is accurate. I’m constantly multitasking to resolve situations in the moment

I can honestly say I am beyond disappointed in what this company has become. Coming into this field of work I was excited to work with kids and help out these families. When I first started with this company I had high expectations and hopes of growing within such an amazing company that cared about their employees and clients. However, I was let down by the unprofessional nature of new management that has, unfortunately, made such a difference in the environment. There is tendency  for “unity” between higher management to support one another in a toxic way. They will blame staff for anything that goes wrong, will not take blame and will give you un genuine apologies with a passive aggressive comment towards your opinions or suggestions, that is if they are not ignored completely. Your voice as an employee does not matter much. Unfortunately, there are members of the team who do not fall under this category of bad apples that deserve so much more credit than are given. The need for control and micromanaging is unbelievable and it is apparent as the company has gone through more staff (BTs, Mid-Tier supervisors, and BCBAs) than I can count. Good luck because sadly, working for this company will likely drain you of motivation to help these families. 


Active Steps is an incredible place to work. I’ve worked at ABA agencies in the past where I felt like I was a bother, or they would promote people with less experience than me. At Active Steps, the management encourages everyone to speak their mind, regardless of what it may be. I know I can reach out for help about literally anything, and never fear I have a stupid question. The environment is incredibly caring, open, and collaborative. Is it stressful? Yes, but the field of ABA is stressful, and all companies feel the heat sometimes. It’s easy coming to work everyday when you have a team you can count on, with a group of kind, open-minded people. The experience is what you make out of it, so communicate your needs and they will get met. Our clinical director will drop everything for you, and she along with the owners are some of the greatest people I know. I love walking into an office of people who work as a team everyday. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, communicate your concerns and questions with supervisors and directors! Being part of a growing agency, ALL our staff can contribute and be agents of change.

The best thing about working at Active Steps is the company culture. At the OC office there is a team of passionate, hard working, creative, and collaborative people that take care of each other and truly listen to each other. We all believe in making sure that our clients feel safe, comfortable, and happy during therapy and that this is the best way to make positive change in their lives and their families lives. Active Steps has a unique social skills program that allows for our clients to build meaningful relationships and make friends, including day camps when our clients are on breaks from school and in special interest classes including cooking, art, and science. The clinic being so fun and lively truly makes this an amazing place to work. 

ABA therapy is definitely a stressful job. As long as you keep in constant communication with your supervisors, you will receive the same in return. Like most workplaces, your supervisors cannot read your mind and give you all of the resources that you want. You have to take the initiative to ask for those resources and communicate your goals with the company are. The current team of supervisors are a strong, cohesive team. I have asked for so much advice and feedback that I have grown so much in the past year.

6 months in and I felt that I was horrible at my job because of a hard session. I texted our clinical director and had a meeting with her about my concerns within a few hours of texting her. I was given feedback, advice for the future, and reassurance that every session is a new opportunity to grow. Now I am being trained and given cases that are accelerating my growth. 

A typical day at work is structured and focused on supporting families through timely communication and follow-ups. I learned valuable skills in organization, documentation, and collaboration while gaining experience working in a professional setting. Management is supportive and willing to answer questions, which helps with growth and learning. The workplace culture is respectful and team-oriented. The hardest part of the job is keeping up with a busy schedule, but it also helps build strong time-management skills. The most enjoyable part of the job is knowing the work being done truly helps families and makes a positive impact.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Behavior technician 321 salaries reported	$21.55 per hour
Board certified behavior analyst 98 salaries reported	$83,852 per year
Clinical supervisor 40 salaries reported	$28.03 per hour
Regional director 101 salaries reported	$21.21 per hour
Clinic manager 12 salaries reported	$28.50 per hour

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