Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Hackney.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Keely. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Back in 2001, I was a 21-year-old not really knowing what I wanted to do for a career or even a college degree. I knew I loved psychology but didn’t think I could ever have a career in that field without going on to get my doctorate. Then fate happened… I met someone who worked with children with autism. I asked her so many questions and bugged her until she got me a job working as an Applied Behavior Analysis therapist, or ABA therapist, for short. I fell in love with my job on the very first day! Back then, I didn’t know what a journey this field would take me on. There was no credential in ABA therapy; no-one knew what ABA was. But several years into it, the BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) credential was developed and Master’s programs were being offered at a few universities in the southeast. I knew that this was the path for me, whether I could afford it or not. I loved ABA and wanted a future in it, a real career.
I got into the only Master’s program I applied to a one-year intense practicum Master’s program at Auburn University. Terrified of the out-of-state tuition, I put aside my fears and went on the hopes that I would qualify and be selected for the fellowship program. After being interviewed at five different places for the fellowship, my top selection selected me and I was awarded a waiver of tuition and my first job out of grad school!
Grad school opened my eyes to the world of ABA – it was not just for children with autism, it was for adults with disabilities, severe behavior, typical children with behavioral challenges, school-wide programs, foster parent training, the list goes on. After I earned my BCBA, I really wanted to experience all of the different avenues of ABA. I gained a wide range of experience, and while I really enjoyed each job in its own way, nothing was more rewarding than working with young kids. When that door opened again, I gladly went through it and felt at home again. Helping children in-home was exactly where I needed to be. I love seeing their growth and success. And as weird as it may seem, I really strive to “lose my job” with them because that means the client doesn’t need me anymore and that they learn everything from their naturally occurring everyday activities.
After several years of working as a BCBA with in-home ABA clients, supervising and training new therapists, and supporting parents, I felt a push to do more. I felt like God was calling me to open my own agency. Scared and not believing in myself, I obeyed. This was the best decision ever!
Early Bird’s ABA was founded in May 2016. My dad calls me Bird and I wanted to focus on early intervention, and so the name was born. We have been very successful and pride ourselves on providing high quality ABA therapy to children in the Atlanta area. I am proud to say I have many passionate therapists, and a wonderful supervising team who has grown from within.
Has it been a smooth road?
When is there ever a smooth road??? I knew nothing about owning a business. NOTHING. I have had to learn everything along the way, and am still learning. I’m lucky to have some pretty special folks by my side who share my same vision.
We’d love to hear more about Early Bird’s ABA.
We provide in-home and community-based applied behavior analysis therapy to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We teach everything from adaptive living skills to communication and social skills. We pride ourselves on using a more naturalistic approach to where skills and language use is easily generalized to the outside of therapy sessions. We are amongst the few ABA companies in Georgia who are accredited by the Behavior Health Center of Excellence.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There is such a need for quality ABA agencies. We have a very lengthy waitlist, so I’d love to network and refer those who are on my waitlist to agencies whose wait time may be shorter. Early intervention is key to success, so the faster they can receive quality services, the better the outcome for that child and their family.
Not only are more agencies needed, but more direct therapists and supervisors are needed. ABA is a growing and rewarding field. We, at Early Bird’s ABA, are willing to provide the training necessary to promote the growth and development of direct therapists from receiving their first credential as a Registered Behavior Technician, to those who go on to get their BCaBA or BCBA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.earlybirdsaba.com
- Phone: 770-596-3828
- Email: keely@earlybirdsaba.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlybirdsaba
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