Our Team
Monika Haffner, M.S., BCBA, LBA, IBA
About Our Founder!
Beautiful Minds was founded by Monika Haffner, a BCBA, whose journey into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is both professional and deeply personal.
Monika began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), driven by her passion for helping children and inspired by her own experience as a mother of two children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Determined to make a greater impact, she earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
In 2018, Monika established Foothills Behavior Specialists in Washington State, a thriving practice built on her vision of providing family-centered, high-quality ABA therapy. After several successful years serving families in the Pacific Northwest, Monika and her family relocated to Hermosa, South Dakota, where she founded Beautiful Minds to bring the same level of compassionate, evidence-based care to children and families across the Black Hills region.
Today, Monika continues to grow in her field while pursuing her PhD. She lives in Hermosa with her husband, their children, two dogs—Cash (Pitbull) and Daisy (Rottweiler)—and five cats. Outside of her work, she enjoys music and traveling and camping with her family in their RV.
For Monika, ABA is not just a career—it’s a calling. Every milestone a child achieves and every family that feels supported reinforces why she built these practices: to create a place where children can thrive and families never feel alone on their journey.
Regan Buonadonna
From the time she was little, Regan’s heart was drawn to supporting children with unique needs. As a student, she often spent her lunch breaks in the Special Education classroom, choosing connection and compassion over the cafeteria. At just 13 years old, she began volunteering as a peer model at a local ABA company, helping in both children’s and teen social groups. Those early experiences sparked a passion that never left her.
At 18, Regan became a Registered Behavior Technician and stepped fully into the world of ABA. Her journey took her across states and into new roles — including serving as a direct support professional in a group home supporting mostly independent residents — but the field always called her home. When she returned to South Dakota, she rejoined ABA as a Behavior Technician and discovered a new love: the administrative and organizational side of helping families.
Today, Regan is pursuing a dual major in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, blending her heart for service with strong leadership skills as the proud owner of Little Explorers.
Outside of work and school, Regan enjoys watching Law & Order: SVU with her husband, playing video games, traveling, and shopping. She is also soaking up every moment with her baby girl, born in December — her greatest joy and inspiration.
Warm, dedicated, and deeply passionate about helping children learn and grow, Regan brings her whole heart to Little Explorers. Families can feel the difference the moment they walk through the door.
