Success for small ABA practice amidst COVID-19

COVID-19 challenges new and experienced ABA business owners alike.  Amid the virus, some small ABA practices have been able to adapt and persevere.  Rachel Paugh has a small practice with one BCBA and three behavior therapists in Front Royal, Virginia–a small town along the Appalachian Trail, 75 miles west of Washington, D.C.  She never anticipated owning her own business before, let alone during a pandemic, but is persevering for her clients and team.

Rachel Paugh: ABA Services for Autism in Front Royal, Virginia

Rachel went to college at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.  After graduating, she worked in the Fairfax County school system, where she encountered her first student with autism.  Working as a behavior technician, Rachel saw a radical transformation in the three-year-old boy. Those changes convinced her to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).  Fifteen years later, that boy is now attending college.

In consideration of her son, who has autism, Rachel decided to move to Front Royal, Virginia, but commuted over an hour for work and to attend her Master’s classes at George Mason University (GMU).  Rachel worked as the Northern Virginia Coordinator for Matthews Center and then accomplished most of her BCBA practicum at the Aurora School.  She went on to complete her practicum at ABC Behavior, where she became more experienced with in-home services.

After running the Front Royal office for ABC Behavior, Rachel decided to venture on her own.  She opened her private practice with ABC Behavior’s franchisor, Hi-5 ABA.  Over the following months, Rachel developed her team, collected additional clients, and marketed her services.  She bloomed as an operational and successful provider of ABA services.

She raised a passionate team in rural Virginia where one of her techs pursues the BCBA certification.  Another tech intends to get certified after acceptance into a master’s program.  Her team has dedicated itself to the community and they work together to help local children where there are few services available.

Rachel is committed to social development for teenagers.  She works with her teens to improve conversational skills, social interaction, and, ultimately, self-advocacy.  During the COVID-19 situation, she has virtual social groups where the children are learning each other’s interests, playing games together, and asking questions.  Her techs and clients have been able to maintain their hours through Telehealth.

Even with a young company and a global crisis, Rachel is proud of her operation and her accomplishments. She expects to thrive for many years to come.  If you’re interested in services in the Front Royal area, please reach out to Rachel through her dedicated webpage.  If you want more information about franchising or opening your own ABA practice, please reach out to Tim Maddox, Director of Franchising at tim.maddox@hi5aba.com.