Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Xiao.
Hi Anna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Sibling to Specialist: Anna Xiao’s Mission to Redefine ABA Therapy
My name is Anna Xiao, and I’m the founder and owner of Family Nest ABA Therapy, a private practice dedicated to providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social skills groups to individuals with autism. Long before I became a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), my journey into this field began on a deeply personal level; at home.
Growing up, my older brother was diagnosed with autism. His experience shaped not only my childhood but also my life’s purpose. Witnessing the challenges and gaps in services our family faced ignited a passion in me to support other families like mine. Families navigating a path that often feels overwhelming and isolating.
I began my professional journey as a special education teacher in Grand Rapids Public Schools. That experience gave me invaluable insight into how autism services function within educational settings. While in college, I was introduced to ABA therapy and quickly became drawn to the science behind behavior. I started working as a behavior technician, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of clients while completing my bachelor’s degree in education.
Every role I’ve held from educator to technician to analyst has deepened my commitment to helping individuals with disabilities. It’s truly been the focus of my entire professional life.
In 2020, I became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). At the time, my son was just two months old and I was seeking more flexibility than the teaching world could offer. I was eager to transition fully into ABA work at a part time basis, but soon realized that local companies weren’t hiring part-time BCBAs. It was disheartening at first, but I’ve always believed that the power of service lies within ourselves and in creating opportunities where none exist. So, I built my own.
That same year, I launched Family Nest ABA Therapy, initially offering parent coaching and behavior support to families through a private-pay model. In Michigan, families with a medical autism diagnosis can access ABA, speech, and occupational therapy through insurance. As I continued my work, one of the families I supported received an autism diagnosis for their child. This prompted me to seek insurance credentialing and transition Family Nest into a fully operational ABA therapy practice.
My original goal was simple: to build the kind of services I wished my family had access to. Services that are flexible, family-centered, and grounded in compassion.
Over the past five years, my mission has grown. I still love the work—I live and breathe ABA as a science. It’s a powerful tool that opens doors, builds meaningful skills, and strengthens connections between individuals and their families. But as the landscape of ABA has shifted especially with the rise of large, multi-state providers and private equity influences. Today, I’m driven by the desire to empower other BCBAs to take control of how services are delivered. I believe the future of this field lies in putting clinical decisions back into the hands of the professionals who are directly working with families. Smaller, community-focused practices like mine are essential to preserving the integrity and individualization that ABA was built on.
I also advocate fiercely for behavior technicians, who are the heart of our work. While BCBAs design treatment plans and guide families, it’s the technicians who carry out those plans day in and day out, forming relationships with clients, collecting critical data, and making real-time interventions. In my eyes, they are the most vital part of the therapy process—and they deserve mentorship, respect, and opportunities to grow.
At Family Nest, we’re building more than a practice, we’re building a community. One where families feel supported, BCBAs feel empowered, and behavior techs are seen as the professionals they truly are. My journey started with my brother, but today, it continues with every family we serve and with every professional we help rise within this field.
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?
Starting the practice on my own came with a steep learning curve. While I had experience in the field and the credentials to provide ABA services, I had very little knowledge of the business and insurance side. I had to teach myself how to credential with insurance companies, navigate billing, and build the operational side of a practice while also serving clients and growing my caseload. In the beginning, I paid the first few payrolls out of our personal savings, which was both stressful and motivating. I had to hustle to figure things out learning on the fly, making mistakes, and adjusting as I went. It was incredibly challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.
I’m still learning every day, especially as the business grows. For me, the business side is simply a means to an end that allows me to do the work I love: supporting families, empowering staff, and delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
As you know, we’re big fans of Family Nest ABA Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Family Nest ABA Therapy is a private practice dedicated to serving individuals with an autism diagnosis through a comprehensive, compassionate, and community-focused approach. We provide a range of services including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
What sets us apart is our commitment to small, individualized care. Unlike many large, multi-state providers, we focus on serving our local community with a deeply personalized approach. Our goal is to build real relationships with the families we work with, offering consistency, flexibility, and trust every step of the way.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is our team. We’ve built a group of professionals who are not only highly skilled but also genuinely passionate about the work. Because we’re a smaller practice, we’re able to maintain strong continuity of care, which is something many families struggle to find in larger systems.
At Family Nest, we’re not just providing therapy we’re partnering with families, empowering them with tools, knowledge, and support. We want readers to know that our services go beyond checklists and protocols. We meet families where they are, and we walk alongside them as they navigate their child’s development.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is measured by impact not just numbers or growth, but the real, meaningful difference we make in the lives of the families we serve. Success is when a parent tells us their child made a new friend, spoke a new word, or did something they never thought possible. It’s when our behavior technicians feel supported, empowered, and valued in their roles. It’s when families feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.
On a personal level, success also means building a business that aligns with my values. One that prioritizes compassion, integrity, and community. I didn’t start Family Nest to build an empire; I started it to fill a gap I saw in the field, to create the kind of support I wish my own family had access to growing up. If I can continue to provide high-quality care, support my team, and stay rooted in our mission that’s success to me.
Pricing:
- Insurance Billing
- Most major insurance providers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://familynestaba.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560931076378&sk=about
