Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Lewis
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Eight years ago, fresh out of college with a degree in Exercise Science, I found myself stepping into an unexpected role—a middle school teacher for students with mild intellectual disabilities (MID). At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure of my career path, but one thing was certain: I had a deep love for working with children, especially those with disabilities. That first year in the classroom ignited a passion in me, and as I transitioned to teaching elementary students, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about autism, behavior management, and effective classroom strategies. This drive led me to pursue a Master’s in Teaching at Mercer University, solidifying my commitment to education.
Three years later, a pivotal moment changed everything. A former assistant principal introduced me to a school-based ABA training program and a role as a behavior lead. It was there that I met a mentor who encouraged me to explore the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I became deeply invested in understanding behavior and interventions, leading me to earn a graduate certificate in ABA, stepping into a leadership role as a district behavior intervention coach, and ultimately pursuing a BCBA certification.
For the first time, I felt like I had found my true calling. But with that clarity came a heavy realization—systemic barriers in both education and clinical settings were failing children of color. In schools, I witnessed the disproportionate discipline of Black children, the misinterpretation of their behaviors, and the lack of cultural understanding in intervention approaches. In the clinical setting, I saw a similar issue—children who looked like me weren’t being seen, understood, or celebrated for their cultural differences. The need for change was undeniable.
That’s why I created The Brown Behaviorista—a platform dedicated to empowering families, educators, and practitioners with the tools to embrace cultural responsiveness, humility, and respect when working with children of color. My mission is to bridge the gap, facilitate meaningful learning, and advocate for a more inclusive approach to behavior analysis in both the classroom and clinical settings.
This journey has been fueled by passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves to be seen and supported in a way that honors who they are. And this is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say that becoming a BCBA dedicated to cultural responsiveness and policy change was easy. But the truth is, the journey has been anything but smooth. From the very start, the odds were stacked against me. With only 3.6% of Board Certified Behavior Analysts being African American—and just 7-8% being women—I was stepping into a career field that wasn’t built for professionals or children who looked like me.
Despite my passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to the field, I faced pushback for my assertiveness and confidence in advocating for the unique needs of the learners I serve. I’ve been questioned, doubted, and at times, even dismissed. The burden of constantly proving myself—of justifying why diversity, cultural humility, and representation in ABA matter—has been exhausting.
There have been moments of deep frustration, where I’ve questioned whether my voice could truly make a difference. Whether my efforts to challenge the status quo in educational and clinical settings would lead to real, lasting change. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself of the children and families I serve—the ones who deserve to be seen, understood, and supported in ways that honor their culture and lived experiences.
We’ve been impressed with The Brown Behaviorista, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Brown Behaviorista isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for families, educators, and ABA professionals to reimagine behavior support through a culturally responsive lens. I created my platform to fill a critical gap in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and education—one that acknowledges, values, and uplifts children of color and the unique experiences they bring into learning spaces.
I provide culturally responsive ABA education, advocacy, and consulting to bridge the gap between behavior science and real-world application—especially in communities that have historically been underserved. I specialize in equipping parents, educators, and practitioners with culturally competent strategies that honor the identities of the learners they serve. Whether through educating others through social media, creating trainings and workshops, consulting, or developing diverse ABA materials, my work is designed to empower and create change in both clinical and school settings.
I think that what makes The Brown Behaviorista different is my unapologetic stance on advocating for diversity and inclusion in behavior analysis and education. While many ABA professionals focus solely on interventions, I focus on equity—ensuring that interventions are fair, just, and culturally appropriate for every learner.
One thing I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had in such a short amount of time. Seeing parents feel empowered and confident in advocating for their children, educators shift their mindset toward culturally responsive teaching, and ABA practitioners rethinking how they engage with diverse learners—it’s confirmation that The Brown Behaviorista is making a difference.
How do you think about happiness?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching learners thrive and flourish in environments where they were once misunderstood or mislabeled. I’m reminded of why I started this journey each time I see a child receiving the support they deserve all while being included and valued. I love seeing educators realize and understand just how much inclusivity can impact student success in the classroom. Seeing the positive outcomes I have on both families and educators and knowing I played a role in their success reminds me that I am right where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebrownbehaviorista.com
- Instagram: @thebrownbehaviorista
- Other: TikTok @TheBrownBehaviorista
