I can't remember a time when my heart didn't long to teach children with special needs. In 3rd grade I would spend recess braiding Molly's hair and teaching her new words to use other than her usual "NO!" (Molly has Down syndrome). Then in fourth and fifth grade I would hurry to finish my class work so I could go down to the inclusion class. In High School I spent my service hours working with children throughout the community.
Following High-School my passion continued. I worked at a special needs learning center, and then worked as a 1:1 paraprofessional for a child with Autism. It was this work in particular that led me to research Applied Behavior Analysis. Immediately I was hooked. ABA merged my love of psychology and my love for children with special needs. From here the dream of the Communication Station was born, and for 4 years I owned and operated the Communication Station where I implemented ABA programs with 25+ families in and around Birmingham. Implementing programs wasn't enough. I knew that I needed to pursue a Graduate Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a better advocate for families.
In January 2013 I graduated with a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Spalding University, Louisville, KY. After relocating to Birmingham, AL I opened Thrive Behavioral Services, LLC to serve families across Alabama and beyond. As the owner of ThriveBehavioral Services, LLC, I work with children touched by all sorts of Special needs; Autism Spectrum Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Behavior Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Learning Disorders to name a few. I can't think of a more awesome line of work than what I get to do everyday. I get to interact with some of the brightest children on the planet. I get to see the light bulbs go off in their little minds and the look that says " I finally get it"
"I Believe in Children! Most of all I believe all children are teachable! All children are capable of learning! Many are in need of a different sort of teaching. I believe I have that to offer. I look forward to working with you and your family!" -Chelsia Massey