Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Glover, M.S., M. Ed., BCBA, LBA
Hi Shay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the field of ABA and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum has been both deeply personal and profoundly rewarding. Growing up, I witnessed the unique challenges and extraordinary potential of neurodiverse individuals. These experiences inspired me to seek opportunities to make a meaningful difference, starting with my time as an undergraduate at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). I became actively involved in student-led volunteer organizations who supported San Antonio’s special needs community events. These early experiences provided invaluable hands-on learning and solidified my passion for this work.
During my final year at UTSA, I balanced my academic responsibilities while working as a caregiver and completing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Education and Human Development. I also had the privilege of interning at a pediatric therapy clinic, where I gained valuable insights into the collaborative work of speech, occupational, and physical therapy professionals. Following graduation, I expanded my experience at a rehabilitation hospital, supporting patients with diverse needs, including recovery from strokes, heart surgeries, and work-related injuries.
In 2014, after moving back to Houston, I transitioned into ABA therapy as a behavior technician. This role marked a turning point for me, as it allowed me to integrate my education, personal experiences, and passion for empowering children with autism. However, I began to notice significant gaps in the quality and consistency of therapeutic interventions from one clinic to another, which often hindered patient’s skill development, retention, and generalization for many children.
Motivated by a desire to bridge these gaps and create meaningful change, I pursued higher education and founded Spectrum Empowered. My mission has always been to provide accessible, high-quality support to families within the autism spectrum community. Today, I’m proud to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who leads an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and their families through personalized, quality driven, compassionate, and evidence-based care.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, but it has been filled with growth, purpose, and unwavering faith. As a first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and board-certified professional, navigating higher education and a demanding career came with unique challenges. Yet, as a believer, I’ve always trusted that where God calls, He also provides. Time and time again, I’ve experienced His provision and favor, sustaining me through every setback.
There were moments when the obstacles felt insurmountable—times when I considered stepping away from the vision for Spectrum Empowered. Working in a field where financial priorities often overshadow the quality of care, especially with the prevalence of private equity-backed organizations, made me feel like the black sheep. Advocating for children who cannot advocate for themselves brought its own emotional weight. Despite it all, my calling never stopped pursuing me. It remained a constant presence, driving me forward even in the hardest seasons.
In 2023, the years of labor, perseverance, and mustard-seed faith began to bear fruit. Spectrum Empowered welcomed its very first patient, marking the start of a new chapter and a season of growth. That moment affirmed the power of faith, resilience, and staying true to one’s purpose. Today, I am humbled and proud to see the vision come to life, serving families and empowering children in ways that honor my calling and the mission that has guided me from the very beginning.
As you know, we’re big fans of Spectrum Empowered. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Spectrum Empowered is a child-focused therapeutic organization dedicated to providing neurodivergent-affirming, play-based ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Our mission is to support individuals with autism and those who face challenges in traditional settings. Our program is thoughtfully designed to unlock each child’s learning potential through evidence-based ABA treatment, early learning enrichment, and life skill development. By celebrating every child’s unique strengths and providing personalized support, we empower them to not only grow but thrive in their highest capacity.
What We Do:
We provide personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs tailored to nurture skill development, independence, and confidence. Our services encompass a wide range of supports, including intensive potty training, communication development (both verbal and non-verbal), social skills, sensory integration, motor development, functional replacement skills, and much more. Each plan is thoughtfully designed to address the unique needs and goals of every child we serve, ensuring a truly individualized and impactful approach.
What We Specialize In:
We specialize in a holistic approach to ABA that integrates evidence-based methods with compassion and creativity. Our services include play-based therapy, natural environment training (NET), discrete trial teaching (DTT), sensory feeding programs, toileting training, music and movement sessions, and regular parent training. These offerings are designed to ensure children progress in a way that feels natural, engaging, meaningful, and empowering.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets Spectrum Empowered apart is our unwavering commitment to neurodivergent-affirming practices. Unlike traditional models, we place the utmost importance on each child’s well-being, autonomy, and individuality. Our approach is designed not only to promote skill mastery but also to ensure long-term retention and effective generalization across various settings. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where children feel understood, empowered, and valued. Furthermore, we emphasize active family involvement, working closely with parents to extend skill development beyond therapy sessions and into the home and community, creating a cohesive and impactful journey of growth.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We are deeply proud of the transformative impact our therapy has on the lives of children and their families. Witnessing a child build confidence, master new skills, retain them over time, and successfully generalize those abilities across different environments is at the heart of what we do. Equally, we take great pride in the exceptional team we have assembled—a group of dedicated professionals with expertise spanning mental health, child development, the arts, and special needs. Their diverse talents and unwavering commitment make it possible for us to deliver meaningful, life-changing support to every family we serve.
What We Want Readers to Know:
At Spectrum Empowered, we are here to help your loved one reach their fullest potential. We are committed to creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated for their unique qualities while being equipped with practical tools to thrive in everyday life. Whether you’re seeking support for early developmental milestones, school readiness, functional replacement behaviors, or social skill enhancement, we are here to partner with you and your family every step of the way.
At Spectrum Empowered, we go beyond teaching skills—we cultivate growth, foster acceptance, and create meaningful connections. More than just therapy, Spectrum Empowered is a place where families find hope, and children uncover their unique strengths and potential.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most profound lesson we’ve learned on our journey is that time is invaluable. Every moment in therapy holds the potential to make a difference, and every second matters, especially for the children with autism spectrum disorder whom we have the privilege to serve. Their future depends on our unwavering commitment, consistency, and dedication to the ongoing practice and refinement of their skill development.
We firmly believe that every child has the capacity to learn, regardless of their diagnosis. What makes the difference is having someone who is patient, devoted, and passionate about their growth—someone who is willing to take the time to teach, support, and celebrate their success. This belief inspires everything we do at Spectrum Empowered, we embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly, ensuring that no opportunity for growth is left behind.
Pricing:
- Please give us a call for specific pricing and questions as insurance funder discounts vary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spectrumempowered.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SpectrumEmpowered
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Spectrum-Empowered/61555968222520/
