Whole-hearted dedication to your child’s success

Our experience in developmental therapy has taught us the value of a close connection with families. We pride ourselves on our quality team, who not only provide therapy, but also offer a network of support and understanding.


Guided by leadership with decades of hands-on experience and advanced training in sensory integration, DIR/Floortime, Interactive Metronome, and more, our approach continues to grow with the needs of the children we serve. Together, we work through challenges and celebrate progress as one big family.

OUR MISSION

A fantastic team with service to match

Superior service

We pride ourselves on our excellent service. Whether it’s our amiable staff who are happy to help, our support network for parents, or our tried-and-true therapy techniques, we make it our business to give you outstanding service.

“It’s evident that they prioritize their clients above all else, and that personal touch is what makes this company so special.” -Y.R.

Stellar staff

Our caring staff is invested in the well-being of each child, nurturing and supporting their needs. We give our staff the tools they need to grow professionally and gain new skills — so that they’re always giving you their best.

“Their investment in their staff shines through in the level of expertise and empathy they bring to their work.” - M.F.

Premier ABA IN NJ AND NC

Serving you, wherever you are

Verona, NJ

North Carolina

*We’re adding locations!

Premier ABA IN NJ AND NC

Serving you, wherever you are

New Jersey

North Carolina

*We’re adding locations!

Premier ABA IN NJ AND NC

Serving you, wherever you are

New Jersey

North Carolina

*We’re adding locations!

WHO YOU’LL BE WORKING WITH

Who’s who on your therapy team

BCBA

BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) create a therapy plan that’s unique to your child. They’ll supervise and guide the RBT ensuring your child gets the best therapy.

RBT

RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) work with your child to master these steps. They put thought and energy into making each session exciting and enjoyable for your child.

THE POPS ABA FAMILY

Meet the team
driven by passion

Miri Fireman

Assistant Clinical Director, BCBA LBA

Michelle Havens, Ed.D.

Clinical Supervisor, BCBA

Lindsay Aslan, Ph.D.

Clinical Supervisor, BCBA LBA

Take the
next step to
success.

Take the
next step to
success.

Dinah Leiter

Dinah Leiter OTR/L is the founder and CEO of POPS Therapeutics, including POPS ABA. Dinah graduated from Downstate Medical Center and has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 35 years. She also holds certifications in Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing, Interactive Metronome, and DIR/Floortime therapy. Before Dinah founded POPS she worked in a variety of settings including public and private schools, outpatient clinics, NICU, and PICU. Dinah provides frequent workshops to parents and teachers sharing knowledge and practical tools on how to parent a child with sensory integration challenges.

Richard Cross

Richard Cross is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensed behavior analyst in the states of New York and North Carolina, as well as the United Kingdom (LBA-NYS; LBA-NC; UKBAcert). Richard received his master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, with distinction, from Bangor University, UK, in 2016. Prior to joining the POPS team, Richard served as a doctoral fellow in behavior analysis at Caldwell University, NJ, where he is currently completing his doctoral studies. Richard has over 10 years’ experience working in autism services, including ABA, across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Between 2016–2018, Richard served as a research assistant in Behavior Analysis at the University of South Wales and has contributed to publications in various journals, including Behavioral Interventions and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Richard’s treatment focus includes applications of the analysis of verbal behavior, play-based instruction, and components of the Early Start Denver Model. Richard is currently involved in research related to the multiple control of verbal behavior.

Jeremy Leiter

An experienced entrepreneur, Jeremy Leiter joined POPS ABA as Chief Operating Officer in 2024. He oversees all aspects of daily operations from insurance submissions to pairing children with the perfect therapists. Jeremy works closely with both the office and professional staff, coordinating employee meetings, training and development, and team-building events. His passion, attention to detail, and empathy are evident in each interaction with him.

Shalva Goldring

As President at POPS ABA,  Shalva is a driving force behind the operational excellence and long-term vision. From the ground up, Shalva has directed the company into the well-sought-after therapy group that POPS has become. 

With a BA in Psychology and a graduate degree in Accounting, she brings a rare blend of analytical thinking and and behavioral insight — keeping client-centered care as the core of POPS’s focus. Shalva leads with purpose, ensuring that Pops ABA  not only thrives but also makes a lasting difference in the communities it serves.

Miriam Polter

As the Director of Quality Assurance at POPS, Miriam brings over five years of dedicated experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), combining hands- on clinical expertise with a deep understanding of quality standards and compliance systems. She holds a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, equipping her with both the academic foundation and practical insight needed to lead with confidence.
At POPS, she plays a pivotal role in developing, monitoring, and refining internal quality assurance processes to ensure clinical teams consistently deliver services aligned with the highest standards of care. Passionate about excellence and integrity, she is committed to advancing quality initiatives that support clients, empower staff, and drive organizational success.

Miri Fireman

Miri Fireman, BCBA, LBA, serves as the Assistant Clinical Director at our POPS, bringing extensive experience in overseeing ABA programs. In this role, she ensures that our client programs adhere to the highest standards of quality and compliance, aligning with both industry best practices and POPS protocols. Miri actively supports our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing valuable feedback, guidance, and mentorship. Her unwavering dedication to quality, combined with her supportive leadership, ensures that our agency consistently delivers superior ABA services, fostering both client satisfaction and professional growth among our staff.

Michelle Havens

Dr. Michele Havens holds an Ed.D. from Rutgers University and is certified in DIR/Floortime, alongside being a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She works as a DIR/Floortime Consultant at Imagine Academy, an ABA/DIR program in Brooklyn. Dr. Havens is recognized as a Professor Emeritus from Montclair State University and Daemen College, and she currently teaches at Kean University as an Adjunct Professor. Passionate about her work, she advocates for children with special needs and manages a parent support group for Autism. Previously, she coordinated the Preschool Disabled Program in Verona, NJ.

Lindsay Aslan

Dr. Lindsay Aslan, a Clinical Supervisor, holds extensive experience in working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2013 and earned several New Jersey Department of Education teaching certificates, including Special Education. Dr. Aslan ensures quality assurance and conducts staff training, and assessments to develop comprehensive treatment plans that enable clients to attain their full potential. Additionally, Dr. Aslan collaborates with families and caregivers of her clients to facilitate the implementation of therapy strategies in the home and community settings, promoting skill generalization.

Jennifer Gutierrez

Jennifer Gutierrez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Caldwell University. She has over 10 years of clinical experience with individuals diagnosed with ASD and related disorders in the home, clinic, and public school settings. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and she has presented her research at state, national, and international conferences. Her research focuses on staff training, and her clinical interests include early intensive behavior intervention and the use of evidence-based practices.

Daniela Guttman

Daniela Guttman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She holds an Advanced Certificate in ABA from FIT and a Master’s in Teaching from Montclair State University.  Daniela specializes in conducting functional behavior assessments, creating individualized behavior intervention plans, and providing training to therapists and families. With a strong background in school, home, and clinical settings, she has worked with a wide range of clients, focusing on promoting skill acquisition and positive behavioral changes. She is passionate about using ABA therapy to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and support their growth and independence. Daniela believes in bettering the lives of others by teaching more effective communication, social skills, and improvements in behavior. Daniela is fluent in five languages, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of families and clients. She has lived in many different countries which have taught her to adapt and become flexible in how to approach life. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, balancing her professional dedication with family life.

Addison Yost

Addison Yost is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). Addison received his master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, IN, in 2021, and completed his BCBA fieldwork at Milestones Behavioral Services, CT, in 2021. After having multiple opportunities to visit Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI), Addison was eager to focus on treating severe interfering behaviors, and teaching functional communication skills. Addison has worked in the field of ABA for approximately 6 years, in school, home, clinic and residential settings with individuals aged between 5 and 21 years of age. Addison currently provides clinical supervision and staff training in the areas of severe interfering behavior and functional daily living skills across the school, clinic and home environments.

Lisa Berkowitz

Lisa Berkowitz brings POPS ABA over 30 years’ experience delivering early intervention. Applied Behavior Analysis, and educational services in center, school, community, and home-based settings. In addition, she has over 10 years working in the university setting as a professor and mentor. With dedication and determination, she promotes and adheres to best practice by creating strong, evidence based programs. It is her goal to deliver ethical services that enhance the quality of life of both her learners and their families. She has a structured Behavior Technician training model that provides ongoing education, use of visuals, and hands-on supervision support to guide delivery of therapeutic services. With confidence and compassion, she ensures that each individual reaches their fullest potential in the least  restrictive, most inclusive  environment focusing on happy, healthy, and safe outcomes.

Paola Andrea Ramirez

I am a proud Latina woman of Colombian heritage with a background in Neuropsychology. I currently serve as a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and have recently become a Doctoral candidate. My deep passion for mental health and human behavior has guided my journey and continues to fuel my commitment to learning and helping others. I am dedicated to supporting children, youth, and their families in achieving a high quality of life and reaching their fullest potential. Helping others discover their strengths and live meaningful, empowered lives is at the heart of my work. As a professional, I strive to be ethical, empathetic, honest, caring, and compassionate. I believe in respecting and valuing every individual, embracing diversity, and fostering inclusivity. I am culturally competent and wholeheartedly committed to honoring and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, or background. I am committed to acting with kindness and integrity ensuring that my actions never cause harm and that the dignity and well-being of everyone I encounter are always upheld. Beyond my professional life, I’m a joyful person who loves to dance, laugh, talk, travel, study, exercise, and spend quality time with my children, family, and friends. In my free moments, you’ll often find me at the beach with a good book in hand, recharging and appreciating life’s simple, beautiful moments.

Laura S. Dimmick

Laura is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) since 2011. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and is a certified teacher in grades K-6 in both New Jersey and Massachusetts. Laura received her master’s degree in education from Endicott College in 2017 after working as a behavior technician for seven years. Laura has worked in homes, clinics, and public schools for the past 14 years and works with all ages of learners. When Laura is not at work, she is spending time with her husband and her two young children.

Pranali Hoyle, Ph.D.

Dr. Pranali Hoyle is a doctoral-level Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) with more than 20 years of experience in autism services. She started as a paraprofessional while studying special education at Kean University and went on to earn her master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University. Her work spans public schools, private clinics, and home-based programs. Dr. Hoyle completed her Ph.D. with research centered on mindfulness-based interventions and parent-child interaction. Her areas of focus include clinical training, family support, and integrating mindfulness into ABA frameworks.