“The Most Influential Business Leader to Watch in 2024,” Nichole Daher, we present Founder and CEO of SOS Franchising, leading her way to revolutionize Autism Treatment for good. However, before we get to her trailblazing story, we need to understand what ABA therapy is. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a leading approach for supporting autistic individuals. This science-based method focuses on developing observable improvements in behavior. Through positive reinforcement and errorless teaching, ABA therapy reduces problem behaviors, teaches essential skills like communication and independence, and promotes a love of learning. A Mother Building a Bridge of Hope ABA therapy helps individuals move beyond their symptoms and thrive as functional adults within their communities. This is where Nichole steps in as someone who just started her journey of being a stepmother of an autistic child. New to the situation, she attended parent training classes at her stepdaughter’s ABA therapy clinic. As the child progressed in leaps and bounds, everything seemed well until she turned 7, and the ABA clinic terminated services. At this point, Nichole discovered the flaws in the system, like the vast majority of ABA clinics only accepted children up to age 7. Additionally, they did not offer ancillary services that children with Autism also need in conjunction with ABA. Nichole found this to be a concerning trend, as it was nearly impossible to find complete treatment for autistic kids. On the cover of this issue, we have featured Dr. Dawn Menge (a Special Education teacher at SBCSS and a Lecturer at CSUSB). She is recognized for her focus on collaboration and student-centered learning in her teaching approach. She is passionate about transition education and has experience working with students of all ages. In her classes, students learn important life skills such as money management, work skills, self-efficacy, and independence. She believes in involving students in the community to give them practical knowledge, such as stocking shelves, cleaning stores, and pricing items. Previously, her students have gained experience in various settings, including restaurants, where they assisted with tasks like making pizzas, setting up salad bars, folding boxes, and washing dishes. Dr. Menge managed a business project at an adult center, where students generated funds through Christmas tree sales and recycling initiatives, enabling a rewarding family trip to SeaWorld. Additionally, Dr. Menge secured medical grants to provide adapted ski lessons for her students. This ensured that each student had a tailored understanding based on their abilities, whether it be riding in sleds or learning to snowboard independently. Dr. Menge’s teaching career, spanning over twenty-seven years, is filled with heartfelt memories and rewarding experiences. One such memory involves a visually impaired student working at Little Caesars. Despite a mishap with the dough, the other workers’ seamless support and inclusion of her student left a lasting impact, boosting the student’s confidence and skills. Another poignant moment occurred during a skiing trip when strong winds disengaged the chairlift, leaving a student stranded. Despite the nerve- wracking situation, the student found it thrilling, and Dr. Menge’s steadfast presence until her safe descent highlighted her dedication.