This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Melanie Worix! She is the Lead BCBA and Center Director at Mindcolor Autism. Read more information below about her background, her favorite things about Austin, and how Mindcolor Autism is different from other ABA therapy providers.
Hi Melanie, please tell us more about yourself and your background!
Hi! My name is Melanie Worix and I am the Lead BCBA and Center Director at Mindcolor Autism. I have a long-term partner, and we are expecting our first child in September. I’m going on 14 weeks pregnant, and we are very excited! I’ve been living in Austin for 2.5 years, but I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I attended Grinnell College for Undergrad where I obtained my BA in psychology. Following that, I earned my Masters in Clinical Counseling at Rosalind Franklin University. I love to try new foods and travel.
Please tell us about your business and your role within that business.
I am the Center Director/Lead BCBA at Mindcolor Autism. I have worked in the field for over 9 years and started as an entry level behavior technician. I originally came across this field when looking for a part time job that was more relevant to what I was studying while earning my Masters. I loved working with children on the spectrum and seeing the progress they made. Over time, I worked my way up to a leadership role.
Mindcolor Autism is established in other states, but new to Central Texas. We have locations in the following areas: Buda, Pflugerville, Houston (Conroe), San Antonio, Dallas (McKinney and Richardson). We are an ABA therapy provider, which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities develop social skills, communication skills, independence with daily living skills (e.g. dressing themselves, fixing a meal for themselves, and etc.), and help prepare children for a school setting. The Buda location has been open since February 12, 2022
How is Mindcolor Autism different from other ABA therapy providers?
We accept ages 2-18. We don’t push full-time hours. Therapy hours can range from 6-40 hours/week, depending on the clinical recommendation for that learner. We realize that ABA isn’t always viewed in a positive light. Like any medical or therapeutic approach, positive and negative things can be said about it on the internet. This field is constantly evolving. Mindcolor differs itself from others by ensuring we are evolving in a positive direction. We do this by educating staff on trauma-informed care, practicing and emphasizing compassionate ABA, and by communicating with adults on the spectrum to find out what they are saying about how ABA affected them and adjusting our practice based on this feedback to enhance quality of care.
What is your favorite restaurant around Austin?
Trattoria Lisina
Where is your favorite local place to grab coffee?
Summermoon
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? How long would you stay?
Next place on my list is Australia! I would go for 2-3 weeks.
Do you have any events coming up that you want to share with our community?
Yes! We have Open House beginning April 4-8 from 3-5pm. Parents can come tour the facility and learn more about us!