Life and Work with Moriah Durrett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Moriah Durrett.

Moriah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
How did I get here? GOD! (No, seriously!) I was called to be an advocate, supporter, and educator of autism. There are so many misconceptions, myths, and unanswered questions about autism, and it is something I am very passionate about! There is nothing I would rather do. This is NOT just a “job” that anyone can do, this is a calling, no doubt about it. Now, let’s go a little deeper…

Upon graduating from college (2009) with my degree in speech-language pathology, I immediately joined the workforce and moved to a small town called Lake Jackson, TX. I have ALWAYS had a natural rapport with children, so I decided to work for a school district. After my contract was over, I moved back home to Memphis, TN for a while. Working in the school district there as a Speech and Language Teacher, I would provide speech to neurotypical and special education students. There was one kid that had special needs that displayed maladaptive behaviors such as hitting, kicking, and screaming. I never did anything to his kid, that would cause him to aggress towards me, I was completely lost. I sought help from the principal and special education teachers and no one could provide insight about this student. I reached out to his parents and they informed me that he has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Of course, my first reaction was “what is autism”? His mother recommended that I come to his ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy session to see how his BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) works with him and has great instructional control over him. I agreed and I fell in love with the field of ABA and autism!

I fell in love with it so much that I began to work part-time as an ABA therapist after school, just so I could learn more about this evidence-based therapy and how it is effective for treatment of kids with autism. Not only was I able to use the same skill set as being a speech therapist but I also had so much fun doing it! Once speech jobs began to disappear due to changes in the insurance policies for coverage, I transitioned into ABA therapy full time and moved to the DFW area 5 years ago.

I can’t lie, there were so many times I thought about quitting ABA initially because of the aggression I faced daily but it honestly made me more passionate about it. I always thought to myself “I can help this kid. I am going to help this kid. I need to help this kid.” To see their progress each day and to witness milestones that were being reached, when people said they couldn’t, was the biggest reward of all for me. It is why I am STILL here. The bonds I have gained with these kiddos and their families surpass description, they are my family.

Being the parent of a child with any special need, especially autism, is a daunting task. It takes a warrior to take on autism and all the many branches that come with it. While providing therapy to families all over DFW I would often hear parents say:

“My husband and I haven’t been on a date in 3 years!”
“We haven’t had a vacation in forever!”
“I can’t run any errands!”
“I have no time for myself!”

It would make me so sad. Yet, each parent would still come in with a smile on their face, I admired their courage and perseverance. And I would pray every night “Lord whatever help my AUsome families need, please get it to them!”

About a week later, a parent called me in tears because her son with autism wouldn’t stop screaming, throwing objects, and pulling his sister’s hair. Her husband was out of town on business. I immediately rushed over to her home, to find her in the kitchen holding her daughter in her arms and her son jumping on the couch with a huge smile on his face without a care in the world, the house was in shambles. In his mind, he had won this battle, until I walked into the door. He immediately got down from the couch and began to clean up and say “I’m sorry Ms. Moriah, I will pick it up”. The same principles of ABA that I provided to him daily, I began to use right then at that moment in his home environment to gain tranquility back into the household. I asked the mom to leave both children home with me and for her to go have a mommy break away from the house. Of course, she refused initially, but I wasn’t taking no for an answer. She gathered herself and left, I told her to stay away as long as she needed to, I would be here and take care of them. She started to cry again hysterically, thanking me and God, then something inside me clicked and The Perfect Piece DFW was born!

I started my business on the foundation of helping these families who need it most. Some may think only people who are homeless or less fortunate need help. WRONG! We all need each other and we all need help sometimes. All I’ve ever wanted to do was a help. So, one mom told another mom and before I knew it I had a new stream of income from providing respite to these families of children with special needs. I was only taking referrals initially until a family of mine encouraged me to expand and make this company public. I agreed but it still took me a while to figure out if entrepreneurship was for me (I’m sorry but I had no issue working for the “man” at the time 🙂 ). In February, I created my FB page, made marketing materials and began expanding my availability to accommodate more families and the ride has been amazing!

Has it been a smooth road?
Man, man, man. Nobody ever told me the road would be easy, but I know there is nothing I can’t face with God on my side. There have been times where I’ve had to turn families away due to them being too far away or me already being booked, and it literally kills me every time. I try my best to accommodate each family, but sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. I also didn’t start my business to get rich, but I also have to maintain a comfortable living for myself and my future. With that, sometimes I do accept wages that are not what I desire just so that I can help someone else. I strongly believe that if you can see the good in every situation, it will work itself out. And because I want to help so many families, I sometimes forget that I need time for myself as well. I work A LOT, like A LOT! I have to do better with not getting so indulged in my work that I burn myself out and then I’m not able to help anyone if that happens. But I am trying my best to mix in as much play as I can!

My advice to other young ladies: LISTEN TO YOUR HEART! Do not conform to what others think you are or what others think you should do. You were created to be great, so be great no matter what roadblocks you hit. If you want it, go get it! It’s our time ladies!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Perfect Piece DFW – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For my full-time employment, I am a licensed Registered Behavior Technician. I provide behavior therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other specials needs.

My part-time/PRN business is a respite company that provides the following services:
-Respite care
-Social skills training
-Community outing assistance
-Overnight support & care
-Educational assistance, tutoring and advocacy services
-Travel companionship & support
-Job skills training & mentorship

What sets me apart from others is that I care about these kids, their families, and their overall well being. Not only am I educated and well trained, but I am personable and human. I have a natural rapport with my kiddos and they know I love them soooo much! It is important to me that these kids become a part of society and not be outcasts because of how this disorder affects them. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERENT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE LESS! And they are not in my eyes. It is my job and calling to make sure they can function in society as INDEPENDENTLY as possible, this is my prayer.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I love to read! Any genre! Inspiring self-help books, poetry and memoirs are amongst my favorites. I am just now getting into podcasts but I love the Amanda Seales’ and T.D. Jakes’ podcasts so far.

I honestly find most of my inspiration for my AUsome kiddos and the Bible app. They always have amazing reading plans that I love. Also, my daily devotional, Morning Manna by Pastor Steve Gaines, I have had this yearly devotional book for years, and I still read it daily and find something new and inspiring in the readings each time.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (979) 417-3849
• Email: theperfectpiecedfw@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theperfectpiecedfw/

Image Credit:
Moriah Durrett

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