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Transforming Communities, One Family at a Time: The Hi-5 ABA Story

In the heart of every community lies the potential for transformation. At Hi-5 ABA, we've made it our mission to unlock that potential for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Our journey began in 2012 when David Maddox's wife, Stephanie, founded ABC Behavior with a vision to provide high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy that truly makes a difference. This foundation would soon become the cornerstone of a much larger mission.

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A Humanitarian's Vision Becomes a National Mission

Built on the principles of compassion and service, our roots trace back to David Maddox's humanitarian work in Ghana through Cornerstone Mission Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives globally. When global economic challenges threatened the sustainability of his work in Ghana, David faced a pivotal moment. It was then that he recognized the profound impact of Stephanie's work with ABC Behavior.

Stephanie's dedication to providing high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy was not only changing lives but also proving financially sustainable in the face of economic uncertainty. Recognizing the potential for greater impact, David made the difficult but purposeful decision to leave his international work and join Stephanie in her mission.

Stepping into ABC Behavior, David's years of experience in navigating complex global issues proved invaluable. Together with Stephanie, he helped infuse the organization with an unwavering commitment to community transformation, blending his global humanitarian perspective with Stephanie's expertise in ABA therapy. This powerful combination charted a course that would take their vision far beyond what they had initially imagined, laying the groundwork for a mission that would soon touch lives across the nation.

Innovation and Expansion

Our commitment to innovation and meeting community needs has led us to expand our expertise in unexpected ways. A pivotal moment in our journey came through Leah's volunteering efforts at Hidden Treasures, a special needs foster home in China. Driven by her passion for both missions and ABA therapy, Leah began implementing ABA techniques and training the staff at Hidden Treasures.

This unique opportunity showcased our ability to adapt ABA therapy to diverse cultural contexts and overcome language barriers. Leah's pioneering work led to the development of the first RBT manual in Mandarin, a significant achievement in making ABA therapy more accessible in China.

Building on this success, Leah and her colleagues from ABC Behavior organized a trip to China, bringing along other Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). This collaborative effort not only enriched our methodologies but also deepened our understanding of how to create culturally sensitive approaches to ABA therapy.

These experiences have profoundly influenced our practice, ensuring that our approach remains adaptable and responsive to the varied needs of the diverse communities we serve across the United States. By bridging cultural gaps and adapting our methods to different contexts, we've enhanced our ability to provide effective, personalized care to individuals with developmental disabilities, regardless of their background.

The Birth of Hi-5 ABA: A Vision Multiplied

In 2019, we took a leap of faith and launched Hi-5 ABA, transforming our successful model into a franchise opportunity. That same year, we established our flagship Warrenton clinic, a testament to our commitment to serving diverse communities. The Warrenton clinic quickly became a model for our unique approach to ABA therapy, combining clinical excellence with a deep understanding of community needs.

Our goal? To extend our reach and impact lives across the nation. Fast forward to 2024, and we're proud to celebrate our 5th anniversary with an incredible milestone: over 30 operating locations across 18 states!

More Than Just Therapy - A Comprehensive Support System

Join the Hi-5 Family

At Hi-5 ABA, we understand that great care requires a strong foundation. That's why we offer robust support to our franchisees, providing assistance and guidance in crucial areas such as business planning, staff recruitment, credentialing, insurance relations, and financial management. Our support team is dedicated to helping our partners navigate the complexities of running an ABA practice, allowing them to focus more of their energy on what truly matters - changing lives through expert ABA therapy.

Whether you're a parent seeking the best care for your child, a professional looking to make a difference, or an entrepreneur wanting to bring vital services to your community, Hi-5 ABA offers a path forward. With services spanning in-home, clinic, social groups, and community outings for ages 1-21, we're equipped to meet diverse needs with compassion and expertise.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains steadfast: to empower individuals with developmental disabilities, support families, and build a more inclusive world–one high five at a time. The spirit of Cornerstone Missions, Inc. lives on in every interaction and in every therapy session 

Feel the Hi-5 impact. Together, we're transforming lives and communities.

Key Milestones

  • 2008: David Maddox begins humanitarian work in Ghana through Cornerstone Mission Inc.
  • 2012: Stephanie Maddox founds ABC Behavior, providing high-quality ABA therapy.
  • 2016: Leah volunteers at Hidden Treasures, a special needs foster home in China, implementing ABA techniques and training staff.
  • 2019:Hi-5 ABA is launched, transforming the successful ABC Behavior model into a franchise opportunity
  • 2024: Hi-5 ABA celebrates its 5th anniversary with over 30 operating locations across 18 states.