Willow Mentorship & Consulting
Recently, I made the decision to start Willow Mentorship & Consulting, LLC.
I had a baby earlier this year, and at first, going back to work was a nice way to get out of the house and use my brain to solve clinical and supervisory problems. Quickly, though, I realized it no longer fit the life I wanted or how I wanted my days to look.
I had been battling polarized feelings: I don’t want to be a stay-at-home mom, so that means I should go work somewhere. Eventually, I realized it didn’t have to be one-sided. I could create my own adventure.
For the last five or six years, I had dreamed of starting my own company. I kept thinking of reasons why I shouldn’t. Interestingly, I never questioned whether I could do it, whether I had the qualifications, or whether I had the knowledge. Instead, I questioned things like: How will I pay the mortgage? Will I get lonely working from home? How do I even create a website? What would I call my company? How do I find clients?
Then, one morning at 3:00 a.m. (not because of the baby—sometimes I just do my best work in the early morning!), I developed my plan, created a company name and logo, and completed the LLC paperwork. Somehow, having my daughter convinced me that the time to start my company was now.
The name “Willow” came from some of the artwork in our home. My husband and I both love trees and floral artwork, and I’ve always liked the imagery of trees when thinking about the development of BCBAs.
BCBAs need strong roots to build a solid foundation and grow sustainably. Without strong roots—or a strong foundation of knowledge in ABA—it can be difficult for BCBAs to grow to their full potential.
The willow tree also represents resilience. It continues to grow and stand even through difficult times. Resiliency is a remarkable professional trait that benefits everyone working in the field of ABA.
I hope Willow Mentorship & Consulting, LLC can help BCBAs continue to grow, strengthen their roots, and become confident, resilient clinicians.