Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Nelms
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After my son was diagnosed with Autism, I decided to seek out ABA services. Seeing the difference ABA made in his life inspired me to further my education and get a Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. After working as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst for a few years, I noticed the difference between clinics owned by private equity shareholders vs. clinics owned by BCBAs like me. BCBA owned clinics operated in a way that was considerate of and oriented to their staff; each individual’s needs were recognized and woven into the framework of the clinic. I saw this desperate need for more clinics owned and operated by people who worked and understood the field. This pushed me to open my own company so that I could contribute to bettering the lives of staff in the field as well as those receiving our services. I have now been growing my company for nearly five years! Seeing the impact that I have made on the individuals around me has been immensely fulfilling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle I faced was growing a new skill set; I knew how to be a clinician. I went to school and practiced clinical matters on a daily basis. Becoming a business owner required me to develop a business oriented mindset. I had to learn how to manage others while still cultivating an empowering environment for them and build an entire practice and all of its systems from the ground up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the CEO of an autism clinic that offers ABA services. We aim to give our clients the skills that they would otherwise not develop to ultimately become more independent. I am known for seeing the individual; to me, that means that I recognize our clients, client’s families, and staff’s unique background, experiences, and skills and I aim to allow them to utilize their individual talents while giving them opportunities to gain new tools. Additionally, I’m very passionate about BCBAs owning and operating companies. Many ABA clinics are owned by private equity shareholders which can lead to poor care. I am most proud of being a BCBA owned company; because I have worked in every position within my company, I understand what it is like to be on the ground, doing the day to day work. This has allowed me to structure my clinic in a way that is considerate of each position’s needs which has created a positive work environment. I am also very passionate about entrepreneurship and empowering those around me. I want to allow my employees to build out their skills to serve them longterm, whether that is at my clinic or beyond.
What are your plans for the future?
We are opening up more clinics soon in North Carolina. We are putting them in more rural areas as many families in rural areas often have to commute far distances in order to get their children services. I am especially excited about the opportunity to increase accessibility for these communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.triangleaba.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triangleaballc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triangleaba/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@triangleaba
