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Our History
Navigating The Spectrum was founded by Desiree Lawrence with a passionate vision to serve individuals with special needs and help them reach their full potential. Having witnessed the perseverance and adaptability of these individuals, Desiree was inspired to create an organization that would make a meaningful impact in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and support the autism community in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.
Desiree Lawrence began her journey in the field of ABA over 12 years ago, starting as a direct service worker. Through this hands-on experience, she gained valuable insights into the potential for growth and learning that individuals with special needs possess. Desiree realized that with patience, consistency, and compassionate care, these individuals could achieve remarkable milestones and lead fulfilling lives.
After progressing to become a case supervisor, Desiree deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by caretakers. She recognized the need for a seamless connection between direct services and the home setting, and the importance of addressing parent concerns and desires for their loved ones. Listening to the frustrations surrounding school issues, navigating different providers, and facing an uncertain future, Desiree became committed to providing support to families on their journey.
As Desiree transitioned to becoming a business owner, she gained a broader perspective on the industry. She observed the overwhelming demand for ABA services, leading to extensive wait lists and a lack of available resources in the community. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, Desiree understood that timely access to diagnostic evaluations could significantly impact individuals' lives.
Fueled by a desire to address these challenges, Navigating The Spectrum was born. With Desiree spearheading the idea and 3 phenomenal analysts, Fressia Nurse, Hayley Nichols and Adrienne St.Louis co-founding the vision, the company's primary mission is to support the growth of the ABA field by preparing practitioners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to make an immediate impact in the lives of those they serve. By creating a well-trained and compassionate workforce, Navigating The Spectrum aims to reduce wait times and ensure individuals receive the vital services they need promptly.
Additionally, Navigating The Spectrum aims to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals on the autism spectrum. They recognize the lack of basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder in various human service fields such as police stations, hospitals, medical offices, and child care facilities. To bridge this gap, Navigating The Spectrum plans to offer specialized training to these professionals, empowering them to better meet the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum and create a more diverse and welcoming environment.
As Navigating The Spectrum continues to grow, they remain dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs, their families, and the entire community. The company strives to be an advocate for autism awareness, inclusion, and access to quality services. Through their commitment to training, support, and community outreach, Navigating The Spectrum aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Our Members
Desiree Lawrence, Founder M.S., BCBA
Fressia Nurse, Co-Founder, M.S., BCBA
Hayley Nichols, Co-Founder, MEd, BCBA
Adrienne St.Louis, Co-Founder, M.S., BCBA
OUR VISION
At Navigating The Spectrum, our core values form the foundation of everything we do. Compassion lies at the heart of our organization, driving us to genuinely care for each individual on the autism spectrum and working to create a nurturing environment for their growth. We value inclusivity, recognizing the inherent worth and unique strengths of every person, fostering a community that embraces diversity and celebrates differences. Empowerment is our driving force, as we strive to equip individuals, families, and professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to succeed. Collaboration is essential to us, as we believe that collective efforts lead to greater impact. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, stakeholders, and community members to create a network of support for the autism community. At Navigating The Spectrum, our unwavering commitment to these values fuels our pursuit of excellence and inspires us to build a brighter future for individuals on the autism spectrum, where every person is included, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Our Mission at Navigating The Spectrum is to provide innovative training programs, compassionate support, and community outreach, we strive to create a more inclusive society where individuals with special needs are embraced and celebrated for their unique abilities. We are committed to equipping professionals with the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver exceptional services and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. By fostering collaboration, advocating for awareness, and providing access to quality resources, we aim to build a brighter future, where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive, and the entire community benefits from the power of inclusion and understanding.
Compassion
Inclusivity
Integrity
Empowerment
Advocacy
Excellence
Innovation
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