Interview with Julie from Hummingbird ABA Therapy

This interview was conducted by email. It is a follow-up to the March 2025 newsletter article featuring the Hummingbird ABA therapy service provider. To read that back issue, among others, please visit
www.mhcccentre.com/newsletter.html

1. If you were to give two mental health tips for a reader of this blog, what would they be?

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Mental health challenges can make you feel like you're falling short, but showing yourself the same understanding you would offer a friend can make a big difference. While Hummingbird ABA Therapy is not considered a mental health provider, we push a strong emphasis on self compassion and mental health and wellness for our staff and the families of our clients.
• Build strong support networks: Surround yourself with understanding, supportive people who care about your well-being. Whether it’s family, friends, or professional support, strong connections are key to resilience.

2. What is the view of mental health in the community? Would you say it has gotten better, the same, or worse since you started in the field?

• Mental health awareness has certainly improved over the years. People are becoming more open about discussing mental health struggles, and there's more access to support than before. However, there is always a need for more resources, particularly for specific groups like neurodivergent individuals and their families who are navigating parenthood differently. 

3. In brief, are there lifestyle choices that can help someone with their mental health?

• Yes, lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness, and limiting screen time can significantly improve mental health. A routine that prioritizes self-care and social connection can also play a major role in managing mental well-being. Many of our clients are working on developing leisure skills, which is not just teaching them how to play and do fun things, but also finding things that they can use as coping strategies to protect their mental health. 

4. What would you say is the best way for the community to be inclusive to those suffering from mental health challenges?

• The best way to foster inclusivity is by educating others, reducing stigma, and creating supportive environments. This includes listening without judgment, offering compassion, and actively including people in activities and conversations regardless of their mental health status. At Hummingbird, we work primarily with children with autism, but oftentimes parents and families struggle with mental health needs due to a lack of support and understanding for their experiences. It is so important to meet people where they are and not judge.  

5. About how many individuals do you help?

• At Hummingbird, we currently serve over 70 children with ABA therapy and/or pediatric occupational therapy with approximately 15% of our clients having diagnosed mental health disorders in addition to their primary diagnosis to qualify for our services. We also recognize that the research shows that autistic adults are more likely to struggle with mental health issues as they grow, and want to ensure that our clients have the tools needed to be successful and happy, even after they're discharged from our services. 

6. How does modern technology help mental health, or work against it?

• Modern technology can be incredibly helpful for mental health by providing access to therapy, resources, and support groups through apps, telehealth, and online communities. However, it can also work against mental health if it leads to overuse, social isolation, or contributes to unhealthy comparisons via social media. Social media safety is often a conversation we have with our middle and high school social skills groups. Technology can be a great tool for us as well, as it allows for our staff to complete virtual trainings, our supervisors to complete telehealth caregiver trainings and observations, and we can easily send information to and from families as needed. 

7. What are the top mental health issues facing youth today?

• While there are many mental health issues facing youth today, Hummingbird works with neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism, who are typically facing unique mental health challenges, such as social anxiety, sensory overload, or feeling left out or lonely. 

8. Can you briefly describe your therapy approach as if I knew nothing about it?

• We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, primarily with autistic children, which works to increase communication, social skills, and independence. The field of ABA has a rich history, and Hummingbird ABA Therapy works to provide a neurodiversity-affirming approach, meaning we recognize and support each child’s individual needs, preferences, and natural abilities rather than attempting to “normalize” behaviors. We recognize that people may have their own quirks and needs, may need to stim or move differently, and may communicate in a way that is not the same as those around them. It's important within our approach that we honor these differences, focusing only on the reduction of harmful or unsafe behaviors, while increasing the positive behaviors through developing more skills. 

9. What first inspired you to start your business?

• I started Hummingbird ABA Therapy after gaining experience in a variety of connected roles- working as an early childhood educator, then a psych rehab specialist, and then an ABA Therapist. In addition to my professional roles, I was a parent to a neurodivergent child. From my work with adults who were missing critical skills, I saw firsthand the need for neurodiversity-affirming therapy services, and then later realized that there was not nearly enough for these children. My goal was to create a space where children could receive support in a way that respected their identities and needs, while also helping families navigate the complex world of therapy and resources. Hummingbird ABA Therapy became the first agency providing ABA Therapy that was owned and run by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and now runs the only ABA Clinic within Centre County. 

10. Who is your biggest inspiration?

• That's a really tough question. I have many inspirational people who I have encountered in my life, and honestly I can't say a single person has inspired my business model or therapy practices. Much of my inspiration comes from other BCBAs who have created similar ABA agencies in different parts of the country. I have a strong group of friends and mentors that support each other and we spend a lot of time learning from each other. 
  

11. What book are you currently reading?

• I have a very eclectic reading list and honestly I have to force myself to vary my reading to not always be autism or ABA therapy related!  Currently, I'm reading a memoir of a late-diagnosed autistic woman titled, "Drama Queen", by Sara Gibbs.  

12. What is a day in your life like?

• My typical day begins with getting my children ready for school and ensuring they have everything they need for the day. Once they are set, I take a moment to get myself ready, preparing for both personal and professional responsibilities. Before leaving the house, I check messages for Hummingbird to stay up-to-date on any urgent matters. Once I arrive at the center, I start by reviewing and responding to emails to address important communications. I then hold multiple meetings with the clinical and admin teams to align on goals and priorities for the day. I review treatment plans to ensure they reflect the needs of our clients, and create trainings and guides for staff based on what is needed to improve services and workflows. Throughout the day, I also review client updates and collaborate with our scheduling coordinator and admin director to meet scheduling and hiring needs.
  
  I make a point to do a few laps around the center, checking in with staff and offering assistance as needed. This helps me stay connected with the team and address any challenges that arise. At the end of the day, I return home to my children, where we enjoy time together. I make dinner and play with them until it’s time to get ready for bed. As the weather warms up, I’m looking forward to spending more time outside, including walking to the park after dinner. This balance of work and family keeps my day fulfilling, and I’m excited for the opportunities that spring will bring.