Meet the Founders of HiSteps ABA Therapy

Fardowsa Nur
Co-Founder & Clinical Director

Fardowsa Nur holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her career spans classrooms, school-based programs, clinics, and in-home ABA services, giving her a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of how to best support children with autism and developmental needs.

Known for her compassionate and culturally responsive approach, Fardowsa is deeply committed to developing personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that honor each child’s unique strengths while supporting meaningful, measurable progress. She collaborates closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals—including speech and occupational therapists—to ensure holistic, consistent, and effective care.

As Co-Founder and Clinical Director of HiSteps ABA Therapy, Fardowsa leads with empathy, vision, and unwavering integrity. In addition to overseeing clinical operations, she actively mentors and trains her team, cultivating a culture rooted in growth, excellence, and continuous learning.

Fardowsa’s passion goes beyond the boundaries of traditional ABA—she believes in creating the right environment where children can thrive across all facets of life, not just within therapy goals. She sees every child as full of limitless potential, and her mission is to ensure they have the tools, support, and encouragement to grow into their fullest, most empowered selves.

“My mission is to empower families, uplift children, and lead a team of professionals committed to delivering high-quality ABA services with heart, purpose, and lasting impact. I don’t just want to see progress in therapy—I want to see our children thrive everywhere.”

— Fardowsa Nur

Abdi Gelle
Co-Founder & Administrative Director

With over two decades of experience in healthcare administration, Abdi Gelle brings a powerful blend of operational leadership, entrepreneurial insight, and family-first values to HiSteps ABA Therapy. His background spans both nonprofit and private sectors, including his time as the founder and operator of a successful homecare agency. This experience has given him a deep understanding of what it takes to build responsive, client-centered systems that truly meet the needs of diverse communities.

Abdi has led initiatives to improve service delivery, streamline operational workflows, and ensure regulatory compliance—always with a focus on expanding access to quality care. His expertise includes process optimization, financial management, and developing scalable, ethical systems that keep families at the heart of every decision.

At HiSteps ABA Therapy, Abdi plays a vital role in ensuring the organization runs smoothly, sustainably, and with the highest standards of excellence. He works hand-in-hand with both the clinical and administrative teams to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and shared purpose.

“Behind every strong care team is an intentional system. I strive to build those systems—with integrity, compassion, and a focus on what families truly need.”

— Abdi Gelle

A Shared Vision

HiSteps ABA Therapy was founded through the collaborative vision of Fardowsa Nur and Abdi Gelle—two professionals united by a shared passion for helping children with autism reach their fullest potential. Drawing on over 20 years of combined experience in behavioral therapy and healthcare administration, they built HiSteps on a foundation of clinical excellence, cultural responsiveness, and compassionate care.

Their mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves personalized, high-quality support in an environment filled with warmth, respect, and joy. By blending Fardowsa’s deep clinical expertise with Abdi’s operational leadership, they ensure that every family receives thoughtful, effective support—from the first intake call to each milestone achieved. Together, they lead a growing team committed to creating meaningful outcomes and walking hand-in-hand with families, step by step, toward brighter futures.