Kathryn Estrada, M.A., BCBA

Behavioral Program Director & Family Engagement Specialist

Kat Estrada entered the field of ABA in 2016 as a Registered Behavior Technician. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mills College in 2017 and became a BCaBA in 2019. In 2023, she returned to school and completed her Master’s in Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology and obtained her BCBA credential shortly thereafter.

Over the years, Kat has had the privilege of supporting a diverse range of clients, from toddlers in early intervention to young adults transitioning into college. Her passion for ABA deepened early in her career as she witnessed the meaningful progress her clients made, the new opportunities that opened for them, and the pride and joy their families experienced along the way. As her time in the field has grown, so has her commitment to advocacy and her passion for continued learning, drawing insight and inspiration from professionals and leaders in ABA, across other disciplines, and from the invaluable perspectives of lived-experience educators.

As a member of the Family Engagement Specialist (FES) team, Kat continues to build on this foundation by expanding her knowledge in autism, ABA, and neurodivergence. She uses her expertise to develop accessible resources and trainings that empower and educate families, promoting understanding, support, and meaningful collaboration. She has also completed Level 1 training in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which informs her compassionate, individualized approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Kat was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, a discovery that has shaped her perspective both personally and professionally. This lived experience allows her to relate more authentically with the individuals and families she works with, bringing an added layer of empathy and insight to her practice.

In addition to her clinical work, Kat co-hosts the Joyscape Therapy Podcast, where she researches and shares information on topics related to neurodiversity, behavior analysis, and inclusive care, bridging the gap between professional knowledge and real-world experience. She also curates content for Joyscape’s social media, with a particular focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, often highlighting intersectionality within the autism community and uplifting underrepresented voices.

Outside of work, Kat oscillates between her many hobbies, including tending to her pandemic houseplants, spending time with her cats, diving into creative projects, and recharging in nature. She’s always up for a hot cup of coffee, a good book, a loud concert, or planning her next adventure somewhere new.