From supporting AutismOklahoma's free programming to ocean-themed fun in Georgia, summertime has been full of celebration, growth, and anticipation.

We're proud to showcase meaningful moments from the past month and announce the new center openings and upcoming events that continue to connect and inspire our community across the country.

AutismOklahoma Walk

Fundraising through Joy & Connection

We kicked off summer with a purpose in Oklahoma when on June 7, the Brighter Strides Oklahoma City team participated in the annual AutismOklahoma Walk: A Fundraiser to Connect The Spectrum (formerly known as the PieceWalk).

Brighter Strides’ BCBA Hailey Odell, Lead RBTs Tori Smith and Rochelle Parrish, and RBTs Taylor Fish and Jessica Pirtle joined 252 teams of autism resource providers, families, and supporters to help raise over $152,000 of unrestricted funds for AutismOklahoma. As the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the event's success helps to maintain 80+ free programs dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for 4,500 individuals and families impacted by autism each year.

Our Brighter Strides team had a blast meeting kids from the local community, proudly won the “Best Use of Theme” award, and is honored to have been part of this special day of joy, education, and inspiration for families across the state. 

Under the Sea in GA

Bringing Summertime to Life through Craft

Brighter Strides Duluth is celebrating summer by bringing seasonal favorites and the oceans to life! Kids and staff alike are enjoying this engaging, colorful “Under the Sea” activity—a creative exercise for identifying colors, shapes, and animals, listening to instruction, maintaining focus, and sitting still.

Using pre-cut ocean-themed shapes, paper plates, straws, paint, pom-poms, and more, the center has transformed into a vibrant ocean-inspired exhibit with summer fun and learning proudly on display!

Celebrating Brighter Strides

Virgina’s Lauren Smith

Our Longest Tenured RBT Becomes a Certified BCBA

After earning her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Walden University, Lauren began exploring opportunities to launch her psychology career. Never having worked with children with disabilities before, in November 2021 she joined Brighter Strides Virginia as a Behavior Technician. Lauren quickly became a valued member of the team and fell in love with the field. Encouraged by her supervisors at Brighter Strides and witnessing her first client graduate from three years of ABA services, she made the pivotal decision to pursue a long-term career in ABA.

Today, after two years of hard work and continued therapeutic excellence, we are thrilled to be celebrating Lauren's post-Master's certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology and her new BCBA certification. Her dedication and growth reflect the heart of our mission—supporting brighter strides for our clients and the dedicated professionals who are making all it possible.

Congratulations Lauren!

Summer is a Season of Expansion

New Center Openings from North Carolina to Oklahoma

As three new centers prepare to open across the country this summer, anticipation and excitement are heating up!

With ribbon-cuttings planned this month in Wilson, NC, and Catonsville, GA—and a new center opening in Moore, OK this August—Brighter Strides ABA is proud to expand our reach by providing more families with access to center-based services.

By adapting our ABA therapy services to meet the unique needs of each community, we look forward to continuing to grow our impact and celebrating the positive outcomes we see in children nationwide.

Staff Appreciation Events 

Making Time to Celebrate & Connect

As a heartfelt “thank you” for the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, Brighter Strides staff is coming together for company-hosted, fun-filled summer evenings throughout the country. 

Sharing good food, drinks, and various activities including mini-golf in Raleigh and pickleball in Atlanta, we are creating opportunities to relax, connect, and celebrate all that we are accomplishing together.

These shared moments strengthen our team and deepen the sense of purpose that drives our work—enhancing the care we deliver, the impact we are making, and the satisfaction of our success. We look forward to continuing these summertime good times across locations.