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.
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 often pay for tuition towards becoming a BCBA.
- 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 with popcorn, dimmed lights, and all.
- We turn everyday therapy moments into celebrations with dance parties, themed days, and spontaneous cheers.
- We believe joy is part of the work, not a break from it.
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.
- Families never have to navigate the process alone. We walk alongside them from their first phone call through enrollment and beyond.
- We don’t just care about outcomes. We care about the people behind them.
STORIES FROM OUR FAMILIES
The best reviews come from the smallest voices.
Or in this case, from the parents, grandparents, and caregivers who love them.
Come see what we’re all about.
Real kids. Real therapists. Real moments of joy, growth, and connection.
