Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Alaniz-Yassa.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began during my undergraduate years, when I volunteered and later worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). It was through that hands-on experience, supporting individuals across a wide range of ages and developmental levels, that I discovered my passion for helping individuals with autism and their families. That passion led me to earn my Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA, completing my graduate internship at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Over time, I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and founded New Beginnings Academy, a practice rooted in compassion, ethical care, and individualized support. What started as a vision to offer quality in-home and community-based ABA services quickly grew into something much more: a space where families feel seen, supported, and empowered, and where our team feels like a second family. I’ve always believed that building trust, especially with families who have had tough past experiences, is just as important as building skills.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One hurdle has been balancing growth with quality. As demand for our services has increased, I’ve worked hard to maintain high standards while expanding our team. That means lots of hands-on training, checking in with staff, and ensuring our values stay at the center of everything we do.
Like any business, there have been staffing challenges, system changes, and moments of uncertainty. But with each struggle has come a reminder of why we do this: to give families a new beginning full of hope, support, and possibility.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
New Beginnings Academy is more than a therapy provider; we’re a relationship-driven team dedicated to supporting families affected by autism with compassion, integrity, and personalized care. We specialize in in-home and community-based ABA therapy that’s tailored to each child’s unique needs, and we prioritize working closely with families to create meaningful, lasting progress.
We’re known for building trust first, especially with families who’ve had difficult experiences in the past. Our approach centers around meeting each client where they are, valuing their individuality, and partnering with parents every step of the way. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we focus on creating safe, engaging, and truly supportive environments where kids can thrive.
We specialize in working with children as young as 2 years old through adolescence and into young adulthood. Our programs are designed to support growth across key areas: communication (such as requesting help, making choices, expressing emotions, or initiating conversation), socialization (like taking turns, making eye contact, joining group play, or understanding personal space), adaptive skills (including toileting, expanding food preferences, following daily routines, or dressing independently), and life skills (such as brushing teeth, preparing simple meals, managing money, or learning how to safely cross the street).
When challenging behaviors arise, we take a compassionate and functional approach to address them. Many times, these behaviors stem from difficulty expressing needs. When children can’t communicate effectively, they may resort to maladaptive behaviors such as tantrums, crying, or even aggression. That’s where we come in, helping them learn meaningful, appropriate ways to communicate while reducing those behaviors.
Our support doesn’t stop at home. We bring therapy into real-world settings to help clients practice and apply their skills where they matter most. This may include learning how to handle being told “no” at the grocery store, riding safely in a car, navigating public transportation, ordering at a restaurant, waiting in line, using money to make purchases, or participating appropriately in community events. For older clients, we also focus on job readiness skills such as filling out applications and answering interview questions, along with essential life skills like asking for help or directions, advocating for themselves in public settings, greeting and interacting appropriately with peers and adults, grocery shopping with a list and budget, doing laundry at a laundromat, and much more. We meet each individual where they are and work alongside them to build the confidence and independence they need to thrive.
We also offer a welcoming social group for teens and young adults, providing a space to make friends, build connections, and practice social skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
What sets us apart is our heart. From the very beginning, we’ve committed to high standards, ethical care, and a team culture that genuinely feels like family. We invest in our staff, celebrate wins big and small, and make space for joy and creativity.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Families trust us not just as service providers, but as partners in their child’s growth. That’s everything. Our name, New Beginnings, says it all: this is a place to start fresh, to be seen, and to move forward with hope.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a big believer in continuous growth, both personally and professionally. A few resources have really helped shape the way I show up as a leader, behavior analyst, and person.
Books like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown have been game-changers. They’ve helped me reflect on how small, consistent actions build meaningful change and how vulnerability and courage are essential in leadership, especially in a field like ABA, where trust and connection matter so much.
I also enjoy podcasts like, “ABA Inside Track”, which blend practical clinical topics with humor and real talk. They keep me grounded and up to date, while also reminding me that we can’t take ourselves too seriously all the time.
And honestly, some of my biggest learning happens in community with my staff, the families we serve, and mentors I’ve had along the way. Those real, in-the-moment experiences are often the best teachers.
Self-care is a priority too. Whether it’s reading, painting, or spending quality time with my family and friends, I try to protect space to recharge because we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.newbeginningsaba.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbeginningsacademytx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsAcademySA/
