We love to see you grow.
At Guided Steps NJ, our aim is to help those we support grow beyond needing our support. To facilitate that, we help each person set and reach towards their maximum potential.
Our process, driven by our team, helps each person reach their goals.
A family member or Support Coordinator reaches out on behalf of an individual.
A dedicated member of our intake team works to determine the individual’s needs, short-term goals and long-term goals.
An appropriate staff member is matched to the individual. This may include a DSP, a Behavioral Assessor, and/or nursing staff for those with medical needs. The individual is encouraged to be involved in this process, so they can choose a companion they will enjoy spending time with.
An individualized goal is created, with the team routinely checking in to adjust the plan as goals are met or needs modification.
Meet your team
Ari Horn
Executive Director / CEO
Guided Steps is spearheaded by Ari Horn, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field. Ari's journey began as a Direct Support Professional, where he honed his skills across a diverse range of environments, from day habilitation centers to group homes. Driven by a deep commitment to the I/DD community, he advanced to the role of Support Coordinator, where he not only managed a substantial caseload but also provided critical oversight of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
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Ari’s career continued to evolve as he embraced new challenges, taking on leadership roles that involved overseeing the operations of multiple residential facilities. His efforts extended beyond management; he also passionately advocated for individuals benefiting from Special Needs Trusts, ensuring they received the support and resources necessary for their well-being. Ari’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication make him a cornerstone of Guided Steps, where his expertise and leadership continue to drive impactful change.
Ari is supported by Moshe Katz as Clinical Director. Moshe is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 20 years of experience in the field, in numerous capacities, including Early Intervention, group homes of various ages, Out of District Schools, and in-home ABA services. Moshe uses his widespread experience and knowledge of evidence-based practice to oversee a team of Behavioral Assessors using a person-centered approach to intervention, where each program is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and skill set.
Together, the leadership team oversees a team of professionals, each with their own unique experiences that provide value to the agency. From our Area Coordinators who work directly with the DSPs, providing the direct support, to our behavioral assessors and nurses, who help support our individuals with higher level behavioral and/or medical needs, the team works together to provide the best possible experience for those we serve.
Sameera Butt
Human Resources Director
Moshe Katz
Clinical Director, BCBA
Maliah Mckenzie, BA, RBT
Business Development Manager
Lydia Mekjian
Behavioral Assessor
Sade Scruggs
Behavioral Assessor
Thomas Clarkson
Area Coordinator
Central New Jersey
Jermey Brown
Area Coordinator, Northern NJ
We are proud of our team’s commitment to those we support, and we foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and meaning, between staff and within the community.
Do you have friends or family with special needs whom you’d like to start supporting? Are you already supporting someone with special needs and looking to get hired as a DSP, but just don’t know how to go about it?
Look no further! At Guided Steps, we can help you navigate that process so that you can focus on providing that direct support.