Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Markita Cumberlander M.Ed., BCBA, COBA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Markita , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I have taken in life was leaving my reliable, full time job with benefits to begin my own practice. I did not feel comfortable working for the organization and needed a change. I needed a change not only for myself but for those who identify as I did. I needed a change to help my clients who did not see themselves when they walked into their session for the day. I needed a change for my co-workers who did not feel comfortable or appreciated. I needed a change for myself and for my kids to see that they too can make shifts, be comfortable and successful all at the same time.

Markita , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Markita Cumberlander M.Ed., BCBA, COBA. I got into my field by continuing an interest I found during a speech and language pathology internship. After working with my mentor, I learned so much from her, including patience and how to navigate a world that is not easily accepted.

I provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to the Autism population. I also provide caregiver support/training to family members of those diagnosed and I provide assessment and training with local school districts. ABA is the science behind behavior modification, so I work on increasing skills some clients may not have mastered and decreasing behaviors that may be unsafe such as aggression or self injury.

What sets me apart from others is that I thoroughly want to help my clients and their families with a total care approach. My organization provides therapy to my clients but we also provide referrals and resources to our client’s families. We realize an Autism diagnosis does not just stop with the client. At times, caregivers may need therapy to accept the diagnosis, therapy to help with marital relationships. We also realize a diagnosis can be costly so providing resources to our families for utility assistance and closing the gap in other skills such as speech and motor skills. We provide assistance on gaining access to those services as well!

I am most proud of opening my very own center in the state of Ohio. We are the first Black Woman Owned and operated Clinic in the state of Ohio who houses certifications such as The Minority Business Enterprise Certification, Woman Business Enterprise Certification and The Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equality certification. We recently cut our ribbon in Gahanna, Ohio with Mayor Laurie Jadwin, several State Representatives and the Chamber of Commerce. What a huge honor, I hope my children and those around me can see my journey and know they too can follow in my footsteps!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would change the same profession over, over and over again. I absolutely love what I do, the change I make and those I come in contact with daily.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Experience has impacted my management and entrepreneurial journey. I know what type of establishments I have been part of and what I did not like as an employee. I know what made me uncomfortable as a Black clinician and I never want anyone to feel that way. I also know what I loved from organizations as well. I took bits and pieces throughout my career and made my own puzzle on how to develop Eleven 11 Behavioral Solutions. I have also taken many classes to help increase my knowledge in different areas. I graduated years ago with my Masters but I never stopped learning. I take new classes each year to better myself as a clinician and business owner. Taking courses on financial literacy has helped my organization the most.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eleven11behavioralsolutios.com
• Instagram: eleven11behavioralsolutions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eleven11development

Image Credits
Photography: Luther Tyson Pictured: Gahanna, Ohio Mayor Laurie Jadwin