This year, we are excited to feature the incredible stories of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who work closely with clients and families at Autism ETC. This month, we shine the spotlight on Alyssa Herndon, BCBA, and Clinical and Professional Development Manager at Autism ETC – Murfreesboro.
Alyssa, a Florida native, attended Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Development. Reflecting on her early career, Alyssa shared:
“My first job after graduation was as a paraprofessional in a ‘secondary school’ for students who had been expelled from public schools. Many of these students had emotional and behavioral disorders, but there were limited supports in place for them. I worked alongside Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who supported these students, and seeing their work inspired me. I earned my RBT certification and started working in a kindergarten classroom with three children with autism. Supporting those kids sparked something in me—I realized that this was where my heart belonged.”
Alyssa’s journey to Autism ETC was unexpected but fortunate.
“In July 2018, I secured a position as an RBT with another company in Nashville. However, when I arrived at the address, the business didn’t exist! Scrambling, I searched online for ABA centers nearby, and Autism ETC was the first name I found. I called them, and by that same day, I had an interview with Executive Director Rhonda Manous. Soon after, I started working as an RBT at the Nashville location on Holt Road. Within months, I became a Lead RBT and decided to pursue my BCBA certification. I enrolled in the Master’s program at Lipscomb University in Nashville and passed my BCBA exam in October 2020. From there, I progressed to Senior BCBA and, in early 2024, was honored to take on my current role as Clinical and Professional Development Manager at the new Murfreesboro location, which opened in April 2024.”
Today, Alyssa is pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is on track to earn her doctorate within the year.
When asked about her most rewarding moments at Autism ETC, Alyssa spoke with pride:
“Each client is unique, and seeing their progress is incredibly fulfilling. One of my favorite moments is when a child learns to communicate—whether through a picture system, a device, or their voice—and says ‘momma’ for the first time. That one word can mean the world to a family, and being part of that journey is why I love this work. Helping parents who feel lost find hope and seeing their children reach goals they once thought impossible is what makes every day worthwhile.”
Alyssa also offers valuable advice to families seeking support after an autism diagnosis:
“I always ask parents: ‘What are you looking for, and how can we support you?’ I explain what we do and how it can help their child. Most importantly, I remind them that we love and accept their child just as they are. We are here to walk with them every step of the way. Families often leave our center feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered, with a deeper understanding of autism and ABA.”
Autism ETC has not only shaped Alyssa’s professional life but also touched her personal life in profound ways.
“I met my husband at Autism ETC, where we became best friends. He proposed to me in one of the upstairs rooms at the Holt Road location, and we celebrated our engagement at the Music Valley site. While my husband now works as a Lead BCBA at another company in Murfreesboro, we both remain close to the Autism ETC family. We’re thrilled to share that we’re expecting a baby girl this May, and we can’t wait to introduce her to this amazing community.”
Alyssa’s story is a testament to her dedication, passion, and the impact that Autism ETC has on the lives of its clients, families, and team members.
