About Alison Wimmer

Alison Wimmer’s passion for supporting individuals with special needs began early in life. She recalls, “I was always drawn to people with special needs in school. I wanted to sit next to them, carry their books, and babysit for their parents just to be around them. They would often make eye contact with me and come up to me. I think they could see that I had a heart for them.”

From a young age, Alison volunteered in her school’s special education classrooms, building meaningful connections with children with physical and learning disabilities. She was deeply aware of the isolation these children often faced, separated from peers in classrooms, playgrounds, and lunchrooms. “I didn’t feel sorry for them. I just thought these kids were cool, and others didn’t know what they were missing,” she says.

Her empathy and dedication to making a difference have guided her career, combining a personal, heart-driven approach with over 30 years of professional experience.

Early Career and Education

Alison pursued her goal of becoming a special education teacher, studying in Boston, Florida, British Columbia, and Arizona. Although family responsibilities temporarily paused her academic journey, her commitment to helping children with special needs remained strong. She volunteered extensively in her community, including running Sunday School programs and developing special needs initiatives for Vacation Bible School. During this time, she attended conferences and training on Autism and other developmental diagnoses, further expanding her expertise.

In 1996, Alison began working privately with a toddler diagnosed with autism at the request of the child’s mother. Her compassionate, effective approach quickly gained recognition, and in 1997, she founded her own developmental and behavioral consulting company.

Continued Growth and Innovation

Alison’s early work included Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), among other evidence-based techniques. She soon realized that no single methodology could address all challenges, prompting her to pursue ongoing professional development. Over the years, she has trained extensively in multiple approaches and developed her own techniques, ensuring her interventions are tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Personal Resilience

At age 32, Alison experienced a life-changing stroke due to undiagnosed high blood pressure, affecting her speech and motor skills. Despite initial prognoses, she regained her independence within nine months through focused rehabilitation and self-education. This experience reinforced her belief in self-advocacy, determination, and continuous learning, principles she applies with every client.

In 2019, Alison faced another personal challenge when her son, Zack, suffered a serious, life-threatening accident. Through her guidance, his recovery was remarkable, reinforcing her belief in holistic, individualized approaches and the importance of family-centered care.

Expanding Expertise

Recognizing that family dynamics are central to a child’s success, Alison pursued a degree in Human Services, graduating with top honors. She has consulted internationally, conducted evaluations worldwide, and contributed to organizations including Down Syndrome OPTIONS. Her experience spans:

• Scriptwriting for international therapy organizations

• Speaking at major conferences across three countries

• Consulting with schools, churches, parent groups, and online communities

• Certifications in ABA, Behavior Analysis, Brilliant Learning, and other therapeutic disciplines

Currently, Alison is pursuing her PhD in Holistic and Functional Medicine, further expanding her expertise in integrative approaches to support physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Her commitment to ongoing learning ensures she stays at the forefront of neurodevelopmental and holistic strategies.

Philosophy and Approach

Alison’s approach emphasizes the “village concept”: recovery and growth are most effective when supported by a community of professionals and family. She fosters collaboration between families and their teams, ensuring consistent communication and individualized, holistic care.

She offers one-on-one support, customizing treatment plans, providing tools, and complementing existing therapies to help families achieve faster, more effective results. Alison’s blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and deep empathy sets her apart as a trusted partner for families navigating developmental and behavioral challenges.