From David Mikula | Inner Circle Autism Network CEO
At Inner Circle Autism Network, growth has never been about just getting bigger. It’s about ensuring more children with autism have access to evidence-based, timely, child-centered ABA therapy. In 2025, we expanded our footprint, elevated our clinical leadership, invested in our teams, and stayed anchored to what matters most: meaningful outcomes and support for children with autism and their families.
Two of the most compelling metrics are the 35 children who graduated from our ABA programs this year, transitioning confidently into their next stage, however it is defined for them, and the 97 percent of families reporting an improvement in their family’s quality of life since starting ABA with us.
Countless family stories and testimonials also reveal what can be difficult to measure…the care, compassion, and responsiveness of our clinicians and staff. Across our organization, no matter the clinic or state, the care and attention our teams provide go above and beyond to support families and make sure every child is respected as the individual they are.
Expanding Access, Responsibly
This year, we entered two new states, opening clinics for the first time in Nebraska and North Carolina, further extending our reach and reinforcing our belief that families shouldn’t have to wait months to access ABA therapy.
We also added clinics in Oklahoma, expanding access to high-quality ABA therapy while maintaining our commitment to no waitlists for services whenever possible.
Advancing Clinical Leadership and Thought Leadership
Inner Circle Autism Network teams didn’t just provide ABA therapy this year; they shaped the conversation about what high-quality ABA therapy and family support look like.
Sarah Varillas, BCBA, chief clinical officer, and Lily Darnell, BCBA, research and family outreach specialist, presented at the CASP Conference, sharing insights and early outcomes from our Telehealth Caregiver Support Program. They also brought that work to a broader audience as guests on the Autism Outreach Podcast by ABA Speech. The telehealth caregiver support program reflects our organization’s commitment to identifying and deploying creative solutions to families’ challenges, in this case using a telehealth behavioral parent training model to overcome geographic and other logistical barriers for parents to access support services.
Internally, we continued to strengthen our bench. Nine fieldwork students earned their BCBA credential, and 12 BCBAs were promoted into senior-level roles through our established BCBA career pathway. These milestones matter because continuity, mentorship, and experience directly impact the quality of ABA therapy children receive.
Investing in Our People, Not Just Positions
Sustainable care requires sustainable teams. In 2025, we focused on professional development opportunities, stability, and recognition of our esteemed team members.
We introduced new growth paths for RBTs, including Culture Ambassador roles, expanded Scheduler career paths, and guaranteed hours — practical changes designed to support retention, consistency, and professional development. We also hosted our second annual Ripple Conference, bringing together clinicians and support teams from across the organization for continuing education, teambuilding, and training workshops. The organization-wide event reinforces the core values that define our standard for quality, treatment philosophy, and company culture:
Rise to Excellence
Inspire Connection
Persist Through Challenge
Provide Value
Lead by Example
Embrace Growth
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, our focus remains the same:
- Provide individualized, evidence-based ABA
- Support and grow exceptional teams
- Contribute our knowledge and expertise to enhancing the practice of ABA everywhere
It’s a privilege to work alongside this team and the families we serve. Thank you for being part of Inner Circle’s continued momentum.
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David Mikula
CEO | Inner Circle Autism Network