Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan Phillips.
Hi Jovan, 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?
I started in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in 2007 as a behavior interventionist. The current credential for that role, a registered behavior technician (RBT), had not been established yet. In fact, my supervisors weren’t even board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA). They didn’t have to be at the time. So, I started off in the field’s earlier years and in a position that left a lot of room for me to grow and learn. That is exactly what I chose to do. I fell in love with the field of ABA and haven’t looked back since. Now as a board-certified and licensed behavior analyst, I offer the community ABA services backed by 15 years of experience across age groups ranging from 18 months to 64-years of age, various diagnoses from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to rare genetic disorders such as MEF2C and Syngap1, and across environments from home-based to day habilitation centers. I have also applied the principles of ABA to assist organizations in improving clinically and operationally. Who I have become professionally is indicative of my strong family lineage. I owe so much of who I am to my family. My grandmother gifted me audaciousness and my grandfather, the gift of ingenuity and steadfastness. They were my first, and most influential, model of Black excellence established through service to the community and business ownership. Paired with the unwavering support of my mother (their daughter) and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned being a mother myself, I have a strong foundation that supports my big dreams and propels me towards them.
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?
I believe that by now, Michelle Obama has taught us that the road to becoming who you are meant to be is never smooth, never easy. I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment, and I would even question why anyone would want it to be smooth. There is so much knowledge and growth born out of challenges. I am reminded of that now more than ever. I consider that a good sign that I am on the right path and perhaps, a path I never imagined I would take. Which, coincidently, is part of one of the biggest struggles I have had along the way, fear. The fear of being in an unfamiliar place, outside the boundaries of my comfort zone. Being a business owner keeps you in these places and the address changes daily. And yet, you move forward, you learn, and your courage carries you to the next place and the next level. One morning I listened in to a well-known morning radio show. They were interviewing an artist who stated, “…you need experience to be successful. You gain experience through mistakes.” I think of this statement when I feel uncertain. It reminds me that every challenge I encounter and decision I make can get me closer to my destination no matter what and it helps me to realign myself with my purpose. I know we hear this often, but Nelson Mandela said it perfectly, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Outcomes Place ABA Therapy & Consulting Services?
The Outcomes Place ABA Therapy & Consulting Services provides high-quality, culturally proficient applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for individuals with autism and/or other intellectual, developmental, or genetic disorders. We also provide behavioral consultation to address the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, as well as caregiver support and educator/service provider training for collaborative and comprehensive care. We are committed to serving our community across the life span offering services to children, adolescents, and adults. In April 2022, The Outcomes Place will offer adaptive sports and fitness with focus on building social and motor skills while reaching wellness goals through sports and fitness. At The Outcomes Place, we’re committed to humanistic, person-centered treatment that focuses on the achievement of meaningful life outcomes for those we serve. To be humanistic in our approach means that we also acknowledge that there are autistic people who did not have the positive experience with ABA that we seek to provide for the families we serve. It is with their experiences in mind that The Outcomes Place commits to ongoing assessment of our policies and procedures to ensure we have an environment that promotes safety, transparency, collaboration, and cultural proficiency. We understand that it will also take a continuous evaluation of ourselves and our personal values, an honest understanding of how that affects the service we provide and the education necessary to address our areas for growth. This is the journey in which all members of The Outcomes Place team will have to take, which is one of the things I am most proud and excited about because the continuous growth of individual team members directly influences the growth of our clients. What distinguishes The Outcomes Place from others is we work to fulfill our vision of being different by doing things differently.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I do believe we will begin to see a shift in the field within the next 5-10 years. I believe that shift is beginning now by way of an increase in the awareness of culture and its influence on the diagnostic process for individuals and treatment outcomes. Increased awareness of cultural influences will magnify the importance of diversity amongst professionals. The hope is that this leads to an understanding of diverse representation in academic environments, on executive boards of organizations seeking to shape the field, and in funding for business owners of diverse backgrounds.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@outcomesplace.com
- Website: www.outcomesplace.com
- Instagram: @outcomesplace
- Facebook: @outcomesplace
- Other: www.jovanphillips.com
Image Credits
Oprah Photography
