At Verbal Beginnings, growth often starts with a single step—and few journeys capture that better than Danitra Etheridge’s. Joining the organization in 2017 as an in-home RBT, Danitra is now Clinical Director of the Frederick Center where she continues to shape the experiences of clients, families, and emerging clinicians alike. In this interview, Danitra reflects on her path, the programs and values that supported her along the way, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to others finding their place in the field.
How did you get to Verbal Beginnings? What was your first role here?
I was initially hired as an in-home RBT in 2017. I then took my exam in February 2019 and became a Clinical Supervisor in the field.
Tell us about what you do now!
I am currently the Clinical Director for the Frederick Center. My primary responsibility is ensuring quality service delivery to clients and supervision to staff. Additionally, I have the pleasure of mentoring VBA students and newly minted BCBAs. I also have the pleasure of learning from many talented BCBAs at the Frederick center through collaboration which is contributing to me being a well rounded clinician. I truly enjoy the responsibility and task of promoting school readiness and ensuring parents are equipped with the necessary tools to support their child.
How did Verbal Beginnings’ internal programs and values help you grow and advance as a professional?
The opportunities are endless and I have benefited from most of the internal programs. Although I was a CS in the field, I was given many opportunities to join other programs, such as the Social Beginnings Summer Program, across several summers – which has provided me with a strong foundation of teaching social skills and naturalistic training.
Through Everest (One of VB’s internal career growth programs), I have received career guidance, which has opened my eyes to opportunities I may not have considered on my own. In fact, based on conversations with my mentor, I will be beginning an adjunct teaching position in January 2026 at Mount St. Marys.
Also, being a mentor myself, has increased my solution based thinking and broadened my lenses of the many avenues that one can take in this field.
What would you say is the number one way you have changed as a person as a result of your time with Verbal Beginnings?
I would say I have become a much stronger clinician. My time has allowed me to not only see things for black and white, but also the gray. Although leadership provides a blue print for the direction that company is going, I am given the autonomy to see it come to fruition. This has required me to engage in solution based thinking. Also, autonomy has increased my confidence in myself and my ability to change lives and I’ve become a better person at home as well. My work/life balance has improved through the open communication that I have with my leaders. They are very receptive to feedback and value my input. Therefore if I am not able to complete something on a specific timeline, we then discuss one that is feasible for me based on my center’s needs.
What would you say to other professionals who feel stalled or stumped with their own growth in the field? What advice would you give them?
I would strongly encourage them to start talking. Reach out to leaders in your company. Ask for a meeting. Discuss your interests and areas you are passionate about. There is likely a need within the organization for that exact expertise, and no one will know unless you say something. Every leader that I have come across in the organization makes me feel heard and are interested in what I have to say.
Ok, let’s get serious… what’s your favorite workday snack?
Something salty and sweet, usually chocolate and popcorn, and occasionally an ice cold Poppi, to help my midday slump.
