Shakira Millar is a pushed, purpose-led entrepreneur and the co-founder of Conduct Change LLC, a pioneering ABA remedy apply devoted to serving to youngsters with developmental challenges obtain their highest potential.
With over a decade of expertise in Utilized Conduct Evaluation (ABA), Shakira noticed the necessity for a remedy method that wasn’t simply efficient however really centered round empathy, innovation, and shopper development. So, she co-founded Conduct Change LLC, placing her imaginative and prescient into apply and making remedy accessible, customized, and impactful.
Her journey started with an instructional background in psychology and early childhood improvement. Shakira earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Grasp’s in Early Childhood Research from Walden College, later finishing certification in Conduct Evaluation on the Florida Institute of Know-how. At present getting ready for her Board Licensed Conduct Analyst (BCBA) examination, she’s always evolving her experience to remain on the forefront of ABA remedy.
However Shakira’s not simply in regards to the credentials—she’s keen about utilizing her platform as an entrepreneur to create an area the place youngsters and households really feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes that real progress comes from assembly every shopper the place they’re and serving to them attain the subsequent stage. As a founder, she balances her enterprise acumen together with her therapist’s coronary heart, pushed to make a measurable affect day by day. By Conduct Change LLC, Shakira Millar is reshaping what it means to make an actual distinction within the lives of her shoppers and their households.
What impressed you to take the leap and begin Conduct Change LLC?
Co-founding Conduct Change LLC was a call that felt proper on so many ranges. I had been working in ABA remedy for years and will see how impactful it was for youngsters and households, however I additionally noticed the constraints of working for another person. I needed to create a spot the place we may method remedy in a very customized and empathetic method. Founding my very own apply allowed me to construct one thing aligned with my imaginative and prescient—to give attention to real progress and never simply standardized targets. It was undoubtedly a leap, nevertheless it felt essential to have the liberty to serve shoppers the way in which I imagine they deserve.
What have been among the largest ups and downs of being an entrepreneur?
The highs are actually excessive, and the lows might be fairly low. Seeing a toddler make progress or receiving suggestions from a household about how we’ve positively impacted their lives—that’s the perfect half, fingers down. There’s nothing extra fulfilling. However on the flip facet, working a enterprise comes with challenges I hadn’t anticipated. The fixed balancing act of dealing with funds, advertising and marketing, staffing, and the inevitable setbacks—it may well really feel overwhelming. Typically you’re coping with operational points on high of your common shopper work, and that may take a look at your stamina and dedication.
Are there any classes out of your work as a therapist which have helped you as a founder?
Completely. In remedy, we focus rather a lot on endurance and resilience—each are important as a therapist and as a enterprise proprietor. In ABA, progress usually comes slowly, step-by-step. I’ve needed to study to belief that very same course of in enterprise. Similar to I encourage my shoppers to remain constant and have a good time small victories, I remind myself to do the identical. Being a therapist has additionally taught me the worth of empathy, which I attempt to apply to my group and even to myself when issues get difficult.
What has been the toughest problem you’ve confronted as a founder, and the way did you cope with it?
I’d say managing the sheer vary of tasks. As a therapist, I used to be used to focusing solely on shopper wants, however as a founder, there are such a lot of different areas that demand consideration—accounting, authorized, advertising and marketing, and extra. It’s rather a lot to juggle. I handled it by reaching out for assist—looking for recommendation from mentors and connecting with different entrepreneurs. I realized to delegate the place I may and provides myself permission to not have all of it discovered instantly. I feel that was the largest shift—realizing it’s okay to ask for assist.
How do you keep motivated via the ups and downs?
For me, it at all times comes again to the shoppers and their households. Seeing the distinction we make in a toddler’s life is extremely motivating, even on robust days. I additionally take moments to remind myself why I began this journey—to create an area that actually helps and empowers youngsters and households. And typically, I lean on the identical methods I train my shoppers, like specializing in one step at a time, celebrating progress, and staying centered in my goal. That mindset retains me grounded and energized.
In case you may return and provides recommendation to your self in the beginning of this journey, what would you say?
I’d inform myself to take it sooner or later at a time and never get misplaced in perfectionism. After I began, I believed I needed to have each element deliberate out completely, which isn’t real looking. There might be curveballs, and that’s okay. I’d remind myself to belief within the course of, depend on my values, and to remain adaptable. And I’d say, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Building a business is challenging, and it’s okay to lean on others.”
How has being an entrepreneur modified your perspective on remedy or ABA?
Operating my very own apply has given me a brand new appreciation for the complexity and energy that goes into delivering high quality remedy. Earlier than, I didn’t suppose a lot in regards to the logistical facet of issues, however now I see how vital it’s to create a construction that helps each the therapists and the households. I’ve realized that constructing a supportive surroundings isn’t simply in regards to the remedy itself; it’s about creating an entire expertise the place households really feel heard, supported, and valued. I additionally really feel extra empathetic towards different suppliers and the hurdles all of us face to make sure that high quality care reaches those that want it most.
What have you ever realized about your self as each a therapist and a founder?
I’ve realized that I’m extra resilient and adaptable than I believed. Remedy taught me endurance and understanding, however being a founder has pushed me in methods I couldn’t have anticipated. I’ve needed to turn out to be extra comfy with uncertainty and learn to pivot when issues don’t go as deliberate. I’ve additionally realized how deeply passionate I’m about making an enduring affect—not simply via remedy classes however via constructing a apply that displays my values. It’s proven me that development isn’t at all times about taking big steps; typically, it’s about navigating the little challenges and staying true to your mission.
What recommendation would you give different therapists contemplating beginning their very own apply?
I’d say go for it, however know that it’s a journey with its personal challenges. It’s important to remain related to why you began within the first place, particularly when issues get tough. Be sure to construct a robust assist community, whether or not that’s mentors, colleagues, or buddies who perceive the ups and downs. Be affected person with your self, and be keen to study outdoors of your consolation zone. Operating a apply requires a mixture of abilities, so be ready to put on many hats. Lastly, belief your self and know that your distinctive imaginative and prescient is what is going to make your apply stand out.
