Meet Melissa Lovio Sanchez | Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Lovio Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Working in the field of behavior analysis for 10 years, and seeing how the role of the BCBA evolved into mainly grunt work: report writing, putting out fires, creating new programming, and stressing over RBT’s, all of which gives little time for what really matters: working one to one with the clients and their families made me start thinking that maybe I could do something different. Agency frameworks also changed and I noticed that they were more concerned with growing than with seeing their clients and their families as individuals. Finally, working with insurances made me realize that with every re-assessment period, insurances found more and more gaps to give children in need less and less hours of therapy. This all fueled me to do something that is atypical for a behavior analyst: deliver one to one ABA therapy as a private practitioner. This way, I could have a small caseload that I could deliver true quality services to as a BCBA instead of having to worry about all the other needless “fluff.” I get right down to it and make lasting changes for each child, and their families.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner and BCBA at Behavior Magic Therapy, a private practice offering one to one ABA therapy. What sets Behavior Magic apart from the countless ABA agencies you may encounter is that it is NOT an agency. It is a small business run by one woman: a BCBA with a passion for helping children and their families reach their goals and maximum potential. I can assure you the quality of services you will receive through Behavior Magic will not be found elsewhere as I have made sure to keep my caseload small, to assure that I can give families the attention and dedication needed to see real change.

When I decided to start on this journey, I didn’t know any BCBA that was doing this, so it was daunting. One year later, and I still don’t, but have had countless reach out to me wanting to know how they could do the same. I was told many times that just having my own practice wouldn’t be sustainable, much more so since I was a working mother. I am happy to say that not only has it been sustainable, but extremely successful and gratifying.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is usually a hot spot for clubbing and partying, but my perfect day in Miami looks a little different. I’d start off with an instagrammable brunch at Little Hen, check out the Wynwood Walls and possibly check in at local breweries along the way, like La Cerveceria La Tropical for some snacks and brews. I’d end the day at the PAMM or take in a local show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was met with a lot of criticism and doubt whenever I expressed my business model, so I am forever thankful to those that supported this dream and really pushed me to make it a reality from day one. In no particular order those people are: Agustin (my amazing husband and number one fan), Taimara, Ary, Itzel, Diana, Lissette, Cindy, Vivian, and Laura. I also have to credit my amazing 6 year old daughter, Luna, for being my literal fuel. You can do anything you want, baby girl.

Website: behaviormagictherapy.com

Instagram: behaviormagictherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissals/

Image Credits
Agustin Sanchez