We believe in a world where every child should have the same opportunities regardless of disability, language, culture, or ethnicity. Our mission is to provide quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to those on the Autism Spectrum. We do that by creating individualized intervention plans implemented using a wide variety of ABA techniques.
Sharky Hearts Behavior Support Services was created by Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Paige Stegeman in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Paige started Sharky Hearts when she realized after several years of living on the island that families and children had a huge shortage of services available to them. Paige’s vision was to create a quality company employed with skilled professionals to help improve the lives of children on the Autism Spectrum around the island. Our employees not only come from knowledge and training based on evidence-based practices but also with large hearts dedicated to making a difference.
Employees:
Paige Stegeman: BCBA, LBA, and Owner of Sharky Hearts Behavior Support Services
Outside of Paige’s passion for ABA; she has a passion for animals, travel, and the ocean. Paige resides in Kailua-Kona where she lives with her Great Dane and 3 cats. In her spare time she enjoys any activity in the ocean including diving with sharks, surfing, and swimming. She has traveled to over 45 countries and seen all 7 wonders of the world! Paige also spent several weeks in India at a children’s home training staff in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to working in ABA, Paige worked as a teacher for a brief period of time.
Malena Charreton: BCBA/LBA
Malena first discovered her passion for ABA and working with children on the spectrum during her time as an undergraduate student at UCLA. She then worked as an RBT at a clinic in Houston, TX for 3 years before relocating to the island in early 2023. In her spare time, Malena enjoys traveling, scuba diving, playing music/singing, and going on hikes with her dog. Outside of her work in ABA, Malena also serves as a board member for Schools for Children of the World (SCW), a non-profit organization with which she loves volunteering abroad. Malena is also in her last semester of graduate school before applying to become a BCBA. Malena is excited to be a part of the Sharky Hearts team and hopes to provide quality ABA services to the children of Big Island!
Gabrielle Deal-Cruz: Registered Behavior Technician
Gabby was born and raised in Michigan and she studied Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Michigan. She moved to the Big Island in 2023 to pursue a career in ABA with the Sharky Hearts team! She loves working with children–playing together and being a part of their growth are her favorite parts. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, playing guitar, going to the beach, and hiking.
Leah Teramoto: Registered Behavior Technician
Leah is excited to start work as a new Registered Behavioral Technician for Sharky Hearts. Born and raised on the Big Island, she is thrilled to have found a career that can help people in the community that raised her. Leah enjoys reading, gaming, arts and crafts, swimming, and playing with her new puppy Angel.
Helena Weiss: Registered Behavior Technician
Helena discovered her love for ABA in January of 2024, when she became an RBT after being inspired by the work of her husband, who is also an RBT. It didn’t take long for her to find her passion in the field, and she is now in her first semester of graduate school, pursuing a Master’s degree in ABA and eventual BCBA licensure. In her free time, Helena enjoys hiking, camping, and generally exploring nature with her husband and two children.
Alyssa Ackerson: Registered Behavior Technician
Alyssa grew up in Arizona, relocating to Hawaii in 2013, as an RBT she is excited to combine her passion for kids with helping others and working with individuals and families to support their behavioral and developmental needs.
Before becoming an RBT, Alyssa gained valuable experience through volunteering with non profits overseas and special needs organizations such as Deep and Beyond here in Kona and Joni and Friends Family Retreats on the mainland. These experiences deepened Alyssa’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with diverse needs.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys photography and exploring Hawaii’s natural beauty, and engaging in community activities.
Mya Anson: Registered Behavior Technician
Anna McNay: Registered Behavior Technician
Diana Mojica : Registered Behavior Technician
Diana Taveras: Registered Behavior Technician
Jennifer Buss: Registered Behavior Technician
Ella Greenberg: Registered Behavior Technician
Jacob Lortie: Registered Behavior Technician
Merill Yasay: Registered Behavior Technician
Heather Garrick: Administrative Coordinator