Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Perez.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2007, we welcomed our first child, Gabriel. Gabe was a happy, healthy baby, but around 18 months, we noticed signs of regression. At age two, he was diagnosed with autism.
That moment marked the beginning of my personal journey to ensure he had access to all the therapies he needed. At the time of his diagnosis, we were living in a small town in North Dakota where my husband had been assigned for work. While we could access some services, the behavioral therapy Gabe needed wasn’t available. This led us to relocate to Houston, specifically The Woodlands, where more resources were available.
With a background in engineering and business, I began researching options for Gabe because the existing services at the time weren’t meeting our expectations. During this search, I met someone who was skilled in social skills training and open to exploring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Together, we collaborated to establish a facility in The Woodlands that focused on behavior intervention. This experience marked the start of my work in services related to behavioral therapy.
A few years later, I opened my own clinic in Katy, providing ABA therapy with the support of an amazing team and the leadership of an incredible BCBA. While offering ABA, we recognized a significant gap in resources for older children transitioning out of school. There was very little available to help these individuals develop the skills they needed for life after school. This realization led to the creation of Be Extraordinary—a program focused on skill-building and training for young adults with autism.
Esto suena mejor?
Eventually, I transitioned away from the clinic to focus fully on Be Extraordinary, which remains at the heart of our mission. Our work is dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities and support for individuals transitioning out of school, empowering them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Challenges are always part of the journey. On a personal level, it’s difficult to come to terms with the fact that your child has special needs. It can also be incredibly frustrating when there’s a lack of services available. However, as a parent, you can take action and do everything in your power to provide the best possible support for your child.
From a business perspective, the road is equally challenging, but each obstacle brings opportunities for growth. Whether it’s earning the trust of families, securing financial support, creating individualized plans for clients, or finding professionals who are truly committed to the families we serve, every step requires effort and dedication. I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by a wonderful team that shares my vision and passion.
This year, we’re focusing on relaunching our Saturday workshops, which we had paused due to clients moving in different directions. Additionally, we are expanding our services to include a wide variety of programs that emphasize parent training and school support, ensuring that families and schools have the tools they need to help their children thrive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a strong foundation in both engineering and business. Early in my career, I worked in the oil industry before transitioning into Marketing and Sales after earning my MBA. During this time, I held key roles with a leading international courier company, gaining valuable experience in corporate strategy and customer engagement.
Since 2015, I have been dedicated to the operations of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) facilities and providing community support for individuals with autism and other disabilities. Currently, I manage Be Extraordinary, an organization committed to empowering individuals with autism and related special needs by offering opportunities to develop and apply life and vocational skills in a supportive, nurturing environment.
In addition, I am involved with Collective Insight, a sister organization focused on equipping families and caregivers with the skills and tools needed to support their loved ones with disabilities. Our mission is to enhance communication and foster meaningful, lasting changes in home and community settings.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe there is a significant gap in secondary services for individuals with special needs. Many in this population are unable to access college education, and vocational training options are both limited and often out of reach due to funding challenges for families. Additionally, there are far too few opportunities for inclusive social activities where these individuals can feel truly welcomed and supported.
I hope to see an increase in providers offering vocational training, community support, and meaningful social interaction opportunities. While the future remains uncertain, I remain optimistic that these essential services will expand and improve in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bee-tx.com
- Instagram: Beextraordinarykaty
