Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharronda Allen.
Sharronda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since the time I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. I would set up “school time” for my brother and sister and whoever else I can get my hands on. I had so much fun playing the teacher and the idea that I was helping them.
Throughout my school years, I found myself drawn to kids with developmental delays. I wanted to know more about them and was intrigued by the similarities in life (wanting friends, fears and hopes) that I had. I began to help take notes in college for classmates with developmental disabilities while working as a pre-school teacher. I moved on to become a classroom 1:1 aide for children with severe developmental delays at a non-public school.
Eventually, I became a Certified Teacher after obtaining my teaching degree and emergency credential. I was where I was meant to be! The many things I learned about teaching, children and my self were outstanding.
Along with the many wonderful things that came from teaching were many many lows. I, unfortunately, had a student I taught pass away. He was unable to speak, missing teeth and face was damaged from the self-injurious behaviors he engaged in. I was angered because I felt that he was not given the proper care because he was so severely disabled. One that day I decided to focus my education and professional career on those with challenging behaviors and severe developmental delays.
After many years of teaching, I moved on to work at a non-public agency that focused on helping children with Autism. There I was taught more about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and worked as the Clinical Director. I would eventually obtain my Master’s in Human Behavior and become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Many years later I felt that I was not providing what I thought was the highest level of services that would impact families as a whole. I wanted the family values that my husband I had with our daughters to translate through the therapy I provided. I came home one evening and asked my husband if I could start my own agency. With his amazingly blind faith in me, I cashed in my 401K and opened the doors to L.E.T.S. Grow in May of 2012.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The path has not always been an easy one! I thought since I had been in the field for 10 years I would slide right in there with the rest of the other agencies. I remember the day I was told: ” I have always loved you and your work but I have to get to know you as L.E.T.S. Grow and not working for your previous company”. The contracts came in slower than a sloth catching dinner.
I battled with the fact that the long hours away from my family was the antithesis of the foundation of L.E.T.S. Grow and my own family values. I cried many times knowing I was away from my daughters but there for my clients. I cried because of the financial strain creating the agency put on our family. I cannot count the number of times saying “I’m sorry” to my husband because of the various struggles opening the business has done.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with L.E.T.S. Grow – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
L.E.T.S. Grow provides in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children on the Autism Spectrum, We have developed programs to help in all facets of life. But more importantly, the services and programs are truly designed for the child and family as a whole.
We receive many calls because people want the gentle loving care that we provide. We understand how hard it is to be a parent, sibling, and or family member to a person on the Autism Spectrum. That is what sets us apart from others in the field. The thing that I love about us the most is that the majority of our clients have come from word of mouth. That makes my heart melt and smile!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Everyday we are thinking of ways to improve and help families or the community further. One HUGE development is the launching of our summer social skills day camp this year! All of our clients are welcome to come into our clinic office to work on social skills with a neuro-typical peer buddy.
All of our staff with children are having their kids come to the camp to provide the peer support for our clients. We will be working on social communication, play skills, adaptive skills, motor skills and community access. We look forward to having the camp on a regular basis during all breaks from the school year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7373 University Ave. Suite 202 La Mesa, CA 91942
- Website: www.letsgrowaba.com
- Phone: 619-713-0737
- Email: info@letsgrowaba.com
Image Credit:
Justasipicturedit, Now Then & Forever Photography
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