Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Isabel Ortega
Hi Ana Isabel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist in 2009. After completing my Master’s Degree and certification in 2012, I gained valuable experience in the field, but I always had this feeling deep down that I needed to do my own thing—my own way.
In 2014, I took the leap. It was just me at first, going from home to home and working 1:1 with clients, pouring everything I had into making a difference. A few months later, I hired my first employee, and from there, things started to grow organically. By 2015, we opened our first two-room small clinic—a huge milestone—and now, we’ve grown into our own 6,000 sqft property, offering center-based ABA therapy along with speech, OT, and feeding services.
For me, with PCA, it’s never been about chasing growth but about staying true to our core values: connection, compassion, quality, and services. It’s been about finding the right people who align with that vision. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing core team that’s been with me every step of the way. Their dedication and passion have allowed us to expand and achieve things I never dreamed were possible.
It’s been a humbling, beautiful journey, and I’m so grateful for where we are today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any entrepreneur (especially one with a clinical degree rather than a business one), the journey hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. That said, looking back over the last 10 years, I can honestly say that every challenge has been a lesson—a chance to grow both personally and professionally.
One thing that sticks with me is the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Sometimes I’ve had to roll up my sleeves and learn things myself, and other times, it’s been about trusting the experts, delegating, and just knowing the right questions to ask.
What I’ve learned is that feeling supported and guided, gives me a sense of safety, and from that place, I feel more expansive. When I’m in that space, I can focus on what I do best: being creative, driving strategic growth, leading the company, and shaping our direction while staying aligned with our core values.
The road hasn’t been perfect, but it’s shaped who I am as a leader—and for that, I’m grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Promise Center for Autism?
Promise Center for Autism (PCA) is a multidisciplinary clinic in San Antonio, Texas, offering outpatient pediatric therapy services for children up to 12 years old with autism and other developmental delays. Our services include evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (ST) and feeding therapy.
We provide therapy in various settings—center, school, and community—implementing interventions that emphasize naturalistic environmental teaching and play-based techniques. Our offerings also encompass parent and staff training, consultations, social skills groups, and community supports.
Our team comprises Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Registered Occupational Therapists (OTRs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and trained paraprofessionals. We develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive intervention programs targeting language, communication, social, motor, play, academic, self-help, and functional behavior goals.
What sets us apart is our commitment to teaching with compassion and empathy, practicing trauma-informed care to connect with each child. Our programs build confidence and motivation through positive reinforcement and principles of Acceptance and Commitment Teaching (ACT), which includes acknowledging and affirming emotions, problem-solving, and practicing calming and coping techniques. We focus on promoting each child’s natural strengths while considering their current skill levels across developmental domains, valuing their personality and individuality, and emphasizing family involvement and engagement.
We are most proud of our holistic approach, which leads to successful and meaningful outcomes. Our outdoor space promotes play and overall development, complemented by large learning areas, sensory rooms, and a social skills room for comprehensive and enjoyable therapy services. Additionally, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive and culturally aware organization, advocating for a culture that is safe, accessible, and inclusive for all clients and staff.
We offer services in Spanish (Ofrecemos servicios en español) and operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 3700 Ridge Country, San Antonio, TX 78247.
How do you define success?
For me, success is all about alignment—being true to who you really are and sharing that authenticity with others. It’s about living and working in a way that reflects your core values, creating meaningful connections, and making a positive impact. When I’m in that space, not only do I feel fulfilled, but I also see that ripple effect in the people and work around me. I always try to remind myself that success is something that can be found in the progress we make along the way, not just in achieving a specific outcome. It’s about valuing the process and not necessarily just the result itself. That’s what success feels like to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.promisecenterforautism.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promisecentersa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Lf72ko69W/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/promise-center-for-autism/
