A New Leaf Therapeutic Services
Building Futures through ABA Therapy and Community Engagement

It was August 6, 2024.

“Hush,” “Wow!”, “Oh my,” these soft whispers of awe and excitement intertwined, filling the air with joy at the entrance of A New Leaf Therapeutic Services (New Leaf). What brought about this lively response was a simple gesture.

A little boy about 10 years old kneeled to hug Tucker— affectionately known as Tuck Tuck—the facility’s beloved therapy dog who had just returned after a few weeks away. Their embrace was pure, heartfelt and filled with love.

For others, the scene may be an everyday fleeting event, but for New Leaf’s staff members, this gesture is a tribute to their mission—helping ABA young learners adjust to their peers and environment. Many recalled the initial days of struggle when the boy first walked into the New Leaf facility.

He had no interest in anyone or anything and instead showed challenging behaviors, including stripping his clothes and refusing to engage with others. The team of registered behavior technicians (RBT), board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBA) and board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) at New
Leaf came together to help him. They took turns working with him, ensuring that he received consistent care.

The facility then gradually integrated Tucker into the boy’s sessions, who eventually became a crucial part of the therapy. The team’s efforts culminated in the magical moment on August 6, when the boy, once so isolated, showered Tucker with kisses.

Now, he has a newer RBT working with him, with whom he is much more affectionate. This instance is a testament to the care provided at the New Leaf and the knowledge and empathy of its staff.

“Watching our young learner with Tucker was a beautiful moment for all of us,” says Dr. Mackenzie Toland, managing partner at New Leaf. “We wake up every day determined to create miracles like these for the clients here.”

Bringing Community to The Learner

As a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) accredited entity, New Leaf works with a wide range of clients, from toddlers to young adults, each with distinct needs and challenges. The facility teaches the children served various skills to help them integrate with their environments, whether at home, school or the community.

The journey for younger children begins with a preschool preparatory program that goes beyond basic education and equips them with the skills to advocate for their needs in the real world.

For older children facing social challenges, New Leaf offers specialized social skills groups where children can interact with peers, develop friendships and build the confidence to navigate social situations independently.

When the challenges are particularly severe, New Leaf’s support goes beyond the facility’s walls. The focus shifts to reintegrating into society, whether joining community activities like attending church or simply enjoying a meal out. The goal is clear: to help these children confidently engage with the world around them.

“We also collaborate with local partners to accommodate neurodivergent children, providing a safe, supportive environment where young learners can break out of their shells and apply their learned skills in real-world settings,” says Amy Johnson, managing partner of New Leaf.

A Culture of Continuous Excellence

Every New Leaf staff member is an RBT trained in-house in ABA therapy. The facility doubles as a center where the RBTs undergo further training to become BCaBAs and BCBAs. Each member undertakes a curriculum that exceeds the standard requirements, ensuring they are prepared to support clients. New Leaf also houses multiple PhD-level staff and collaborates with Speech and Language Pathologists.

New Leaf conducts regular interactive sessions for staff to share successes, discuss challenges and learn from one another, fostering an environment where staff and clients thrive. This culture of empathy, and continuous improvement positions New Leaf as a trusted guide that helps children develop the skills and confidence to navigate and conquer the world around them.