Alisha Simpson-Watt is the Executive Clinical Director and Founder of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC, an accredited behavioral health practice based in Middletown, Connecticut. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst, she brings both clinical expertise and personal understanding to her work. Collaborative ABA Services specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis and supports children ages 2 to 18 who are impacted by Autism and other developmental and behavioral disorders.
Alisha Simpson-Watt | Executive Clinical Director and Founder | Collaborative ABA Services, LLC
The organization follows an interdisciplinary and family-centered approach, ensuring that care extends beyond the child to support the entire family system. At EliteX, we are proud to have Alisha Simpson as part of the edition: 05 Fearless Women in Business, 2026.
Her journey into business was driven by a clear and urgent need. While working as a School Social Worker and Behavior Analyst, Alisha witnessed the growing number of children diagnosed with Autism and the shortage of qualified ABA providers in her community. Families faced long waitlists and limited access to services. She saw the emotional and practical toll this took on parents who were seeking timely support for their children. Determined to close this gap, she founded Collaborative ABA Services with the goal of expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care that responds directly to the needs of families.
When leaders grow, communities grow with them.
One of her most significant career milestones came with the expansion from primarily in-home services in 2019 to opening a dedicated clinic space in 2022. This transition marked a new chapter of growth and visibility for the organization. Since then, the practice has been recognized by the Small Business Administration, the Stevie Awards, and the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. The organization’s expertise has also been highlighted in major publications such as Parents, Today’s Parent, Forbes, and Fortune, positioning Alisha and her team as trusted voices in behavioral health.
Rapid growth, however, brought its own challenges. As demand for services increased, maintaining quality and sustainability became a central focus. Alisha responded by restructuring her leadership team, strengthening hiring and onboarding systems, and engaging accounting professionals to ensure operational stability. Another major challenge was the rise in waitlists. Families often felt overwhelmed and unsure of where they stood in the referral process. In response, she led the development of CollabWait, a waitlist visibility and referral coordination platform. This tool was designed to provide clarity for families and help agencies collaborate more effectively, improving communication and transparency within the system.
Several core skills have shaped her success. Patience and perseverance allow her to navigate complex challenges without losing focus. Emotional intelligence helps her lead with empathy and build strong relationships with families and staff. She values continuous learning and remains open to feedback, understanding that growth requires humility. Collaboration stands at the center of her philosophy. She believes meaningful impact happens when professionals work together rather than in isolation.
Her motivation during difficult times remains deeply personal. As a parent of a child with Autism, she understands the journey from both a professional and personal perspective. This lived experience informs her leadership style and strengthens her commitment to treating every family with the respect and care she would want for her own. She stays grounded by remembering why she began and by focusing on the children and families who benefit from the work.
Compassion and strategy together build meaningful impact.
Alisha leads with compassion and a growth mindset. She remains actively involved in the daily operations of her organization, working alongside her team rather than directing from a distance. Professional development is a priority within Collaborative ABA Services. She believes that when team members grow in knowledge and confidence, the families they serve receive stronger and more consistent care. Her leadership style combines strategic vision with hands-on engagement.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life requires intention and structure. She relies on organized scheduling and careful planning to manage her time effectively. Despite the demands of running a growing practice, she prioritizes dedicated family time. Family remains her foundation, and she encourages her team to protect their own work-life balance as well. She understands that sustainable leadership depends on maintaining personal well-being.
Looking ahead, she recognizes that Artificial Intelligence will continue to shape the business landscape in 2026 and beyond. She believes businesses must integrate technology thoughtfully and ethically. Efficiency should never replace human connection, especially in healthcare. Instead, technology should enhance systems while preserving compassion and personalized care.
Innovation within her organization is encouraged through openness and trust. She fosters an environment where team members feel safe sharing ideas and offering feedback. Creativity is welcomed, and new solutions are explored collaboratively. She understands that innovation flourishes when people feel valued and heard.
Her business decisions are guided by thoughtful analysis and long-term vision. She carefully weighs costs and benefits while recognizing that no single approach works for every situation. Patience and strategic planning, she believes, lead to stronger outcomes than rushed decisions. Experience has taught her that sustainable growth requires both courage and careful preparation.
Among her future projects is the continued expansion of CollabWait, which aims to simplify and improve the referral process for families navigating long waitlists. She is also preparing for the release of her children’s book, It’s Okay, Mattie: A Story About Autism, Big Feelings, and Learning to Cope, available starting March 24, 2026. The book introduces young readers to Autism while teaching coping skills, empathy, and emotional awareness in an accessible and empowering way.
Strong systems create stronger families and lasting change.
Through every stage of her journey, Alisha Simpson-Watt demonstrates that vision combined with effort creates lasting impact. She believes that success grows from resilience, strong work ethic, and trust in one’s purpose. Her work continues to expand access to care, strengthen families, and build systems that reflect both innovation and compassion.
Readers who wish to explore more about Collaborative ABA Services can visit www.collaborativeabaservices.com and browse the organization’s online store at collaborativeabastore.com.
Details about the CollabWait platform, including its mission and features, are available at www.collabwait.com.
To follow Alisha Simpson-Watt’s professional journey and insights, readers can connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram at @LeadingwithAlisha. Her upcoming children’s book, It’s Okay, Mattie: A Story About Autism, Big Feelings, and Learning to Cope, will be available through major book retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Amazon, beginning March 24, 2026.
