We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Nelms a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
Starting Triangle ABA: A Journey Rooted in Purpose and Passion
When I look back at the journey that led me to create Triangle ABA, it’s remarkable how deeply personal the path has been. The spark for starting my own ABA practice ignited when my son was diagnosed with autism. Like many parents, I sought the best possible care for him, and that led us to a clinician-owned ABA practice in Florida run by a compassionate BCBA. This practice was more than just a place for therapy; it was a thriving community where families felt supported, and staff felt valued. The owner organized appreciation events for her team and fostered connections among families. Little did I know, this experience was rare in the ABA field. To me, it became the gold standard and the foundation of what I wanted to create one day.
The Transition to North Carolina
When life brought me to North Carolina, I found a landscape quite different from what I had known. Clinician-owned practices were scarce, and the focus on family and staff care that I had come to value seemed absent. Despite the disappointment, I knew I had to stay focused on my own journey. I needed to finish my master’s degree and complete the fieldwork hours required to become a BCBA. During this time, I worked for an ABA practice that gave me the opportunity to learn from seasoned BCBAs. This was invaluable advice that I’m grateful I followed. By observing and contributing to various departments, I gained insights into what worked and, more importantly, what didn’t.
Building Triangle ABA During COVID-19
The upheaval of COVID-19 created a turning point. The pandemic’s challenges pushed me to sit down and begin the intimidating process of building Triangle ABA. Starting a business during a global crisis is not for the faint of heart, but in retrospect, it was the right time. I navigated countless hurdles—getting in-network with insurance companies, setting up an EMR system, mastering authorization requests, building a website, and learning SEO—all while feeling the weight of starting something entirely new.
I’ll never forget meeting my first client. Visiting their home for an assessment was nerve-wracking but transformative. This family entrusted me to help their daughter, who was nonverbal and had difficulty walking steadily. Today, she speaks and walks confidently. That family’s trust solidified my mission and became a cornerstone of Triangle ABA’s story.
From In-Home Services to a Clinic Space
Initially, Triangle ABA operated exclusively in-home. It was a cost-effective model, but I knew from the outset that a clinic space would better serve both clients and staff. A clinic environment provides opportunities for social skills development and structured programs like classroom readiness. It also fosters camaraderie and mentorship among staff, which reduces burnout—a critical issue in our field.
Once I had a solid base of families, I transitioned to a shared clinic space. This decision was guided by a clear vision: to ensure high-quality services while creating a supportive environment for employees. Scaling to a clinic model came with its own complexities—higher overhead costs, the need for more structured systems, and a greater emphasis on leadership—but it was worth it for the value it added to our community.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Starting Triangle ABA taught me lessons I wish I had known earlier. First and foremost, count the cost before diving into entrepreneurship. You must be willing to wear every hat—billing, operations, marketing—and master the basics of each role. Many fail because they outsource too quickly without understanding what they’re delegating or having the financial stability to support that strategy.
Another essential lesson is the importance of personal development. Entrepreneurship demands continuous growth. You must lead yourself before you can lead others. Invest in coaching, challenge your team to grow, and be prepared to weather setbacks—betrayals, skepticism, and even theft. These hardships test your resilience but also deepen your impact.
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a business is witnessing the infrastructure you’ve built change lives. At Triangle ABA, I’ve seen families flourish, staff grow professionally, and children achieve milestones once thought impossible. It’s a privilege to be part of those journeys.
What Would I Do Differently?
If I could go back, I might have sought mentorship sooner. While learning by doing is invaluable, having a coach or advisor early on could have accelerated my growth and helped me avoid costly mistakes. I also would have leaned more into technology and systems earlier to streamline operations.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
To any young professional considering starting their own practice, my advice is simple but profound:
Start with a strong “why”: Your mission will sustain you through challenges.
Be prepared to work harder than ever: Success requires grit, long hours, and relentless determination.
Invest in yourself and others: Your growth and your team’s growth are non-negotiable.
Learn the basics of every role: Mastering the fundamentals allows you to lead with confidence.
Stay resilient: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, but the impact you can make is worth every obstacle.
Starting Triangle ABA was a journey of turning personal inspiration into a thriving practice. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that with purpose, perseverance, and the willingness to grow, you can create something that changes lives—including your own.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Amber Nelms and Triangle ABA
For those who may not know me, my name is Amber Nelms, and I am the Founder and CEO of Triangle ABA, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. My journey into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began in the most personal way imaginable—through my son. When he was diagnosed with autism, my family sought help from a clinician-owned ABA practice run by a remarkable BCBA. Her care transformed my son’s life and inspired me to dedicate my own career to helping other families.
Triangle ABA provides ABA therapy to children with autism, ranging in age from 2 to 18. Our services include individualized therapy programs, social skills training, and classroom readiness programs. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to creating a thriving community for both families and staff. From organizing mentorship programs for employees to implementing comprehensive client care strategies, we strive to be more than just a service provider. Our goal is to be a place where families feel supported, children achieve their potential, and employees find purpose.
Our work focuses on solving critical challenges for families impacted by autism, including communication difficulties, social skill deficits, and behavioral challenges. Every child’s progress is a source of pride, but one of my proudest moments was seeing our very first client—a young girl who initially could not walk steadily or speak—reach milestones such as walking confidently and beginning to use words. Witnessing these transformations drives everything we do.
Starting Triangle ABA wasn’t just about providing high-quality therapy; it was about building a better system. Before starting my practice, I spent years learning from seasoned BCBAs and working in different roles to understand the field thoroughly. This preparation taught me what worked and, more importantly, what didn’t. I founded Triangle ABA during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time of uncertainty but also a moment to embrace the challenge and fulfill my vision.
Why Triangle ABA Stands Out
Triangle ABA is built on a foundation of care, community, and continuous growth. From day one, I knew I wanted to prioritize the well-being of both families and employees. Unlike many practices, we emphasize mentorship, professional development, and team camaraderie. By reducing burnout and fostering collaboration, we ensure that our staff can deliver exceptional care to the children and families we serve.
Our clinic-based services also allow us to provide unique programs like social skills groups and classroom readiness initiatives, which aren’t possible in an in-home model. These services are paired with a strong focus on collaboration between families and clinicians to maximize outcomes.
Key Takeaways for Readers
What I want people to know about Triangle ABA is this: we are here to create meaningful change. Whether it’s a child achieving their first words, a parent feeling empowered with tools to support their child, or a staff member growing into a confident leader, our impact extends far beyond therapy sessions. We aim to build a legacy of transformation, one family and one professional at a time.
I am most proud of the community we have built—a community where every member feels valued and empowered to succeed. For families considering our services or professionals looking to join a team that prioritizes growth, Triangle ABA offers a place where everyone can thrive.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A Lesson Unlearned: Embracing Discomfort and Trusting Myself
One of the most transformative lessons I had to unlearn was my tendency to avoid discomfort. For a long time, I shied away from difficult conversations and avoided addressing uncomfortable situations. This behavior limited my ability to truly coach and elevate the people within my company, which ultimately held us all back. I came to realize that avoiding discomfort was a form of self-protection, but it was also a barrier to growth for myself and for Triangle ABA.
Another significant realization was that I didn’t believe in myself as much as I should have. I often doubted my own abilities, which led me to hold onto people who weren’t the right fit for the company. I feared that without them, I might not succeed. This mindset kept me stuck until I learned to let go of what wasn’t meant for me and trust in my own strength and vision.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took confronting my fears and understanding that what is inside me determination, resilience, and passion more than enough to see me through any challenge. Now, I approach discomfort as an opportunity for growth and no longer hold onto things or people that aren’t aligned with the mission of Triangle ABA. This transformation has empowered me to make better decisions, lead with confidence, and create a stronger, more cohesive organization.
Learning to embrace discomfort and trust in my own capabilities has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey. It allowed me to build not just a business, but a community and a legacy that I am deeply proud of.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a Reputation Through Care and Understanding
What has truly set Triangle ABA apart and helped me build a reputation within the market is my deep understanding of what it is like to be in each position within the company. Unlike many private equity companies that dominate the ABA field, I know what it is like to have a child on the autism spectrum, work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and manage a caseload as a BCBA. Having walked in the shoes of the families and staff I now serve, I built care and consideration into every aspect of Triangle ABA.
This hands-on experience allowed me to design systems and practices that prioritize both high-quality client care and staff well-being. Families recognize that our approach is rooted in genuine empathy, while employees feel valued and supported in their roles. By fostering an environment where both clients and team members thrive, we have created a community that truly stands apart.
I also believe that my leadership approach, which emphasizes connection and understanding, is a key reason behind our reputation. I’ve intentionally crafted a culture where communication, mentorship, and collaboration are prioritized. Every decision is made with the question: “How does this benefit our clients and staff?” This ensures that the heart of what we do remains focused on the people we serve.
In a field where turnover and burnout are common, Triangle ABA has become known for being a place where professionals grow and thrive. Our commitment to building meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional care is what continues to set us apart and build trust within our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.triangleaba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/ambernelms_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.nelms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-nelms-m-a-bcba-54400170/
Image Credits
Julianna Fraticelli