Live: Tuesday, July 14, 7PM
Free webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Special Needs
The Power of Small Steps: How Shaping Creates Lasting Behavior Change
Big changes rarely happen overnight. Whether it's brushing teeth independently, managing emotions, completing homework without constant reminders, or getting along with siblings, lasting growth is built through small, intentional steps. In this Guided Growth webinar, BCBA and Clinical Director Suhani Patel will explore one of the most powerful behavior strategies available to parents and caregivers: Shaping. Shaping is the process of reinforcing small successes that gradually lead to larger goals. Instead of waiting for perfect behavior before offering praise or support, we learn how to recognize progress and build momentum toward meaningful independence.
Cassie Arias
I’m Cassie Arias, a dedicated mother, educator, consultant, and mentor with over 15 years of experience in Montessori education, administration, and supporting neurodiverse children. I specialize in helping schools, caregivers, and administrators align programs with Montessori principles, guiding individuals to reach their highest potential, and creating thriving, authentic Montessori communities. Whether you’re building a stronger classroom,
supporting your staff, or seeking tailored training to support your loved ones, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Suhani Patel, BCBA
Clinical Operating Officer & Co-Founder
Suhani Patel brings the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to life with clarity, compassion, and precision.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Suhani oversees all clinical services at ABA Advantage. She is deeply committed to understanding the function (why) of a behavior and not just changing it. Her approach focuses on building independence, flexibility, and long-term skill development rather than short-term compliance.
Suhani is passionate about helping families understand why behaviors occur and how a focused intervention can reduce stress across environments at home, in school, and in the community.
Her clinical philosophy centers around
Skill-building over symptom suppression
Ethical, individualized treatment planning
Collaborative care with other providers
Families often describe her as calm, insightful, and empowering. She believes that behavior is communication and when we listen carefully, meaningful change becomes possible.
Lacy Ingraham, MBA
CEO & Co-Founder, ABA Advantage
Lacy Ingraham co-founded ABA Advantage with a clear mission: build an ABA company where clinical integrity and operational excellence work together and not against each other.
With a background in business strategy and systems development, Lacy leads the administrative and operational side of ABA Advantage. She specializes in building scalable, ethical infrastructure that allows clinicians to focus on what matters most: meaningful client progress.
Her leadership centers around three core beliefs:
Families deserve to be seen as a whole and met where they are at.
Clinicians deserve support, training, and sustainable workloads.
Growth should never come at the expense of quality care.
Lacy is known for bridging the gap between the clinical and non-clinical sides of the business. She develops processes, training systems, and community partnerships that ensure services are consistent, compliant, and relationship-driven.
Under her leadership, ABA Advantage has expanded beyond direct therapy to include caregiver education, professional training programs, and community events that empower families to lead with confidence.
She believes families should never feel alone navigating the support they deserve and that strong systems behind the scenes create stronger outcomes in the home.
Here's what we'll cover:
Why waiting for "perfect" often delays progress
What shaping is and why it works
How to identify the next achievable step for your child
Ways to reinforce progress without creating dependence on rewards
How to know when it's time to increase expectations
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