Being a member of the Chamber has lots of benefits, which is why we like to highlight one member each month, just as a reminder of how amazing all of our members are! Learn more about Applied Behavior and Learning Consultants.
Applied Behavior and Learning Consultants provide high-quality ABA services to children and families who are experiencing skill deficits, behavioral difficulties, social-emotional problems, and more.
An interview with Dr. Angela Hess, Owner and Director
What does Applied Behavior and Learning Consultants do?
We provide high-quality ABA services to children and families who are experiencing skill deficits, behavioral difficulties, social-emotional problems, and more. A majority of our clients are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, and we provide in-home services that are focused on using the natural environment and incorporating play and fun.
Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, our clinicians work with families, teachers, staff, related service providers, and professionals in order to assist individuals with autism and other disabilities in gaining essential life skills. Our clinicians work with clients and families to determine a plan of action to increase communication, self-help and daily living, play and leisure, social skills, and social-emotional regulation. When clients engage in maladaptive behaviors that interfere with their ability to learn and fully participate in their home and community, our team identifies interventions that the whole team is able to implement and is comfortable with.
Each child has unique potential. Unlocking that potential can be difficult without the proper professional guidance and intervention. Applied Behavior Analysis is uniquely suited to analyzing human behavior, language, and learning. By utilizing interventions that have been proven by research to be effective in increasing positive skills and decreasing negative behaviors, Behavior Analysts are able to improve the lives of individuals and their families.
Tell us how your organization got started.
I have worked with individuals with special needs since 2004 and have been strictly in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2009. After working at various agencies in California, Virginia, and Maryland, I saw a gap in the quality and availability of services being provided in Frederick and neighboring counties. Many families were not able to access services, and waiting lists were (and continue) to be long. Applied Behavior and Learning Consultants was formed in 2017 with a mission to provide high-quality in-home ABA services to the area. We continue that mission today and are proud to serve families who may not have otherwise had access to services.
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
Frederick is such a great place to work and live, it just made sense to open our business here. As we are in-home providers, being part of our larger community and creating partnerships and connections is incredibly important to our work. We love all of the related services available to connect our clients with and value the relationships and opportunities available.
Frederick also offers great access for our staff to continue their education and participate in various learning opportunities. We have developed a partnership with local colleges and universities and employ many individuals completing advanced degrees. Just recently, our supervisory staff and future behavior analysts got together for dinner downtown and a show. We saw Dr. Temple Grandin speak at the Weinberg Center as part of the Frederick Speaker Series. It was such a wonderful experience that Frederick offered.
Why did you join the Chamber and how has your membership benefited you?
We decided to join the chamber in order to build relationships with other businesses and leaders in the Frederick community. Having mostly clinical knowledge in our past, we figured it wouldn’t hurt to have the support of the Chamber of Commerce.
Making connections is always a way to benefit a business. Having opportunities to learn, network, and develop relationships in the community is vital.
What do you want your organization to be known for?
We want to be known for providing high quality services that include compassion and fun. We know many families need support when their child is diagnosed with Autism, and they need knowledge, understanding and compassion. We focus on building a strong team which includes the family and child.
We also want to be known for incorporating each child’s natural environment and interests into their therapy. There is no one size fits all when it comes to working with children and young adults with autism. However, there is a universal understanding that children need to be children and should have as much access to meaningful, interactive and stimulating toys and environments to best succeed.
Business group with hands together, teamwork concepts
Do you have any exciting promotions or interesting events coming up?
Spring is time for the annual Resource Fairs in Frederick and Washington Counties. We love getting an opportunity to spread the word about ABA and our services and meeting families. We will be in Washington County on March 25th from 11-2 at Bester Elementary in Hagerstown. We are still waiting for the date for the Frederick County event.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.