A new business, Mountainside ABA, is providing behavior analysis treatment to individuals and their families in the local area. Liz Simons is the owner of Mountainside ABA. She started the company in 2017.
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is known for being an evidence-based treatment for autism. This is a quickly growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the occupational therapy career track, which includes ABA therapists, will grow 33 percent by 2020.
“ABA is especially useful for deficits in communication and problem behavior,” Simons said. “ABA therapists find ways to measure current skills,” Simons said. “Then we work toward giving individuals the tools they need to be included in their community, communicate their wants and needs, and manage their own environment.”
Mountainside ABA serves clients in Winchester, Virginia, Tucker County, and the surrounding counties. The company focuses on serving clients younger than 18 years of age. Clients are seen at their home or in the community. “Inclusion and communication with the family is important,” Simons said. Simons currently employs 7 staff.
Before entering a client’s home, Mountainside staff are trained on how to use ABA procedures. Then, they are assigned a child to work with. After assessments are completed, a plan is created to teach a child replacement behaviors, communication skills, and independent living skills.
According to Simons, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst supervises staff as they work directly with kids. Simons uses the tele-health model to supervise. “We conduct all of our direct supervision as well as staff meetings via video conferencing.”
In the field of ABA there are different levels of board certification. There are Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, and Registered Behavior Technicians. According to Simons, all employees at Mountainside ABA are either certified when they are hired or within 3 months.
Funding for ABA typically comes from health insurance. Mountainside ABA is also a West Virginia Birth to Three service provider. Birth to Three is West Virginia’s early intervention program. According to their website, “WV Birth to Three is a statewide system of services and supports for children under age three who have a delay in their development, or may be at risk of having a delay, and their family.”
Simons’ goal is “to bring quality services that are practical for the family to the area that I live, as well as provide the highest quality of professional development for my staff.”
The company’s mission states, “Mountainside ABA was created to bring practical, positive behavior analysis treatment to individuals and families. Our emphasis is on quality and family inclusion.”
Simons was drawn to start her business in Tucker County. “My husband and I were really excited to make a change, and we were excited about this area,” Simons said. “I’ve been really encouraged when I meet other professionals and families in this area. They have made me feel like what I am doing is welcomed.”
Simons graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, James Madison University with a Master’s of Psychology and Behavior Analysis, and George Mason University with a Master’s of Special Education and Assistive Technology.
Mountainside ABA can be contacted by calling 304-851-6643, emailing liz@mountainsideaba.com, or visiting https://www.mountainsideaba.com.
