Compassionate. Assent-based. Trauma-informed.
At Empowered Steps ABA, I provide compassionate, individualized Applied Behavior Analysis services for teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Rooted in assent-based and trauma-informed practices, my mission is to support growth, foster self-advocacy, and promote independence. All services are delivered directly by me—a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst—so there’s no three-tier model and no hand-offs, just consistent, high-quality, personalized care. Whether through direct therapy, parent coaching, or support with everyday challenges, I'm here to walk beside you—one empowered step at a time.
Samantha Menendez, Founder
MS, BCBA, LBA
Teen & Adult Direct Therapy
One-on-one ABA therapy for teens & adults, focused on independent living, social skills, executive functioning, and other individualized goals—delivered directly by a BCBA.
Parent/Caregiver Coaching
Collaborative coaching that empowers caregivers with practical, compassionate tools to support their child’s growth at home and beyond.
Direct Therapy
One-on-one ABA therapy provided by a BCBA, tailored to each individual’s needs, strengths, and goals.
Telehealth Services
Flexible, high-quality behavioral support from the comfort of your home, without compromising on care or connection.
DDA Services
Empowered Steps ABA is contracted with DDA to provide Specialized Habilitation and Staff and Family Consultation, supporting clients in building independence and improving quality of life.
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.
Meet the BCBA
Hi, I’m Samantha Menendez, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Washington State. I’ve been in the field of ABA since 2019, working with clients ranging from toddlers to adults across home, school, and community settings. While I have worked with all ages, I am particularly passionate about working with teens and adults.I founded Empowered Steps ABA with a simple belief: every individual deserves support that honors their voice, values their autonomy, and empowers their growth. My approach is rooted in assent-based, trauma-informed practices that focus on building meaningful skills, fostering self-advocacy, and strengthening family systems.I specialize in working with individuals ages 12 and up, with a focus on building independence, reducing self-injurious behavior, building resilience, developing adaptive skills, strengthening executive functioning, enhancing functional communication, and promoting self-advocacy. While this is my specialty, I have experience supporting a wide range of clients with diverse needs.All services are provided directly by me, a BCBA—no three-tier models or hand-offs—ensuring consistent, high-quality, and individualized care. I’m here to walk alongside you or your loved one, one empowered step at a time.
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.
Contact
Submit the form above or contact Samantha at:
(509) 846-3509
[email protected]
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.
Services
Teen and Adult Direct Therapy
I provide individualized, one-on-one ABA therapy for teens and adults, with a focus on building real-life skills that support greater independence and quality of life. Therapy may target areas such as daily living skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, communication, self-advocacy, and navigating social interactions.Each plan is uniquely tailored to the individual's strengths, support needs, and personal goals—and always delivered directly by me, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My approach is trauma-informed, assent-based, and collaborative, ensuring that each client feels respected, heard, and actively involved in their own progress. Whether we're working on managing a household routine, preparing for employment, or improving decision-making skills, therapy is designed to be practical, person-centered, and empowering.
ABA Can Help:
Meal prep & kitchen safety
Household cleaning & routines
Physical wellness
Independent living
Social skills
Workplace training
Self-care
Attention, focus, and memory
Time management & scheduling
Technology use
Problem-solving & planning
Health management
Parent/Caregiver Coaching
I offer individualized parent coaching to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported in your role. These sessions are collaborative and tailored to your family's specific needs, focusing on practical strategies you can use at home and in daily life. Whether you're navigating challenging behaviors, building independence, or supporting your child’s communication and self-advocacy, I’ll work with you to create meaningful, sustainable change. Together, we’ll develop a Positive Behavior Support Plan that reflects your child’s strengths and needs, while aligning with your family’s goals and values. My approach aims to honor your child’s autonomy and your expertise as a caregiver.
ABA Can Help:
Understanding behavior
Creation & implementation of behavior support plans
Using positive reinforcement
Supporting communication
Managing upsets
Teaching life skills
Navigating transitions
Coping skills
Direct Therapy
I specialize in working with individuals ages 12 and up, focusing on areas such as reducing self-injurious behavior, building resilience, developing adaptive and executive functioning skills, enhancing functional communication, and promoting self-advocacy.To best support each learner, I draw from a variety of instructional approaches, including Precision Teaching, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Task Analysis, Chaining, Shaping, Functional Communication Training (FCT), and Behavior Skills Training (BST). Therapy is tailored to the individual’s learning style, goals, and environment.Each treatment plan is developed in collaboration with the client and their support system, with a focus on building skills that foster autonomy, independence, and quality of life.
ABA Can Help:
Functional communication
Reducing challenging or unsafe behaviors
Daily living skills
Social skills
Emotional regulation & coping skills
Attention, focus, & task completion
Executive functioning
Safety awareness
Self-advocacy
Self-management
Tolerance for change
And so much more!
Telehealth Services
I offer flexible, high-quality ABA services through secure telehealth sessions—making support accessible no matter where you are. Telehealth can be a great option for families with busy schedules, clients in remote areas, or individuals who feel more comfortable in their home environment.Through telehealth, I provide direct therapy, parent coaching, and consultation using the same evidence-based, individualized approach as in-person services. Sessions are engaging, collaborative, and tailored to your goals, whether we’re working on skill development, behavior strategies, or supporting generalization across settings. I use a variety of tools to keep sessions interactive and effective, and I provide ongoing support between sessions as needed.
DDA Contracted Services
I am a contracted provider through Washington State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), offering Life Skills (formerly called Specialized Habilitation) and Staff and Family Consultation services.My work through DDA focuses on supporting teens and adults in building independence, daily living skills, emotional regulation, communication, and community integration. Services are individualized and centered on the client’s goals, strengths, and support needs.Whether we’re working on brushing teeth, navigating public spaces, creating structure in the home, or developing a behavior support plan with your care team, I’ll collaborate with you every step of the way to ensure services are respectful, practical, and meaningful. I also support caregivers and staff with training and consultation that aligns with Positive Behavior Support practices.
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.
Cost of Services
Getting Started with Coverage
As a newly established private practice, I’m in the process of becoming in-network with several insurance providers. In the meantime, I’m happy to work with you to explore options that make services accessible—whether that’s submitting out-of-network super-bills, applying for a single-case agreement, or beginning the credentialing process with your specific plan. Single-case agreements and super-bills are often approved faster and can help us get started sooner. I’m committed to being flexible and creative in finding a solution that works—and I deeply appreciate your patience as we navigate this process together.
Medicaid: I am an approved provider for Washington State Medicaid.
Insurance: I am in the process of becoming credentialed with private insurance providers. In the meantime, I am open to Single Case Agreements and can provide super-bills for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Private Pay: Private pay costs are below, all private pay is currently on a sliding scale system. Proof of income is required, and eligibility is reviewed every 6 months.
| Service | Private Pay Price |
|---|---|
| Direct Therapy | $60-160/hour |
| Parent/Caregiver Coaching | $75-200/hour |
| Assessments/Treatment Plan | $75-200/hour + assessment costs |
DDA Services: For clients receiving services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), I am contracted to provide Specialized Habilitation and Staff and Family Consultation at no out-of-pocket cost.
If you’re unsure about coverage or eligibility, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help you explore your options.
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who provides the services at Empowered Steps ABA?
All services are provided directly by me, Samantha Menendez, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). I do not use a three-tier model—no technicians or assistants—so you’ll always work directly with me. See About page for more information.2. Do you accept insurance?
As a newly established private practice, I'm in the process of becoming in-network with several insurance providers. In the meantime, I’m happy to work with you to explore options that make services accessible—whether that’s submitting out-of-network superbills, applying for a single-case agreement, or beginning the credentialing process with your specific plan. These paths are often approved faster and can help us get started sooner. I’m also an approved Washington State Medicaid provider. I’m committed to being flexible and creative in finding a solution that works—and I deeply appreciate your patience as we navigate this process together. See Costs page for more information.3. Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Yes. All private pay is currently on a sliding scale. Services range from $60-200/hour. Proof of income is required, and rates are reviewed every 6 months. See Costs page for more information.4. What ages do you work with?
While I have experience across a wide age range, I specialize in working with individuals ages 12 and up and am most passionate about working with teens and adults.5. What is assent-based ABA?
Assent-based ABA prioritizes the individual’s willingness to participate. I believe therapy should be collaborative and respectful, and I use approaches that seek and honor each client's preferences, engagement, and autonomy.6. What’s the first step to getting started?
You can start by reaching out through the contact form or email. I’ll schedule a free consultation call to discuss your needs, answer questions, and determine whether we’re a good fit.7. Where do services take place?
Services are offered via telehealth and in-home, depending on your location and needs. I’m based in Seattle, Washington and provide services across the state through secure video sessions.8. What types of services do you offer through DDA?
I’m contracted with Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to provide Life Skills (formerly called Specialized Habilitation) and Staff and Family Consultation. These services focus on building independence, life skills, and positive behavior support plans for teens and adults.9. What happens during parent coaching sessions?
Parent coaching sessions are collaborative and practical. We’ll work together to build strategies that fit your family, develop behavior support plans, and strengthen your confidence in supporting your child at home and in daily life.
509-846-3509
[email protected]
© Empowered Steps ABA. All rights reserved.