Testimony
"As a new mother I didn't know what to expect our beautiful little girl--her special needs made it even a bigger mystery. Ashley came into our lives when Addie was six. She changed everything for us. The most important thing she did was give us a perspective full of hope. She helped us believe in the possibility that Addie could achieve milestones we were hesitant to expect and she created a plan to make them happen. Ashley is meticulous, dedicated and loving. She is a blessing in our life." -
Dr. and Mrs. Aaron Terry
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We’ve known Ashley for more than 7 years. She began working with our autistic son, Bryan, also non-verbal and with severe developmental delay. It was difficult for us to understand Bryan’s temper tantrums and meltdowns mostly due to his inability to communicate and not understanding his needs and wants. These would often occur up to 30 times a week.
Initially we thought it would be difficult to change Bryan’s behaviors given his severe disability and lack of communication skills. Ashley worked with us on strategies and techniques to communicate with Bryan in understanding what he needed and wanted hence helping with his behavior.
Bryan’s temper tantrums have decreased more than 90%. Ashley continues to work with Bryan who is now a young adult who is able to communicate his needs and wants.
We are grateful and happy to have Ashley working with Bryan. She is a true passionate professional who is dedicated to her work as an ABA therapist. We consider her part of our family and we appreciate all that she has done and continues to do for Bryan.
The Rodriguez Family
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Ashley worked with our son for over 2 years. The progress that was made was tremendous. Ashley was innovative and creative in her therapy. Our son loved every minute he spent with her. Ashley always discussed her techniques and listened to our concerns. Even though our family's moved across the country, she has been available to answer questions. We truly miss her and all she has brought to our life.
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Capt. Jarrett and Rebeka Edge, M, Ed. BCBA
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To Whom it may concern,
I have know Ashley for the past 3 1/2 years and while my family started off as client of hers, she has grown to become one of my closest friends. Words can not describe what a blessing she has been to my family. Ashley started working with my oldest son (Preston) when he was 3 years old, soon after he was diagnosed with Autism. One year later, my second son was diagnosed the Autism, and she helped provide us with hope during that difficult time. As she works with my boys, she proves to be reliable, dependable, competent, and caring. When my boys struggle with behaviors, she works with me to come up with solutions that benefit our family. Any mainstream activity I want to place my boys in, I know they can be successful if Ashley is able to be there to help them.
As Ashley works with my boys, I learned that she isn’t just coming to help him, because it is her job. She truly loves my sons and wants what is best for them as much as my husband and I do. I mean that with all my heart. She is my number one go to person, any time my children’s autism throws a curb ball in life (which is often).
Ashley may have only two children living in her house with her, but her heart is big and I know that every child she works with she thinks of as her own. She truly is one of the best people that I know. We are very blessed to have her in our life.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Adam and Mrs. Lisa F
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Vision
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To create a better everyday life for the individuals and the families of those diagnosed with development delays and behavioral disorders.
Mission
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Through years of dedication and passion to create a productive life for the those diagnosed under the Autism spectrum, or other developmental challenges, Shaping Behaviors is committed to developing the best, most up to date, behavioral techniques, through the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.
Ashley McMurry Schexnayder
Ashley has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2005. Ashley grew up in Louisiana and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. During her undergraduate career, Ashley studied the experimental analysis of behavior in animals. She assisted in the daily operation of an operant laboratory and has published several articles in scientific journals based on the research conducted in this lab. She then began working with a 3 year old boy diagnosed with PDD. Following his success with ABA therapy, Ashley became very interested in working with more children under the Autism spectrum and pursued a graduate degree. She received a Master of Science Degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University in 2002. During her time in Illinois, Ashley assisted in creating a language group led by the Coordinator of the Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program, a professor in the Communications and Sciences department and graduate students enrolled in each program. This language group is now one of the largest projects to receive funding through grants to serve this population in the state of Illinois. After completing her degree, Ashley moved to Memphis, TN and worked with Adults diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Mental Illness. After founding her first corporation, Ashley then relocated to Knoxville, TN and was part owner of a behavioral company which served over 80 clients with MR, MI and Autism. Wanting to expand on her operations, Ashley then opened a company in Ft Myers/Naples, Florida where she worked with children and adults with Autism, Mental Retardation and related disorders. Ashley was married in October of 2006 and moved to New Braunfels, Texas where she currently resides with her husband and four children.
Related Articles
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Nurturing the Mind from the Heart
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Publications
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Weatherly, J.N., McMurry, A.S., & Melville, C.L. (1996). Understanding the science of behavior: A study guide and workbook for Introductory Psychology. Lake Charles, LA: McNeese State University Bookstore.
Weatherly, J.N., Melville, C.L., Swindell, S., & McMurry, A.S. (1998). Previous- and subsequent-component contrast effects using a three-component multiple schedule. Behavioural Processes, 42, 47-59.
Weatherly, J.N., McMurry, A.S., & Melville, C.L. (1999). The effect of food deprivation on within-session patterns of wheel running. Behavioural Processes, 46, 121-129.
Weatherly, J.N., Stout, J.E., McMurry, A.S., Rue, H.C., & Melville, C.L. (1999). Within-session responding when different reinforcers are delivered in each half of the session. Behavioural Processes, 46, 227-243.
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Surgeon General
Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior.
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for those diagnosed with developmental delays and behavioral disorders.
"1 out of every 68 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 2016"
