Today we’d like to introduce you to Nafisa Obi.
Hi Nafisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you told me years ago that my small speech therapy practice in Missouri City, TX would grow into a national movement changing the way autism care is delivered, I might not have believed you, but I would have dreamed it.
I began my career as a speech-language pathologist, driven by a deep desire to help children find their voice. Working in schools, hospitals, and private practices, I witnessed the same challenge again and again. Families were exhausted, shuttling between providers who rarely collaborated. Each professional had good intentions, but the system wasn’t built for true teamwork. That realization changed everything for me.
In 2017, alongside my incredible co-founders Amber Lister and Camila Trevino, we launched what would become Essential Speech and ABA Therapy. From the very beginning, our goal was simple: to create a place where speech, occupational, and ABA therapy work hand in hand, providing early, collaborative care to children on the autism spectrum. We wanted every family to feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than just therapy sessions.
What started as one center in Missouri City quickly grew into something far greater. As the demand for quality care increased, we saw the need not only for more clinics, but for more mission-driven leaders who shared our vision. Instead of turning to private equity, we made the intentional choice to expand through franchising. This allowed us to partner with passionate professionals across the country who wanted to make a difference in their own communities while maintaining the integrity and heart that define our brand.
Today, Essential Speech and ABA Therapy is proudly represented in seven states, with 10 locations in the Greater Houston area, and continues to grow. Our franchise owners share our commitment to excellence in care, empathy, integrity, and collaboration. Each new location means more children gaining access to life-changing services and more families who can finally exhale knowing they are not alone.
I am proud to say that what began as a calling has become a national movement. We are not just building clinics. We are building a legacy of compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers children, uplifts families, and inspires professionals to dream bigger.
Being a founder, a mother, and a leader in this space has taught me that true success is not just about growth. It is about impact, integrity, and courage. Every day, I am reminded that when women lead with purpose, vision, and heart, they do not just change lives. They change industries.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not, but I would not change any part of the journey. Every challenge shaped me into a stronger leader and helped refine the company into what it is today.
In the early years, we were learning in real time. We were speech therapists stepping into the world of business ownership and leadership. There were moments when we had to make tough decisions, build systems from scratch, and find the right people who believed in our vision. Balancing growth, clinical quality, and the human side of leadership was not always easy.
There were times when we faced financial strain, staffing shortages, and the growing pains that come with rapid expansion. We made mistakes, learned from them, and kept moving forward. Through it all, our mission never changed. We stayed focused on providing quality care to children with autism and creating a culture that values empathy, collaboration, and excellence.
Looking back, the struggles were the best teachers. They taught me the importance of resilience, humility, and surrounding yourself with people who share your values. Those hard lessons also became part of the foundation for our franchise model. I am now able to guide new owners and help them avoid the same mistakes I made. They get to start with a roadmap that was built from real experience, not just theory.
Today, I can honestly say the road has not been smooth, but it has been worth it. The challenges gave our company depth, character, and strength. And most importantly, they reminded me that growth rarely happens in comfort.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Essential Speech and ABA Therapy?
Essential Speech and ABA Therapy is more than a therapy center. It is a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming the way children with autism receive care. We specialize in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy under one roof, working as a unified team to support the whole child.
We focus on early intervention, serving children typically between 18 months and 6 years old, because research and experience have shown that this is when therapy can make the greatest impact. What truly sets us apart is our collaborative model. Our multidisciplinary teams do not work in isolation. Instead, they communicate daily, share data, and design treatment plans that address every aspect of a child’s development, from communication and social skills to emotional regulation and independence.
We are proud to be known for our quality of care, family-centered approach, and strong clinical integrity. Every family who walks through our doors is met with empathy and a clear plan for progress. We take pride in being a safe space where parents feel supported, educated, and empowered.
On the business side, we have grown from a single clinic in Missouri City, Texas to a nationally recognized franchise system with franchisees across seven states and counting. Our franchisees are passionate professionals who believe in our mission and receive hands-on support in operations, clinical quality, and growth. We are proud that our brand continues to expand without compromising what matters most: excellence, compassion, and collaboration.
What I am most proud of is the impact. Every new location means more children gaining access to life-changing services, more families receiving hope, and more professionals finding fulfillment in meaningful work. Our brand represents purpose, heart, and the belief that when care is done right, it changes everything.
At Essential Speech and ABA Therapy, we do not just provide therapy. We build futures, strengthen families, and empower communities, one child at a time.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is impact with integrity. Every decision I make, whether clinical or business-related, comes back to one question: Is this helping more children and families receive the quality care they deserve?
I care deeply about the families we serve and the professionals who make our mission possible. It is not about growing quickly. It is about growing in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and honors the autism community. I want every new clinic that carries our name to truly reflect our values.
I also care about creating opportunities for others. Through our franchise model, I have been able to help other professionals become business owners, build financial stability, and create workplaces that bring purpose and pride. Seeing our franchisees thrive while increasing access to care across the country is one of my greatest joys.
At the end of the day, what matters most is knowing that our work leaves a lasting impact. That children are thriving, families are hopeful, and clinicians feel inspired to keep doing meaningful work. That is the legacy I want to build.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.speechandabafranchise.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialspeechandaba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essentialspeechandabatherapy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafisaobi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EssentialSpeechandABATherapy
