MEET OUR administrators
Yasamin "Irene" Sarpoolaki, BCBA, Owner
Irene is the lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Positive Steps ABA. She received her master's degree from Ball State University in 2015. She also studied and took ABA coursework at Florida Institute of Technology. Irene has been working in the field and with individuals who have ASD and other related disorders since 2012 in their homes, schools, clinics, and communities. Before working with Positive Steps ABA, Irene worked as a direct care worker, RBT, BCBA, and Clinical Director in clinics across the state.
When Irene is not working, she enjoys playing fetch with her goldendoodle ,Theodore (who is also a favorite of some of the kids she works with), as well as spending time with her husband and new baby boy!
Cassie Ziesk, BCBA, Clinical Director
Cassie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her masters degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in behavior analysis from Saint Joseph’s University. Cassie has been working with children on the autism spectrum since she was a teenager babysitting for a family whose son was on the spectrum. She graduated college and worked on the children’s behavioral unit of a residential treatment facility with varying disorders and disabilities.
Cassie became an RBT in 2014 in the city of New Orleans before moving back to Brevard County and decided to go back to school for her masters to become a BCBA. She has worked as an RBT, lead RBT, BCBA and lead BCBA, so she has a wide variety of experience through the years. Cassie has worked with children on the spectrum in their homes, clinic, community, schools, and even on cruise ships!
When Cassie is not working, she loves to be at the beach, on a boat, scuba diving, going to theme parks, traveling the world, and raising her three amazing boys! Fun fact: Cassie is a new twin mom!
Julianne Fernandez, Assistant Clinical Director BCBA
Julianne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2017 working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management and is currently working towards her PhD in Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
Julianne has experience working with children and families within the clinic, home, school, and in the community. Julianne was born and raised in Miami and has lived in Brevard County since 2019. She is fluent in English and Spanish as her family is from Cuba and Spain.
When Julianne is not working or studying, you can find her dancing, cooking, travelling, hanging out with friends and family, or taking her dog, Luna, to the beach!
Theodore Sarpoolaki, Emotional Support Animal
My name is Theodore, and as a Goldendoodle, I've got a heart as golden as my fur, and I'm honored to be a part of our clients' journey. You see, I'm not just your average pup - I'm specially trained to provide support and comfort to kids with autism. With my gentle demeanor and patient nature, I'm here to be your steadfast companion through every adventure and challenge.
I understand that the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, with its loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar faces. But fear not, because I'm here to help make things a little easier. Whether you need a friend to snuggle with during a tough moment or a buddy to play with when you're feeling joyful, I'm here to be by your side.
My training as an emotional support animal has taught me all sorts of tricks to make life a little smoother for both of us and I'll always be there to offer a comforting paw or a reassuring nuzzle.
But don't worry, I'm not all business - I've got plenty of fun tricks up my sleeve too! Whether it's playing ball in the backyard, going for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, or just lounging around on a comfy sofa, I'm always up for an adventure.
So if you're looking for a furry friend who understands you and accepts you just the way you are, look no further than Theodore. Together, we'll navigate the world with courage, compassion, and a whole lot of tail wags.