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Our Core Values

Five values.
One big heart.

These are the promises we make to our kids, their families, and each other — every single day.

Call Us: (515) 207-5251

Making worlds bigger and lives better for 10,000 children with autism and their families.

That’s our north star. And our core values are how we get there – one child, one family, one day at a time.

Not just words on a wall.

These five values guide every decision we make, every interaction, and every celebration.

They’re the reason we exist.

Do What’s Right

Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Our work shapes vulnerable lives. So we act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in every interaction — as if the whole world is watching. Because one tiny person is.

  • We welcome clients even when it stretches us — because waiting isn’t an option for a child who needs us now.
  • We’re honest with families the moment something happens. No exceptions.
  • We discharge kids when they’ve met their goals. It’s their win, and we celebrate it.
  • No job is beneath anyone—our executives take out the garbage too.

Continuous Improvement

Not chasing perfect. Just chasing better.

Everyone at Stride is growing… even our leaders. We believe in pushing to be your best, because no one’s done growing.

  • Our CEO gets executive coaching, because nobody’s done growing.
  • We’ve grown 30+ BCBAs from within. We pay for your BCBA certification.
  • We embrace radical candor — honest feedback helps everyone get better.
  • 1% better, every day. Because small improvements compound.

Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate

We say it three times. That’s how much it matters.

Great outcomes don’t happen in silos. We lock arms with our teammates, our families, and our communities — because the best answer almost always comes from all of us, together.

  • Our BCBAs show up at IEP meetings, advocating for kids beyond our walls.
  • We partner with parents so the progress doesn’t stop when they leave the center.
  • We host trunk-or-treats, deliver cookies to community partners, and show up for our neighbors.
  • When a new face walks in, we welcome them like family — because they are.

Infuse Joy

Because laughter is the best therapy.

Work should feel light. We find reasons to smile every day, celebrate big wins and tiny ones, and take our mission seriously — but never ourselves.

  • When kids hit their milestones, we throw actual graduation ceremonies.
  • One center built a full “going to the movies” experience — popcorn, dimmed lights, and all.

Care BIG

Kindness isn’t soft. It’s our superpower.

This is the heart of Stride. We show up big for the kids, their families, and each other — and we go above and beyond when it matters most.

  • When a teammate lost their home to a tornado, we pulled together a fundraiser within days.
  • A child was struggling with potty training. We went to their home, because that’s where they needed us.

STORIES FROM OUR FAMILIES

The best reviews come from the smallest voices.

Or in this case, from the parents and grandparents who love them.

Rainy Palm
My 3 year old acquired many skills and absolutely loved going to Stride! The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We’re going to miss everyone and will be forever grateful for Stride!
Kelsey Bright
Absolutely amazing. My son dean went to stride in johnston from 2 1/2 until just recently in april. It was so hard to leave but it was time to get him ready for kindergarten next school year and also moving to a different town. The staff was amazing throughout all the years he had been there. He grew tremendously throughout the years of him being there.
And I am so grateful to the staff for everything that they did for him. And everything they did for me, too. Especially when my husband was deployed this past year. Thank you so so much, no.Thank yous, can amount to how grateful I am.
danica doolittle
Stride has been absolutely amazing for my daughter! The staff that works there is so attentive to every child that comes in the doors. Stride has done everything, and then some, for my family and I through all of our life changes. Seeing how much my child has grown in has been so rewarding and I can’t wait to see where else Stride takes her!
Matt Canning
Just wanna put this out there..
Stacia Salyars
Had a tour today and this place seems amazing! I got to speak with Payton, one of the BCBAs and she is so kind. She was very understanding of my child's needs, and showed me around the center. Payton had a smile on her face the entire visit, and she made sure all my questions were answered before I left. The center looked very clean and organized.
Michele Brandenburg
We have really enjoyed bringing our granddaughter to Stride, we have learned so much about her and what her needs are. How to communicate with her and we love all the people that work there. They are so helpful and answer any questions we have. They have guided us when we didn't know where to turn. They have all made a big impact on our daily life.
Amelia Jones
Stride was incredible! The staff is so kind and knowledgeable. They really brought my child out of their shell and helped us navigate our journey with autism!
Brittney Matamoros
My child has attended Stride for 2 years now and all I have to say is good things, everyone is so friendly, caring and accommodating. They’ve helped tremendously in his progress all around. He absolutely enjoys attending stride and seeing different RBT’s. I would 100% recommend it to any families looking for ABA services and I am so grateful we came across the opportunity to have him attend Stride!
Cindy Stebbins
This place is amazing we had a non verbal son there from age 3-5 has been the most amazing journey for all of us he's doing amazing we would not be where we are without the Stride center in Johnston amazing staff
Abigail Calderon
Stride was an amazing choice for my child. I can't thank the center enough for sculpting my child's life for the better! All staff were very kind and welcomed my family with open arms. Facility was always clean and well cared for. It truly was an excellent experience to have Stride as our ABA specialist.

A DAY AT STRIDE

Come see what we’re all about.

Real kids. Real therapists. Real moments of joy, growth, and connection.

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