Our Philosophy
Applied Behavior Analysis is the process of using research-based behavioral interventions to improve socially significant behaviors. It is a science. Positive Vibes' approach to ABA is built on the foundation of the parental experience including an understanding of the daily difficulties and overwhelming stresses associated with disabilities. Positive Vibes focuses on the importance of mixing data-driven science with the unpredictability of real life. With the combination of passion, desire, and real-life experiences, our goal is to offer a piece of POSITIVITY along a journey often filled with confusion, chaos, and uncertainty.
Vision:
To establish POSITIVE TRANSFORMATIONS through Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy that will allow individuals of all ages to meet their fullest potential and live their best lives in the future ahead.
Mission:
To provide EXCEPTIONAL behavior therapy in order to make a POSITIVE impact on the lives of clients and their families.
Core Values
Positivity
It’s not just in our name, it is our foundation. Our goal is to positively impact each client’s life using evidence-based positive strategies.
Compassionate
Calm reduces chaos, which is why we extend kindness first and always. Kindness opens the door to establish the path of trust that is required for attentiveness and commitment throughout the therapy process.
Understanding
We have been in shoes similar to yours, so we understand the complexities of juggling daily life in the special needs world. This is why we are flexible and patient with families as we navigate through the real world with you.
Creative
We easily adjust to unique situations. We are accommodating and constantly finding ways to individualize our services in order to reach the greatest possible outcomes.
Family
You are not a client, you are family! It is our duty and responsibility to know the dynamics and uniqueness of your particular household in order to make a lasting POSITIVE impact. Our services don’t stop at the end of the therapy session, we will endure your trials and celebrate your triumphs side by side together as a team. We are on this TRANSFORMATION journey together.
MELISSA COLE
Founder & Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Melissa Cole is a Kingsport native and the mother of two adult sons, one of which is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (High Functioning Autism), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Auditory Processing Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. She holds a B.S., an M.S. in Biology, and she previously worked at Bays Mountain Park. She also has an M.Ed. degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in TN and VA, and a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
Melissa's oldest son’s behaviors were so inappropriate that she compares it to the never-ending "Terrible Two’s". These behaviors continued and intensified with time resulting in many doctor visits, diagnoses, medications, therapies, IEP meetings and, of course, significant stress. Finally, at age 11, a diagnosis was given of Asperger’s Syndrome (High Functioning/Level One Autism).
The diagnosis shifted Melissa's passion from biology to helping others affected by autism and other disabilities. In 2011, she started facilitating the Kingsport Autism Support Group. She changed careers and started working for STEP, Inc. in 2013 helping to teach families how to navigate the special education system. Then in 2015, she joined the board of directors for the Autism Society of East Tennessee. She still continues to serve in these capacities today. And all of these experiences inspired Melissa to pursue a career in ABA Therapy because it was the most TRANSFORMATIVE therapy her son ever received.
Christopher Fox
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Chris Fox was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and studied Clinical Psychology as an undergrad at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. He began working at Positive Vibes ABA as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) after graduating from college. During that time, he fell in love with working with families to make meaningful changes in their lives. He worked towards acquiring his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Cincinnati and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He loves getting to know each client personally and using creative techniques tailored to the client to ensure progress is made. Chris loves to spend his downtime collecting vinyl records, cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies, and going on walks with his beagle!
Zoie Rickman
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Zoie Rickman is from Prattville, Alabama, but has been a local since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in Behavioral Neuroscience from East Tennessee State University, and she has an M.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the University of Kansas!
Zoie has five years of experience working with a wide variety of individuals of varying ages, cultures, and disabilities in both educational and group home settings. She has worked both one-on-one and in larger groups that focus on teaching and maintaining independent life skills. Her hobbies include yoga, going on picnics, and taking day trips to local cities as often as she can!
Jonah Mintz
Operations Coordinator
Jonah Mintz was raised in Kingsport Tennessee and studied Business Management at East Tennessee State University. He started in August of 2022 and worked as an RBT for 3 years before transitioning into an operations role while still maintaining an RBT certification. He loves to serve and help the business change our clients and families lives in a positive way. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports like soccer and disc golf and spending time with his family and friends.