Hidden Gems: Meet Amy K. Gearhard of Spectra Centers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy K. Gearhard.

Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Admittedly, words like “can’t and won’t” pique my interest; I have always liked a challenge. I had no idea what kind of challenge I was signing up for 20+ years ago.

In a college psychology class, I quickly became interested in a 1960’s article called “Screams, Slaps, and Love,” which highlighted the stories of several children with autism. I couldn’t imagine a population of children with “broken minds” or that could be described as “living with the devil” and “frothing at the mouth” – and if there were, I needed to see for myself.

I spoke to my professor that day and took a position volunteering in a home with two boys, eager to investigate the horrific article. The slapping was nowhere to be found, and there was plenty of screaming, but most importantly – I fell in love with autism and its intricacies from the moment we met. I showed up daily, notebook in hand.

Unfortunately, hired staff were difficult to keep consistently. Within weeks, I was offered a position and found myself incessantly researching how to teach a 6-year-old boy with autism to speak. Furthermore, I was trying to figure out what to teach his 2-year-old brother with autism, whose response to any question I asked was spelling a large word – while counting the syllables on his hand. Five-syllable words were minimal (e.g. refrigerator), but dinosaurs were preferable. He could out-talk and outspeak me. During my undergrad years, I maintained a consistent client list, working in homes, schools, and the community – all the while, brewing up a plan of my own to create a treatment model that would fulfill the evident gaps in services for clients and support for families that I had experienced.

In 2003, I introduced the Interdisciplinary Intervention Model (II Model) and opened my first facility in Colorado, with a couple of staff and a handful of students with autism. One facility quickly grew into two. Locations and programs have taken different shapes over the years as we’ve seen funding and client needs shift; however, the II Model has remained at the center of it all. Nearly a decade ago, I faced a harsh realization that the company was heading for closure and that we would need to make significant changes to gracefully manage growth while funding an expensive treatment model. There was one problem. I am a therapist by nature, with an education in Clinical Psychology. My desk was filled with bouncy balls and a fantastic slinky collection.

I had never taken a business class in my life. My undergrad statistics class was tortuous and numbers activated my gag reflex. Kids, families, and behavior plans were my passion. I didn’t know how to run a company. What I did know, though, is that that there would be no one as determined as me to ensure the company’s success, regardless of what it took. With that in mind, I stepped out of my position as our Clinical Director, restructured the company, and stepped back in as our CEO, to face my to-do list. It was like seeing Earth from space. So miniscule, yet fiercely immense. Humbling. From that day forward, progress was slow and the failures were continual.

I was fortunate to have a small team of staff that helped maintain service quality, many of whom now serve as our leadership team. Continuous coffee, timely answered prayers, and a small group of family and friends have kept my sanity. Unwanted and unexpected change can be a grueling process, requiring patience and trust, but more often than not, the outcome is far greater than anything anyone could have imagined.

Where we are TODAY: We have just celebrated our 20th Anniversary! We reunited with clients, families, and community members that have contributed to the success of Spectra for the past two decades. Our direction has been guided by the needs and feedback of our community. We currently have an active ABA clinic, an approved Facility School, and counseling services for our families. Our goal remains to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of those that we serve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If there isn’t a challenge, we aren’t growing! Bumps and bruises teach us our lessons. Our biggest struggle has been navigating financial obstacles. There have been many inconsistencies with insurance payment in the field of behavioral and mental health.

We’ve faced everything from an extended federal government shutdown of Medicaid funding to the long-awaited receipt of insurance checks that arrive for a total of $.47 (or less) a year after their due date. We’re continuing to learn to navigate these bumps and be as prepared as possible for those ahead.

We’ve been impressed with Spectra Centers, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Spectra Centers, Inc. is an organization that provides support services to individuals with autism and their families. Founded in 2003, our mission is to bring forward the unique talents, abilities, and personalities of neurodiverse individuals so they can lead meaningful and rewarding lives. Spectra champions this mission by providing quality comprehensive services through our Interdisciplinary Intervention Model (IIM), which unifies professionals around shared treatment goals and strategies, and encourages a person-centered approach through collaboration and teamwork.

Our population – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to communicate, interact socially, cope with changes to routines, and complete basic daily living skills. While ASD impacts more males than females, there are no differences in the prevalence between racial and socio-economic groups. As a spectrum disorder, individuals may experience varying levels of impact across all developmental domains. Some individuals may need occasional support but can live independently, engage in relationships, and pursue employment. However, many others require more intensive support, need constant adult supervision to ensure safety, and may demonstrate physical aggression that warrants hospitalization. Regardless of the level of impact, individuals with ASD experience significant challenges that interfere with their ability to function in the home, participate in school, and access the community.

Our services – Spectra has established programs to meet the unique needs of the ASD population. Our licensed day treatment CDE Approved Facility School partners with local school districts to provide ongoing education and behavioral support for those students whose needs exceed what can be accommodated in the public school setting. The program serves individuals ages 5-21, to transition students back into their public school setting. Our school has full-time Special Education teachers, Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and School Social Workers on staff.

Spectra’s Psychological and Counseling services provide support for families, diagnostic evaluations for ASD and other disorders, as well as ongoing mental health counseling for those experiencing anxiety and depression. Lastly, Spectra offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech, and Occupational therapies in our clinic for children under the age of 6, as well as an after-school program for children ages 7-18. These services are focused on reducing challenging behaviors and acquiring skills that serve as the foundation for future success across settings.

Spectra continues to develop programs and services guided by the needs of the ASD population and their families. Though there has been an increase in the funding and the types of services available, the needs of this population continue to evolve and become more diverse. Spectra has served as a strong foundational pillar in the ASD community since 2003. We remain deeply committed to leading the charge toward meeting the unique needs of the clients/students we serve and providing quality access to services.

How do you think about luck?
I can’t say I’m much of a believer in “luck”. There have been many dark and ‘unlucky’ times in my career, but those were answered with good faith in Sweet Jesus’ intention for me and a willingness to work harder than anyone else would. Hard work and faith have proved to be a powerful duo in my life.

A wise individual once said: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” I couldn’t agree more.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spectracenters.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectracenters/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectracenters/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-k-gearhard-42713349/