Embarking on a career path is often driven by personal experiences and a deep-seated passion for making a positive impact. In this article, I dive into the life and motivations of an individual who found purpose in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. I was able to explore the personal and professional journey that led to a commitment to helping families in need.
Meet Charles Knoppel, a 2002 Toms River North (NJ) graduate, who found motivation through personal experiences, particularly with a god-daughter who has Downs Syndrome. This connection ignited a passion for assisting individuals facing various challenges. The educational journey led Charles to the University of South Florida, where a master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education was obtained. Post-graduation, enrollment in the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program which set the stage for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
This journey exemplifies the fusion of personal passion and professional expertise in the realm of ABA therapy. The commitment to helping families, coupled with a deep understanding of family dynamics, creates a powerful force for positive change. The message is clear: early intervention and a genuine commitment to progress can pave the way for a brighter future for children in need.
It is clear that Mr. Knoppel takes his career serious and is in no doubt proud about helping others. It is the main reason why he stood up and left a secure job to start his own business ” Innovative ABA. Charles started this business with families in need in mind. Being in the ABA field for as long as he has been, he noticed a lot of companies main focus is billable hours and money, rather than genuinely caring and help guide families and children. With his business up and running for just a short amount of time, the impact Innovative ABA has been making has been the talk of the industry within the local markets.
Get to know Charles slightly better with this short Q&A:
Question: How does having your own family help you prepare to help other families in need of your services?
Answer: I once had a professor who said that you don’t really understand how to help families until you have kids of your own. This didn’t initially resonate with me until I actually started my own family. The beauty about ABA is that you can easily integrate it into your every day life with your own children. Having children of my own has helped to allow me to better understand family dynamics and has allowed me to have more empathy with struggling parents.
Question: What would be your message to the world about therapy services?
Answer: My message would be to start services as early as possible. Research has shown that the earlier children begin services, the much better chance they have to function independently and learn the necessary skills needed to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Question: What is a big misconception about your career field?
Answer: A big misconception about ABA is that we simply “get rid of unwanted behaviors”. While that is important, it is impossible to decrease inappropriate behavior without increasing more appropriate skills. When implemented correctly, ABA is able to help give children many new skills that you currently don’t have in their repertoire.
Question: what are a few key points you would say to some one researching therapy and why you think it really could help them?
Answer: I would highly suggest that you reach out to several local companies providing the services that your child needs. The fit has to be right. Speak with the people running those companies to make sure that your values align. This is an important decision for a family and your child will be spending a lot of time with the staff members on his team. Unfortunately, there are companies in this field that are concerned more about billable hours and money than they are about the progress of their children. Innovative ABA was started to provide families with ABA therapy that is solely focused on the progress of the children we work with.
Question: what are your favorite hobbies?
Answer: I love spending time with my family. I have a beautiful fiancée, Jackie who I met in college. We have a 9 year old son and a 2 year old daughter, who I spent most of my time with outside of work. When I do get the chance to do something on my own, I enjoy golfing and watching football (Go Dolphins!).
Thank you Charles for opening up and allowing us to dive into your world and highlight all of the amazing work you are doing! There is no doubt in my mind that Innovative ABA will be able to help and guide children and families that are in need of ABA services. They will find you a solution or guide you into the right direction!
If you or anyone you know who may be in need of ABA services, reach out to several local companies providing the services that your child needs. The fit has to be right. – Charles Knoppel.