A Heart for ABA: Honoring Erica Lautrup as Caregiver of the Month

Every month, Maxim Healthcare’s Behavioral Division recognizes a caregiver whose dedication reflects the heart of our mission. This month, we are proud to honor Erica Lautrup, a Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) whose compassion, resilience, and commitment to her clients have made a lasting impact on the Tacoma, WA ABA community.

Erica’s journey into behavioral health began long before she joined Maxim. Even in high school, she felt drawn to supporting individuals with unique learning and behavioral needs. As she recalls, “I’ve had a desire to work with the Autistic community since high school, when I was chosen to work in one of the special education classrooms as a teacher’s assistant.” That early experience sparked a passion that would shape her career for years to come.

Calling confirmed through connection

For Erica, the work is deeply personal. She remembers a moment early in her career that reaffirmed why she chose this path.

She shared, “A moment that reminded me how much this work matters occurred when I was working in-home with one of my clients. He exhibited some maladaptive behaviors, including some aggression toward me. After he was given time and space alone, I worked with him to further de-escalate. We continued the session; I played with him, joked with him, and kept it light-hearted. Shortly afterwards, his mom approached me and sincerely thanked me for the way I work with her son. That ‘thank you’ meant a lot to me.”

That simple expression of gratitude stayed with her. It reminded her of the profound impact behavioral support can have—not just on clients, but on families navigating challenges together.

Growing into the role

Erica began her career as a Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) about three and a half years ago, balancing part time work while finishing a contract as a high school paraeducator. She quickly discovered that ABA was more than a job — it was a calling.

“Becoming a CBT for Maxim has enriched my life in many ways, including inspiring me to pursue ABA as a long-term career plan,” she shared.

Today, her daily routine reflects the diversity and complexity of the work. Her mornings begin in a high school setting, collaborating with teachers and paraeducators to support a student’s behavior intervention plan. Her afternoons shift to in home care, where she works with a younger learner facing a completely different set of challenges.

This variety has shaped her both personally and professionally. “Working in the Tacoma ABA community has shaped me immeasurably,” she said. It has also motivated her to continue her education—she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree through Arizona State University with the goal of becoming a BCBA.

Skills strengthened through service

Erica’s growth is evident not only in her career trajectory but in the skills she has developed along the way.

“I’ve always considered myself a patient person, and this job has really strengthened that skill. Additionally, I’ve always tended to be somewhat of a pushover, but working in ABA has taught me that when I set a boundary or expectation, I must stick to it,” she said.

Her ability to balance empathy with consistency has become one of her greatest strengths—one that her clients and their families feel every day.

A leader through calm and crisis

Justin Krzmarzick, Clinical Manager at our Tacoma, WA office, shared why Erica stood out as a nominee for Caregiver of the Month. He noted that Erica works well with our Maxim nurse to provide behavioral support to a medically fragile client, demonstrating teamwork, communication and unwavering reliability.

Justin recalled a moment that exemplified her dedication: Erica worked with a team to support an individual who frequently had seizures. She followed the emergency plan and communicated with the family and the Maxim nurse to support his safety.

In high stress situations, Erica remains calm, focused, and compassionate — qualities that make her an invaluable part of the care team.

Justin also highlighted the meaningful impact she has on the families she serves: Erica has shown the flexibility and patience to meet her client where they are and support their behavioral needs with a client that faces medical challenges.

Her ability to adapt, connect and advocate helps each client receive the individualized care they deserve.

A future as bright as her impact

Erica’s journey is still unfolding, but her dedication to her clients, her team, and her own professional growth is undeniable. She has become a trusted partner to families, a supportive colleague, and a shining example of what compassionate behavioral care looks like.

As she put it best, “I have grown a lot in these past few years working for Maxim, and I am grateful!”
We are grateful too — grateful for her heart, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Congratulations, Erica, on being named Maxim Behavioral’s Caregiver of the Month. Your work inspires us all.