Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Echeta.
Hi Genevieve, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Journey from Pharmacy to Autism Care
I am a Doctor of Pharmacy by profession, with over 15 years of experience serving in different healthcare settings across the state of Texas. My journey has always been about helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives — but I never imagined that path would one day lead me into the world of autism care.
For years, I knew little about autism beyond what I had read during my research on vaccines and developmental health. Everything changed when a close friend of mine shared her story. Her young child had recently been diagnosed with autism, and every time I saw her, she looked overwhelmed — exhausted from the daily challenges of caring for her child.
One day, I asked her what kind of support she was receiving. Her answer broke my heart. She told me she had reached out to multiple clinics, but none were accepting new patients. The waitlist for autism therapy in her area was nearly two years long. I couldn’t believe it.
That conversation opened my eyes to the reality that so many families face — the world of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I went home that day heavy-hearted, asking myself what I could possibly do to help.
I had been running my own pharmacy for five years, a business I deeply loved and had built with care. But something stirred inside me — a conviction that I was being called to make a different kind of impact. After much thought and prayer, I made a life-changing decision: to sell my pharmacy and open a clinic that would bring hope and help to children and families navigating autism.
That vision came to life in 2024 with the birth of Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Kingwood.
At Essential, we provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech, and Occupational Therapy for children on the autism spectrum, ages 18 months to 6 years. Our goal is simple but powerful — to equip these children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive and prepare for school.
Every day, I am reminded that this journey is about more than a career change — it’s about purpose. It’s about transforming pain into passion, and compassion into action.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting this new journey was far from easy. The biggest challenges I faced were getting my family to believe in my vision and finding the funds to bring it to life.
When I first shared my plan to sell my pharmacy and open an autism therapy center, my family was shocked. To them, it made no sense — why walk away from a stable, successful pharmacy business to venture into something I knew little about? Their concern came from love, but it also made me feel alone in my conviction.
Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was bigger than me. I had seen the struggles of families looking for help for their children and being turned away because clinics were full. I knew something had to change — and I wanted to be part of that change.
The financial side was another mountain. Opening a therapy clinic is expensive — from hiring certified therapists to creating a safe, sensory-friendly environment for children. There were moments of doubt, nights I stayed awake wondering how it would all come together. But each time, faith kept me going. One step at a time, the vision began to take shape.
Even now, we are still working toward full funding to expand our services and reach more children. We’re not there yet — but every day, we’re moving closer. What keeps us going is the joy of seeing each child make progress, no matter how small.
And today, those same family members who once questioned the dream are some of my biggest supporters.
Because when your purpose is clear, and your heart is in the right place, everything else begins to align — slowly but surely.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Essential Speech and ABA Therapy Kingwood?
We serve children on the autism spectrum ages 18 months to six years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.speechandaba.com/
- Email: Kingwood@speechandaba.com
