Starting a business is often a journey filled with unexpected challenges and joyous milestones, and TLC Behavioral Consulting has been no different. Over the past 3.5 years, we've encountered numerous roadblocks, yet we’ve also celebrated many successes. These experiences are all part of the growth process, which is rarely a straight path forward. There have been big rocks, tree branches, murky waters, and also sunshine and wonderfully fragrant flowers along the way. Each of these elements has encouraged me to continue dreaming, instilling hope, and inspiring others to find their paths. Here is the story of how I came to establish TLC Behavioral Consulting.
The Beginning: Motherhood and Autism
Like many children, my early career aspirations were grand—I wanted to be an astronaut. Over time, those dreams evolved into becoming a fighter pilot or even the first woman in the Masters. However, life has a way of shaping our paths differently than we expect.
I graduated high school in 1993, and a year later, I welcomed my first child. He was fun, delightful, and cute—a perfect baby who slept through the night and kept himself entertained. However, as he grew, I noticed something different. By age two, he wasn’t reaching certain developmental milestones, particularly in speech. He was engaged in activities not part of our immediate environment, did not respond to his name, and had limited interests. These behaviors puzzled me.
In 1996, after numerous observations and concerns, we took him to Emanuel Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, where he was diagnosed with "classic autism." The prescribed therapies—occupational, speech, and physical therapy—were overwhelming, requiring us to travel to various locations. At that moment, I wished for a single location offering all these services. Despite the challenges, he loved car rides, and slowly, we saw progress, particularly in speech therapy. He began talking at five years old, and his first word was "ball." From there, his language skills blossomed, and his needs began to be met as he could finally communicate with us.
At age 11, his diagnosis was updated to Asperger’s Syndrome, often referred to as the "Little Professor." We then focused on specialized counseling and social speech therapy. These experiences with my son fueled my passion for autism.
Discovering My Calling
By 2009, after moving to a new area, I sought a different future for myself and my children. An ad for an "Autism Tutor" on Craigslist caught my eye, and I applied, thinking I understood what it entailed. This led me to the Autism Demonstration Project, where I worked one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism. My first client was 18 months old, and it was love at first session.
This role ignited a deep passion, leading me to pursue a graduate program and eventually become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2016. This allowed me to conduct assessments, manage programs, and utilize my extensive experience as a supervisor.
The Birth of TLC Behavioral Consulting
Working under various organizations, I noticed a troubling trend: the focus of applied behavior analysis (ABA) was shifting from children and families to monetary goals and billable requirements. As a professional and a parent who had firsthand experience with these struggles, I felt a strong urge to refocus on compassionate care for families and their children.
In 2021, driven by this passion, I started TLC Behavioral Consulting. The initial years were challenging as I navigated the complexities of running an organization, but my dedication to families and their children remained unwavering. Throughout this journey, I have met incredible children, families, and colleagues who continually remind me of my purpose.
Conclusion: Our Why
The journey of TLC Behavioral Consulting is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the unwavering commitment to supporting families and children. Each step, whether challenging or triumphant, has shaped who we are today and continues to inspire us to dream bigger and create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. This is our story, and it is just the beginning.
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