Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittni Williams.
Hi Brittni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2011, I began a long, fulfilling career in integrated education at Walden Early Childhood Center (now Early Emory). My position as an assistant teacher, which I initially considered a stepping stone into child psychology, ended up being the most important position I could have accepted.
At Walden, we taught preschool-aged students with exceptionalities and neurotypical development in the same classroom at all times. For ten years, I developed my skills as an inclusion teacher.
Education and early intervention are tough fields, especially when merged. I tried a few times to pull away from teaching but never got far. Children have an incredible way of grounding adults into reality. Eventually, I faced the fact that my place was in early education. Twelve years later I am glad I stuck with the kids!
Year after year, I watched students transition into elementary school. Some thrived, others not so much. It was clear that society was missing early intervention and integration for children with and without exceptional needs. The model at Walden worked so well, and I often imagined a similar program that went beyond pre-K.
In 2017, I earned my Master’s in Education, and took the Behavior Analysts Certification Board exam. I was board-certified in 2018 and opened a private practice; Fitting Pieces Behavioral Services, LLC. When the pandemic hit, the school I’d always imagined became necessary. The Fitting Academy was established in March 2021 and has been serving our scholars ever since.
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?
Oh, nothing about this road has been smooth! First of all, I’ve not spoken to a single colleague in the education or ABA field who doesn’t report recruitment issues. TFA is hiring dedicated and reliable instructors. #JointheDen
Networking is a challenge. I find myself struggling to market TFA outside of the occasional IG and FB posts. It’s my least favorite aspect of running the business.
The last thing I’d mention is realestate. We are currently looking to relocate permanently and the options available for a school are limited.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Fitting Academy is a private school in metro-Atlanta serving scholars 4 through 12 years old. We’re dedicated to the progression of nontraditional learning in an inclusive setting, with an emphasis on individualized education. At TFA, we provide experiences grounded in love, honesty, respect, and equity.
TFA is open year-round, offering early drop-off and afterschool programs for enrolled scholars.
What are your plans for the future?
TFA hopes to expand its reach through a transportation program. We’ve had several families outside of the metro-ATL area interested in enrollment, but are discourged by our city’s traffic.
We are also looking to start a scholarship program.
We hope these two endeavors will increase the community’s access to TFA.
Pricing:
- Tuition rates start at $850 a month. Additional fees apply for intervention services.
Contact Info:
- Website: thefittingacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afittingacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefittingacademy/
Image Credits
Wade Watkins (adult group photo in front of TFA sign) Anita Gardner (group photo with children)
