Skip to main content

Our Core Values

Independence First

Independence looks different for everyone. We work on skills that matter to you, including making choices, asking for what you need, and taking part in daily life.

Dignity & Respect

Your voice, preferences, and boundaries matter. We listen to how you communicate and include your choices in planning your support.

Ethical & Evidence-Based Practice

We draw on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), explain why we recommend a strategy, and use observations and data to check how it is working. Your rights and well-being come first.

Collaboration & Transparency

You are part of the conversation. We work with you and your chosen support team, explain our recommendations, and make room for questions.

Accountability & Integrity

We aim to be clear about what we can offer, follow through on what we agree to, and listen when something needs to change.

Growth Through Structure

We work toward goals one step at a time, checking in along the way and adjusting support when your needs or priorities change.

Team

Heather Lotz, B.S.

Co-Founder & COO


Hi, I’m Heather. I like people to feel comfortable being themselves—asking questions, sharing a concern, or having a laugh along the way. There’s room for a little lightheartedness, even when we’re working through something important.


I’ve worked directly with clients, and I also bring experience with the systems and behind-the-scenes work that keep an agency running. Both sides of that work matter to me: understanding what someone needs and helping put the pieces in place to support them.


Kai and I run Lotz of Lively Steps together. I bring a calm approach, a caring ear, and a sense of humor. You don’t need to have the perfect words when you reach out. We can start wherever you are.

Kyle (Kai) Lively, M.S., BCBA, LBS

Co-Founder, CEO & Clinical Supervisor


Hi, I’m Kai. Heather and I are building Lotz of Lively Steps together, and I’m involved in a little bit of everything—from clinical support to the details behind the scenes. I ask questions, rethink things, and keep working at them until they feel right.


That’s also how I want to approach supporting people: getting to know you, listening to what matters, and figuring things out together. What do you enjoy? What’s frustrating? What would you like to feel easier? Those are good places to start.


I’m a BCBA and a Pennsylvania Licensed Behavior Specialist. My work focuses on making support useful in everyday life, whether that means communicating a need, finding a routine that works, or taking part in something you enjoy.

FAQs

We offer Behavioral Support Services for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism in Cumberland, Perry, and Lancaster counties through Pennsylvania’s ODP waiver system.


We get to know your needs, develop a Behavior Support Plan, and work with you and your support team on practical strategies. Goals might involve communicating what you need, building routines, or taking part in activities you enjoy. Your support is coordinated with your Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Let’s start with a conversation. Tell us what you or the person you support would like help with, and we can discuss whether our services may be a fit and what availability looks like. If you have a Supports Coordinator, they can help with eligibility, planning, and authorization.


Reaching out doesn’t guarantee funding or a start date. Please keep your first message general—no diagnoses or records are needed through the website. We’ll talk through the next steps with you.

ODP stands for Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs. Its waiver programs help eligible people receive support at home and in their communities. Behavioral Support is one of the services available through applicable waivers.


The programs and requirements can be a lot to sort through. Your Supports Coordinator or county intellectual disability/autism office can explain eligibility and authorization. We can talk with you about the adult Behavioral Support Services we offer.

Once services are arranged and authorized, we get to know your strengths, routines, preferences, and the situations where support could help. This assessment guides a Behavior Support Plan built around your needs and goals.


We explain the strategies, work with you and your support team, and check how things are going using observations and data. The plan can change as your needs change, with your choices and ISP goals guiding the work.

Yes. If joining activities or spending time in the community is one of your goals, Behavioral Support can help you work on the skills or challenges involved. That might mean asking for help, communicating a preference, or preparing for a change in routine.


We work with you and your existing support team so strategies fit the places and activities that matter to you. This is part of your Behavioral Support Plan; it does not mean we offer every community, employment, or transportation service.

Kai guides our clinical services. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania.


You’re welcome to ask about who will provide your support, their qualifications, and how your plan will be reviewed. Kai and Heather work together to run the agency, and either of us can help you find the right person to speak with.