Our Story

Discover Our Journey

Welcome to the story that has shaped us into who we are today—a dedicated team committed to enriching the lives of children with autism. Here, you’ll uncover the inspiration behind our founding, the values that guide us, and the milestones that have marked our path. We invite you to learn more about our mission-driven approach and discover why we’re passionate about making a meaningful difference every day.

daughter and mother holding hands

The Beginning of Change

Three Friends, One Vision, and a Journey That Transformed Lives

Carla and Lori at an event

In the year 2000, three friends—Billy Edwards, Carla Edwards, and Lori Russo—took a significant step. Armed with their new credentials as some of the country’s first Board Certified Behavior Analysts, they set up Dallas-Fort Worth’s first office dedicated to ABA consultation. They were motivated by a simple, but powerful goal: to provide quality ABA therapy to families in need.

Three years later, recognizing the increasing demand and potential for greater impact, they expanded into a full-fledged site-based treatment program. What started as a modest consultation office was becoming an essential community resource.

Today, Behavioral Innovations has grown to include over 70 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Rooted in our founders’ initial vision, we’re not just a service provider; we’re a lifeline for families and a fulfilling career path for our team members. Our mission to make a meaningful difference remains the heartbeat of our organization, guiding us as we continue to expand and innovate.

Years ago, when conceptualizing the creation of Behavioral Innovations, it is undeniable our passion was to set out on a journey that would change the lives of as many children as we could reach.  However, what is often not discussed is an equal passion for creating a workplace where BCBAs, behavior technicians, and administrative staff could grow, thrive, and have a kindred community of support.  Our dream was to create a workplace in which the principles of our science would be held in high regard so that happy learning would not only be a reality for our clients but for our staff as well.

Carla Edwards, Co-founder & Chief Clinical Officer

Our History

A timeline of our inception and expansion.

roots to a lightbulb drawing

2000

The Beginning

Pioneered Dallas’ first office-based consultation services.

indoor play room

2003

The First Center

Expanded services to include the first center-based autism treatment program.

quarters along a chart

2017

The Investment

Received significant infrastructure and foundational support from partners to drive
expansion to a 13th location.

building blocks showing growth

2018

The Expansion

Opened the first center outside of Texas in Norman, OK

girl looking through binoculars

2019

The Next Gen

Continued to drive expansion throughout the southwest.

pin on Colorado

2020

New Beginning

Opened the first location in Colorado.

Why Our Employees Choose Us?

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or new to the field of behavioral health, we’ve got a place for you. We offer not just jobs but careers that come with the chance for growth, comprehensive benefits, and the incomparable reward of making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism. Don’t wait—visit our careers page today to view our open positions and become part of a community that truly cares.

Search Open Positions

Autism awareness concept with colorful hands on blue background. Top view