ABA Therapy Herndon VA

Carolyn Chung

cchung@brighterstridesaba.com

"Carolyn Chung brings over five years of clinical experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is passionate about using evidence-based strategies to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of her clients and their families. Before entering the field of ABA, Carolyn spent approximately ten years as a school teacher, gaining valuable insight into child development, learning styles, and the importance of individualized support. As both an educator and a parent of three children, she has a natural ability to break down complex tasks into fun, engaging, and manageable steps tailored to each child’s unique needs. Carolyn is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), allowing her to support a wide range of behavioral and emotional needs with compassion and skill. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Boston University, a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and earned her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from George Mason University. At Brighter Strides ABA, Carolyn is dedicated to helping children grow with confidence, resilience, and joy through individualized and family-centered care."

Chastity Garcia

cgarcia@brighterstridesaba.com

I’ve been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for the past eight years, starting out as a behavior technician and now serving as a behavior analyst. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for helping individuals build essential life skills—especially around coping, communication, and creating meaningful connections. My approach always centers around the individual, and I believe strong relationships with both clients and their families are key to long-term success. In addition to my work in ABA, I also have experience as a psychotherapist, supporting people dealing with depression, anxiety, and a range of other mental health challenges. This blend of experience allows me to take a well-rounded and compassionate approach to care, always considering both behavioral and emotional needs. I bring a calm, team-oriented mindset to every situation, along with a deep commitment to helping others grow in ways that truly matter to them. Whether I’m working with a child, teen, or adult, my goal is always the same: to support meaningful progress and help people feel empowered in their everyday lives.

Courtney Durant

cdurant@brighterstridesaba.com

I began my ABA career in 2020, and instantly felt connected to children on the Autism Spectrum. In 2023, I began my Master’s program at Florida Institute of Technology. Throughout my Masters program, I was fortunate enough to supervise clients, and support my BCBA through assessments and meetings. I was able to learn and grow immensely during my two years in grad school. I gained experience in implementing Child-Led programming, and became competent in assent-based training, and “my way” protocol through Dr. Greg Hanley’s work. In February 2025, I took my Board exam and passed, becoming a BCBA, and beginning my Journey with Brighter Strides. I love getting to connect with different clients, and help them reach their goals. Learning about clients special interests, and being goofy keeps me in touch with the child in me, and helps me connect with clients of all different backgrounds/ages. A fun fact about me, is that I know A LOT about dinosaurs, my favorite being a Parasaurolophus.

Fojan Taheri

ftaheri@brighterstridesaba.com

I have my masters in clinical psychological science and had the intent to pursue a career in pediatric clinical psychology. However after working as a RBT i fell in love with ABA and the fact that we can make positive meaningful change through the use of behavioral therapy. It quickly became rewarding and motivating to see my clients learning new skills that enabled their independence. I then earned my degree in ABA and my license as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I have worked as a BCBA and clinical director for private schools, public schools, centers, residential services and in-home services. I have helped in developing therapeutic programs for clients across different settings, opening and developing new centers for better access to ABA programs, and thrive on being an advocate for our families and children. When I'm not in my BCBA & clinical director role, I love to travel, work on my side business as an event planner and decorator, and spend time making memories with my two kids and husband!

Jessica Bonds

jbondsbcba@gmail.com

Jessica Bonds is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Special Education and a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently practicing at Brighter Strides ABA, she brings a compassionate and evidence-based approach to her work with children, specializing in supporting those with maladaptive behaviors and nonverbal communication challenges. A fun fact about her is that she loves to watch animes and play phone games in her free time.

Kim Bui

kbui@brighterstridesaba.com

Kim Bui is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a strong educational and multi-cultural background. She speaks Vietnamese, English and Korean. Kim Bui was an award-wining researcher and graduated with a Magna cum laude Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia in 2019. In 2022, she earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Practice from the Florida Institute of Technology with 3.86 GPA. Since 2019, Kim Bui has been working in the ABA field dedicated to supporting young adults and children of all ages with a wide range of developmental disabilities. Her approach using the combination of ABA, CBT, RFT, and MI focuses on teaching personal, value-based motivation, problem-solving, and how to learn skills—rather than just what to learn—ensuring each program is individualized through naturalistic teaching and social and intrinsic reinforcement. Her primary goal is to provide evidence-based interventions that promote positive behavior change while always emphasizing dignity and respect for each individual. Kim Bui is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment for her clients and their families.

Kristen Jones

kjones@brighterstridesaba.com

Kristen Jones

BCBA, LBA, IBA

Kristen is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) with extensive experience designing and overseeing behavior intervention programs for behavior healthcare companies, individuals with autism as well as developmental disabilities. With dual master’s degrees in behavior analysis and clinical mental health counseling, Kristen brings over a decade of clinical and leadership experience to her work. Her approach blends scientific precision with heartfelt compassion, emphasizing individualized, evidence-based treatment rooted in dignity, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes. Kristen specializes in skill acquisition, behavior reduction, caregiver training, and crisis planning, with additional expertise in supervising and mentoring RBTs. As a former founder of a behavior healthcare company in Nashville, TN, Kristen is deeply committed to ethical care, trauma-informed practices, and advancing accessibility remotely for families across diverse settings. She thrives on helping clients and therapists build independence and confidence through functional, practical interventions.

Lynda Elshaer

lelshaer@brighterstridesaba.com

Lynda Elshaer

BCBA, LBA

I am a dedicated and passionate professional with a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and several years of experience supporting children with autism and developmental delays. I specialize in developing individualized behavior intervention plans, conducting skill assessments, and implementing evidence-based strategies to foster meaningful progress in communication, social skills, and daily living. My key strengths include data-driven decision-making, building strong rapport with clients and families, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. I pride myself on being adaptable and compassionate in all aspects of my work. One of my most rewarding accomplishments has been leading the successful potty training and behavior reduction plans for multiple clients, significantly improving their independence and quality of life. I've also contributed to program development and training BCBAs on potty training protocols. Fun fact: I'm really into self-care and make it a point to recharge each week with a good face mask and a calming yoga class—it’s my favorite way to unwind and reset.