We provide high-quality applied behavior analysis services to children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, delivered with patience, evidence, and the kind of care a family deserves.
New Beginnings Behavioral Health is a home-based ABA agency serving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. We work with children and teens up to 18 years of age who are navigating autism spectrum disorder or related conditions.
Our work begins with the family. We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to identify the behavioral changes that will most meaningfully enhance daily life — and then we go to work, patiently, in the environment where children feel most themselves.
Founded by Dr. Erin Casper, a doctor of school psychology with certification in behavior analysis from Penn State, our team brings together board-certified analysts, behavior technicians, and clinicians who share one belief: that every child deserves a practice that listens first.
Dr. Erin Casper has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for over fifteen years. She received her doctoral degree in school psychology from the University of Connecticut and her certification in behavior analysis from Penn State University. Prior to opening this practice in the Hampton Roads area, Dr. Casper worked in two prestigious center-based ABA programs, and as both an agency provider and independent clinician rendering home-based ABA therapy to clients ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old.
She has spent several years providing behavioral consultation to public school districts in various regions throughout the country, and has taught undergraduate-level ABA courses as an adjunct professor at Eastern Connecticut State University. Dr. Casper currently mentors a number of Registered Behavior Technicians, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
Keily Melendez is a Registered Behavior Technician and has been practicing in the field for approximately five years. She has a background in behavioral psychology and some medical training. Keily has worked with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities across a number of states. Since attaining her RBT credential three years ago, she has practiced ABA in centers as well as rendering home-based care.
Candice Elliott has been working as an RBT and behavior therapist for over two years. Since relocating from Massachusetts to Virginia in 2015, she has taken full advantage of new opportunities here — pursuing her RBT credential and diving head-first into the field of applied behavior analysis. She loved the work so much that she completed graduate certificate coursework through Florida Tech to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.
Having the chance to change the lives of her clients and their families — even in the smallest way each day — fuels her passion for the field. Outside of work, Candice enjoys spending time at the beach, watching her favorite shows, and relaxing with her husband and their pup, Bo.
Kaela Danenberger entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician in 2016 after completing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Since gaining her credentials, Kaela has worked closely with children diagnosed with ASD in home-based settings, implementing behavior-analytic services.
Because an RBT cannot design intervention or assessment plans, Kaela took the next step in her career and began graduate coursework online at Arizona State University, pursuing a Master's in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis to prepare her to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Every plan we design is built around your child — their strengths, their goals, and the rhythm of the home they live in.
One-on-one applied behavior analysis delivered in the comfort of your home or community, where progress feels natural and lasting.
Comprehensive behavioral assessments that identify the function of challenging behaviors so that intervention can be precise, informed, and effective.
We equip caregivers with practical, evidence-based strategies — turning the whole family into a consistent, confident support system.
Behavioral consultation for public school districts and classrooms, drawing on years of experience supporting educators and IEP teams.
Independent review of existing ABA programs to assess progress, refine goals, and ensure interventions are achieving meaningful outcomes.
In other words, ABA uses established behavioral principles to increase desirable behaviors, while reducing maladaptive ones and teaching more positive replacements. The goal is always a meaningful impact on a real life — greater independence, clearer communication, lasting friendships, fuller access to community.
Programming commonly focuses on language, communication, social skills, self-help, daily living, and the reduction of challenging behaviors. We employ a number of evidence-based practices, and every plan is built around the individual learner: their strengths, their goals, and the supports they need to reach their maximum potential.
Applied behavior analysis works best when it isn't applied uniformly. We take time to understand the child first — what motivates them, what overwhelms them, where they need support and where they're ready to stretch.
Then we build a plan that the family can actually live with. Measurable. Adjustable. Built on the kind of trust that comes from showing up the same way, week after week.
We want every family to feel informed about what care will cost — and what their insurance will cover — before the first session. Here's what to know.
Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, services may be covered in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for applied behavior analysis services.
We recommend asking these questions of your insurance provider:
Private pay is an option for individuals who do not have insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis. Please contact us for current rates.
If you're unable to attend a session, please cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, a cancellation fee may apply.
New Beginnings Behavioral Health is looking to add highly motivated and skilled therapists to our team. If you hold one of the credentials below — or are working toward it — we'd love to hear from you.
Reach out and we'll set up a complimentary call to listen, answer your questions, and talk through whether our approach is the right fit for your family.
"We do this work because we know what it means to be a family. To advocate, to wait, to celebrate the smallest wins."
