Today we’d like to introduce you to Ninette Howell.
Hi Ninette, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My work in autism began 16 years ago, right after I completed my undergrad at California State University of Dominguez Hills. I first worked as a behavior interventionist for a company providing applied behavior analysis (behavior therapy) to children diagnosed with autism in school and home settings. Immediately, I was passionate about working with the children and their families. I enjoyed implementing strategies from the treatment plan and seeing my clients’ progress. After 6 years of providing direct therapy, I pursued postgraduate studies in Human Services and Applied Behavior Analysis to advance my career. I continued to work for large known companies in California with great benefits but yet had its challenges, such as heavy caseloads, lack of support, and burnout. I moved to Texas in February 2022 and was working remotely for a company in Virginia, providing staff training, remote supervision to the staff and clients, and caregiver training. I noticed in Hays County, where I reside, there were a handful of ABA companies providing therapy to children with autism, and these companies were not accepting families with Medicaid. By December 2022, I received the TIN number to open Shape Center. From January 2023 to July 2023, I started insurance credentialing, marketing at pediatrics and neurology offices to build clients, participating in autism events, creating handbooks and policies, and building a team. I accepted my first client in August 2023, and currently, I have 9 clients and 6 staff.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh gosh, no! One of the most daunting hurdles was navigating the complex landscape of insurance companies and claims. The insurance companies complete credentialing within 3 – 4 months after applying. One health insurance credentialed me after 1 year of the application submission. The insurance reimbursement process is time-consuming with growing clients. Another struggle from the beginning was recruitment. I posted an ad in Indeed to hire registered behavior technicians. I had several people apply who were qualified and accepted the job offer. However, right before orientation, I had 2 people “ghost” me and did not respond to my follow-up emails or phone calls. Amidst the uphill battle with insurance companies, there are internal challenges, such as wearing multiple hats. I am the owner, clinician, HR, payroll, and trainer for new staff.
We’ve been impressed with Shape Center, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
Shape Center is a for-profit company that offers Applied Behavior Analysis (behavior therapy) to children ages 2 – 18 diagnosed with autism. ABA therapy is an evidence-based intervention for children with autism or related disabilities that focuses on the science of learning and behavior. This approach decreases maladaptive behaviors and increases appropriate behaviors, which allows children to establish positive relationships with others, develop coping skills, and develop independence. Currently, our services are provided in the client’s home, and we structure our sessions around play to increase communication and social skills. I am a Licensed Behavior Analyst, and my main focus is to evaluate the relationship between the client’s behavior and environmental factors. This is demonstrated by assessing the client’s needs and skills, evaluating environmental variables contributing to challenging behaviors, creating treatment plans to achieve goals, collecting data measuring clients’ progress, and providing parent training. Shape Center is different from other ABA companies because we provide in-home support, whereas other companies are center-based. We are one of the few companies that accept Medicaid insurance, and we believe in a work-life balance for staff.
What are you most proud brand wise?
I am proud to participate as a vendor in the autism community (i.e., autism walks and holiday events). So far, we have attended 2 events in the Austin area and this year, we will again participate at the Texas Autism society walk as a vendor.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
Shape Center’s 5 core values are derived from SHAPE: Safety, Helpfulness, Acumen, Professionalism, and Energy. We make sure that our staff represent and implement these values when working with our clients.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
- Passion – I genuinely love and enjoy the field I am. I get satisfaction in helping families with their children, which goes beyond making money.
- Resilience and Perseverance – Owning an ABA business is filled with challenges and setbacks, from navigating insurance complexities to managing staff turnover. Passion for the business’s mission provides the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and stay committed to positively impacting the lives of clients and their families, even in the face of adversity.
- Self-confidence – I took a risk to open this company; however, I believed in myself, my abilities, and my potential for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shapecenteraba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapecenteraba/
Image Credits
Leidy Elliot, Clarissa Smartt
