Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscilla Deal Rossi.
Priscilla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began in a small town called Bono, Ohio. If you blink while driving down Route 2 in Northwest Ohio, you will surely miss it. This is where I grew up and a place dear to my heart. It is where most of my family still lives today. I was born to a single mother of Mexican descent. My mother, grandparents, and even my great-grandparents were born in the United States. They were migrant workers for local farmers.
My mother also worked in the fields as a child, but this eventually changed in her generation as many in my family began to work for the automobile industry, such as General Motors. My family being migrant workers is something I used to be ashamed of when I was younger. Now, however, I am proud to say this because they were the fabric which when woven together made the American Dream come true- they made generation upon generation GREAT through their hard work and never dying hope.
My mother re-married when I was two years of age. My new dad was military, he retired after 38 years of service and continues to work for the state of Ohio as a prison guard. I tell you all of this because there were many twists and turns to explain how I ended up in Miami, co-owning a successful behavior analysis treatment center- but when it comes down to it- my family’s work ethic, solid faith, and values are why I am who I am and why I am here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Needless to say, the road was not smooth to get here. As you may have already inferred, my family was poor. I never felt poor because we were rich in love, family, and faith – and God ALWAYS provided for our needs.
My private out-of-state undergraduate education was no easy task- it took the help of loans, my parents, grandparents, and myself working full-time. I was waitressing and bartending during my bachelor’s degree. I didn’t get to enjoy much time outside of classes due to this- but I never felt like I was missing out, instead, I knew I was working for my dream!
I would show up at the Registrar’s office every month to pay my tuition payment with aprons full of tips. One lady from the college would always help me count the crumpled up single dollar bills – she would comment every time, “Honey, you work harder than anyone I know, may God bless you. “… and He did, by the grace of God, I obtained my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree with little to no debt.
Three weeks after I turned 22, my life changed forever- my little sister was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. My dream was over and didn’t matter any longer at this point in my life. Nothing mattered… except my sister, and there was no way to reverse what happened. Death… it was permanent- and though that sounds silly to say out loud – it was my first experience with this type of grief, it was crippling.
My family had their hearts ripped out and somehow life had to continue. No one really can offer words of advice or comfort during this type of unexpected tragedy… there is nothing to say. I learned the importance of people “just being there”. I couldn’t put one foot in front of the other… all I could do was crawl – so I crawled.
We’ve been impressed with Gomez Behavior Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my “crawling”, I obtained a specialty in the treatment of children with severe food refusal in Baltimore, Maryland. I also gained experience in treating and teaching verbal behavior to young children with autism spectrum disorder. In 2008, I came to Miami to work for Gomez Behavior Services.
I chose to work at Gomez Behavior Services because it offered an opportunity for growth and my values for helping children and providing individualized quality care to the clients aligned well with the services offered by the business. Eventually, I partnered with Gabriela Gomez, and we have been proudly serving the Miami autism community for over 15 years.
The business is known for QUALITY-applied behavior analysis treatment, exceptional staff training, and for being a staple in the community through our ongoing efforts to make Miami the best place for a child with autism to live. We specialize in providing verbal behavior therapy, feeding therapy, desensitization, daily living skills, and social skills training.
Staff training: We pride ourselves in staff training as it produces therapists who go out into the community and can continue to provide quality care within or outside of our agency. Our dedication to this often sets us apart from other agencies as we strive to provide Miami with quality applied behavior analysis treatment by investing our time in exceptional training for our staff.
With this goal in mind, we have become a Florida International University practicum site, where future board-certified behavior analysts (future BCBAs) can gain fieldwork experience during their master’s degree by working at our agency.
Assistant therapists or registered behavior technicians (RBTs) are usually ages 21-30 and in their master’s program. They often need mentoring and someone to support them- not only in their career but also in navigating through the ups and downs of life. I’ve come to understand my purpose in life is two-fold – to help the children I provide treatment for and to mentor the young women who work at our agency.
I was once 22 years old and due to the tragic loss of my sister, I know how hard life can be at that age. The mentors and friends I had during that difficult time in my life meant everything – so I am inspired to offer this kind of support to young women in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Community: To live out the purpose of making Miami the best place for a child with autism to live, Janice Garcia (fellow BCBA and colleague) started an Ethical ABA Brunch for the community. We open my home to those who work in the applied behavior analysis field in Miami and need mentorship and community. We spread HOW Gomez Behavior Services provides quality care so other entrepreneurs and therapists can do the same. We listen and share- but most of all we support one another.
Another way we help the community is through our non-profit, Miami Behavior Therapy. This nonprofit was started as a way to help the families in need at Gomez Behavior Services. Throughout the year, we receive donations and fundraise for those in need of financial assistance.
One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to the families in need. This year we have been able to help four families! With our scholarships, one family was able to buy a communication device to help their child talk and three others were provided with scholarships to cover services that insurance did not cover.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
There’s so much advice to give, I don’t know where to start… Work hard even when no one is watching. You may not fully understand your path but keep your faith and one day you will accomplish more than you can imagine. If all you can do is crawl, then crawl.
Center your business around your values. If it goes against your values, then you have your answer. Give yourself some grace, you are not perfect and will make mistakes. Not everyone will like you and if you are anything like me then this will hurt, but if you are genuine and you have no ill intentions then you are doing the best you can.
Be an EMPOWERING leader- meaning create other leaders, not just followers. Be transparent with WHY you are doing what you are doing – employees can commit more if they know WHY. Listen to the Craig Grouschel leadership podcast, as I have learned much of the above from this podcast!
Always surround yourself with people who love, support, and believe in you, my husband is not only my greatest love but also my biggest fan. Last but not least – Pray – trust God and in His wisdom. Ask Him to guide your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: miamibehaviortherapy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/miamibehavioranalyst
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamibehaviortherapy
- Tiktok: tiktok.com/@miamibehavioranalyst
