Ninette Howell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ninette, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important to me. As a Behavior Analyst, my work is grounded in an ethical framework that requires consistency, honesty, and doing what is right even when no one is watching. At Shape Center, integrity is woven into everything we do. It means adhering to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board ethical guidelines, honoring the trust families place in us, and staying true to our core values every day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ninette Howell, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the founder of Shape Center, an Applied Behavior Analysis clinic serving families in the Hays County region of Texas. I launched Shape Center in 2023 with a clear mission: to provide high-quality, ethical, family-centered ABA services in an area that has long been underserved.
What makes Shape Center unique is our commitment to pairing clinical excellence with genuine community connection. We focus not only on data and behavior change, but also on the experience families have when they walk through our doors. Our core values—Safety, Helpfulness, Acumen, Professionalism, and Energy—guide every interaction, from how we greet our clients to how we support our staff.
My journey started with a passion for empowering children with autism and supporting their families through compassionate, evidence-based care. Today, Shape Center is growing rapidly, developing new training pathways for staff, and building strong partnerships with other organization. Our goal for 2026 is to expand our services to offer speech therapy and partner with school districts to better support teachers in the special education setting.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my father, who owns a barbershop in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, I watched him build something out of nothing—creating a business and a community space through sheer dedication, consistency, and pride in his craft. His work ethic was steady, disciplined, and rooted in serving people well. He also believed in exposing me to real-world experiences early. At 16, he encouraged me to participate in a work program through Disneyland, which taught me professionalism, customer service, and what it means to be part of an organization committed to excellence. Those early lessons from my father shaped the way I lead today—showing me that meaningful work is built on integrity, effort, and the courage to start even when the path isn’t obvious.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the idea of expanding my business into a new region or city before the timing and infrastructure are truly right. Growth is exciting, especially in a field where access to quality ABA services is so needed—but with growth comes responsibility. I’ve always been mindful of the risk of expanding too quickly and unintentionally neglecting the foundation I worked so hard to build at Shape Center.
Another part of that fear has been not having the right people in the right positions to support an expansion. In our field, leadership, training, and integrity matter deeply. If a team isn’t strong, aligned, and well-supported, the quality of care can suffer. My priority has always been to maintain high clinical standards and preserve the culture and values that make Shape Center special.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The ideas I rely on most—outside of my own—come from the mentor program I’m part of with other BCBA-owned ABA companies. We meet regularly with a mentor who guides us through the complexities of entrepreneurship and clinical leadership, offering practical, effective strategies that help us grow our businesses without compromising quality.
These sessions are incredibly valuable because they create a space where we can openly share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and learn from one another’s experiences. The ability to bounce ideas off people who truly understand the field—both clinically and operationally—has been instrumental in shaping how I lead and how I continue to scale Shape Center with intention and integrity.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was a true go-getter—someone who set ambitious goals and pursued them with purpose, passion, and persistence. But more importantly, I hope people remember the impact I made on the lives I touched.
I want to be known as someone who changed lives with an affectionate smile, someone who brought warmth and encouragement into every interaction, and someone who left people feeling seen, supported, and empowered. Whether through my work in ABA or through everyday moments, my hope is that my legacy reflects compassion, determination, and a genuine commitment to lifting others up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shapecenteraba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapecenteraba/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shape-center-73b04827a/
