Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Olson.
Hi Amber, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began working as a behavior therapist supporting autistic children. Seeing how incorporating their interests in a natural and play-based way could support their communication and regulation inspired me to pursue my Masters in Special Education. Once receiving my M.Ed., I completed requirements for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I continued to grow as a practitioner, supporting children, teens, and adults but noticed that our field was doing a disservice to families after hearing that many parents weren’t as involved in their child’s care (being asked their opinion, provided with consistent parent training). Noticing the deficit in the field of true collaboration with parents, teachers, and other supporting professionals, as well as the lack in resources and therapists supporting neurodivergent adults, I decided to start my own company, Shine Behavior Consulting.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve had to learn ways to market the family centered approach to therapy. Being able to effectively educate others on how beneficial it can be to include the entire family in the therapy process took me a little while.
Also moving from Austin to Dallas was challenging to build my company up again in a new, much larger city, while also refusing to leave my Austin clients. I learned about both flexibility and persistence, as I still make it work to drive down to Austin once per week to see my Austin clients.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I support neurodivergent children, teens, and adults providing a family-centered approach. Parents are truly listened to and goals focus on supporting emotion regulation, functional communication, and building authentic relationships are individualized and neurodiversity affirming.
What sets Shine apart is we don’t have an age cap or diagnosis requirement. We provide a safe space where individuals and families can trust that we build on strengths and interest, and focus on what truly matters to them.
Services are provided virtually, in home, or in the community throughout DFW.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I also have a podcast called The Pause That Connects where I meet with parents, advocates, and professionals who share their experiences and ways that support others. The goal is to have a space for guests to share their experiences to help listeners feel less alone and more supported. Streamed on all platforms!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinebehaviorconsulting?igsh=dDdremNkbWxhaWc2&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thepausethatconnects?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c7ddc9d5-c345-42ee-a302-6497c56f16c0
