Our people

With over a decade of dedicated experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Nicole Ashkar, M.Ed., BCBA, brings clinical excellence and leadership to Giving Growth Therapy as our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Nicole has held pivotal roles across the country—from California to Georgia to North Carolina—driving innovation in ABA training, compliance, and clinical development.



She currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and is an active member of the NCABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, where she contributes to advancing equity-focused practices within the ABA community.


Nicole’s leadership journey includes roles such as Director of Clinical Training and Compliance and Director of Assessments and Staff Development, where she spearheaded EMR transitions, led continuing education programs, and created individualized mentorship tracks for new and experienced clinicians. Her work has consistently resulted in improved treatment fidelity, streamlined onboarding, and increased insurance compliance.



At Giving Growth Therapy, Nicole leads with compassion, evidence-based strategies, and a commitment to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care. Her focus on culturally responsive practices and clinical excellence ensures families receive the highest standard of support.

With a strong clinical foundation in home-based ABA therapy, Jennifer Head, M.S., BCBA, LBA, brings over 7 years of hands-on experience supporting children with autism and developmental needs in their most familiar environments—their homes. Her tailored in-home care approach has helped many families across North Carolina and the Southeast achieve meaningful behavioral and developmental progress.



Jennifer has served in clinical leadership roles such as Clinical Director and Assistant Director of Clinical Training, overseeing treatment quality, documentation, and family-centered support. Her work has led to the graduation of multiple children from ABA services, highlighting her commitment to ethical, data-driven care that fosters long-term independence and success.



As a passionate mentor and trainer, Jennifer designs BST-based programs for therapists and has coordinated successful in-home transitions, ensuring quality, compliance, and compassionate delivery at every level. At Giving Growth Therapy, Jennifer leads with empathy, evidence-based strategies, and a deep belief in the power of care delivered at home.