Today we’d like to introduce you to EMILIE HOFFART.
Hi EMILIE, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Yes, of course! I was first introduced to the field of ABA during my senior year of college at Texas State University, where I was studying Family and Child Development. As a part of my degree, I was required to complete an internship. The only qualifications were that it had to involve children in some capacity and that it had to be unpaid. I was interested in exploring a career in supporting children with special needs, so I reached out to a family friend who helped me find an internship at an ABA clinic. I very quickly fell in love with the field, which led me to pursue my masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Just a couple short years later, I earned my certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analysist.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity of working with several great clinicians, which has exposed me a wide range of perspectives and approaches within the field of ABA. I have also gained valuable experiences supporting some of the most amazing and inspiring children. Those experiences have helped shape me as a practitioner and sparked a strong passion for the field, a sense of curiosity and a love of learning. This has led me to continuously grow and improve as a clinician.
After I had my first son in 2021, I found my perspective towards therapy begin to shift in a meaningful way. My clients were no longer just my clients, I now saw them as somebody’s baby. I found myself holding my work to a higher standard, often asking whether I would be comfortable using the same approach with my own child. That mindset led me towards a more naturalistic, flexible style of therapy. I began to combine elements from different ABA frameworks, such as Progressive ABA, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment, while still incorporating effective components of traditional ABA. I found myself constantly refining the programs and behavior plans I was writing, to allow for the implementation of therapy that was both evidence-based and child-centered.
This evolution in my clinical perspective ultimately led me to to start my own company. As I grew as a clinician, I had found the style of ABA that most aligned with my values – both as a BCBA and a mom. Starting my own company has allowed me to build a practice around those values and provide treatment that is evidence-based, flexible, natural, individualized, and child-centered.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I am very grateful to be in a field that is in high demand, which has made it relatively easy to find a job. However, I’ve never wanted just a job. I’ve wanted to work in an environment that truly aligns with my values as a clinician. Finding a clinic that consistently shared those values has been a challenge, and that challenge ultimately led me to the decision to start my own company.
I am currently in the process of building my practice, and while it hasn’t been easy, it has been incredibly motivating and educational. I’ve learned a great deal during this phase and am having fun building my dream. I know there will be many challenges ahead, but I prepared to tackle them as they come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My company provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with an autism diagnosis. I specialize in providing therapy that is naturalistic, flexible and highly individualized to the client. I have a passion for teaching skills in ways that are meaningful and easily generalized to the child’s everyday life, whether that be at home, school, or the community.
As I build my clinical space, I have been very intentional about creating an environment that feels familiar, comfortable, and is supportive of meaningful learning. This is why I chose to transform a house into my clinic. When families walk through the space, they’ll see elements that can be found in a typical classroom setting blended with the warmth and comfort of a home environment. This allows for children to practice real-life skills in a setting that feels safe, natural, and relevant.
What I am most proud of is my commitment to constantly learn new ways to support my clients that is not only evidence-based, but also compassionate, flexible, and respectful of each child’s individuality. What sets me apart is my focus on creating therapy that feels natural, supports generalization, and is delivered in a space that is intentionally designed to reflect the various environments a child may be expected to navigate throughout their day.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Oh, yes! I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts, reading books, and attending webinars to stay current and continue learning. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed listening to Functional Relations Podcast, ABA Inside Track, and The Behavioral Observations Podcast. I find that these are great resources for gaining different perspectives and learning from experienced clinicians.
I also enjoy reading about different approaches and frameworks within ABA. I do have a few favorites that I consistently return to, including Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, Early Start Denver for Young Children with Autism, The Autism Partnership Method, A Progressive Approach to Applied Behavior Analysis, and Teaching Good Learner Repertoires. These resources have inspired my clinical practice and continue to help me think critically about therapy and treatment planning.
I also tend to be somewhat of a lurker on ABA social media groups. This allows me to see the challenges other clinicians are facing, brainstorm how I would handle similar situations, explore new resources, and jump on opportunities to attend webinars. Altogether, these activities help me to stay engaged, informed, and continually improve as a clinician.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greatleapsbc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatleapsbc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581196973660
Image Credits
Ryan Hoffart
