The Developmental Advantage, LLC

11/24/2025

The Developmental Advantage is hiring RBTs!

An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a trained professional who works directly with children to help build communication, social, and daily living skills through ABA therapy. RBTs follow treatment plans designed by a BCBA/BCaBA and play a huge role in helping kids make meaningful progress.

If you enjoy working with kids, and want a job where the work actually makes a difference, this could be a great fit!

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONThe Developmental Advantage is an accredited Behavior Health Center of Excellence focusing on pediatric outpatient therapy serving Kanawha an...

11/20/2025

Last month our team went to Kings Island and had the chance to just enjoy each other’s company outside the clinic. Days like this highlight how important it is to build a strong bond with the people you work alongside every day.

If you're looking for a workplace where people support each other, grow together, and still make time for fun, we’d love to meet you. We’re hiring, and there’s room on this team for people who want to make a real impact.

Contact ryan@thedevadvantage.com to learn more.

10/29/2025

The Developmental Advantage, LLC is expanding our CSED Waiver Program services statewide – and we’re looking for dedicated professionals to join our team as In-Home Therapists.
This will be an independent contractor role – YOU create your own schedule (minimum 8 hrs/week)
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families

Requirements:
-Master’s degree in a therapeutic field (ABA, Social Work, School Counseling, LPC, etc.)
-Must live in West Virginia
-Passion for supporting children and families in a community-based setting

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to families across the state while enjoying flexibility and independence, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to ryan@thedevadvantage.com for any information!

10/17/2025

Our CEO, Cathy Jo Higgins, was recently featured on the Positively West Virginia Podcast!

We’re thankful for Cathy Jo’s leadership, unwavering support, and her dedication to helping children and families across West Virginia!

Watch the full interview below to hear her inspiring story and the mission that drives our work every day!

10/14/2025

Congratulations to our new BCaBA, Megan Sheets!

Megan has been a dedicated RBT for the past three years and has been part of The Developmental Advantage team for just over a year. She recently earned her Master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, successfully passed her BCaBA exam, and is continuing her journey toward becoming a BCBA.

We’re so proud of your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Megan!

10/13/2025

What Is Generalization and Why Does It Matter?

At The Developmental Advantage, we know that learning a skill in therapy is only the beginning. In ABA, generalization means being able to use that skill in real life.

For example, a child who learns to ask for help during a session should also be able to ask for help from a parent or teacher. A child who practices waiting in therapy should be able to wait in line at the store or at school.

Generalization is what makes learning meaningful and lasting. It shows that the skill is truly understood and can be used anywhere it’s needed.

That’s why our team at The Developmental Advantage works with families, teachers, and community partners across a variety of settings (clinic, home, school, and public places, etc.) to help every child use their skills in all parts of life!

09/11/2025

The Developmental Advantage is growing and expanding our clinical services. We are currently seeking Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to join our team!

Requirements:

Minimum of a high school diploma

Ability to complete a 40-hour training course and licensing exam (we will provide support and cover training/licensing requirements!)

Must pass a background check

This is a great opportunity to begin or grow your career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Apply today using the link below:

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONThe Developmental Advantage is an accredited Behavior Health Center of Excellence focusing on pediatric outpatient therapy serving Kanawha an...

09/04/2025

The Developmental Advantage, LLC is expanding our CSED Waiver Program services statewide – and we’re looking for dedicated professionals to join our team as In-Home Therapists.

This will be an independent contractor role – YOU create your own schedule (minimum 8 hrs/week)

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families

✨ Requirements:

Master’s degree in a therapeutic field (ABA, Social Work, School Counseling, LPC, etc.)

Must live in West Virginia

Passion for supporting children and families in a community-based setting

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to families across the state while enjoying flexibility and independence, we’d love to hear from you!

Message us here or email zach@thedevadvantage or ryan@thedevadvantage to apply or learn more.

08/26/2025

What is Reinforcement & Why Does it Matter?

In ABA, one of the most important concepts we use is reinforcement.

Reinforcement simply means something that makes a behavior more likely to happen again in the future.

Here are a few everyday examples:
-A child says “please,” and gets a smile and the toy they asked for.
- You work hard at your job, and you get a paycheck.
- You post a photo online, and friends “like” it, making you more likely to post again.

So, why does this matter?
Reinforcement is the foundation of learning. It helps people—children and adults—gain new skills, build independence, and engage in positive behaviors that improve quality of life.

Reinforcement is about teaching, motivating, and creating lasting change.

05/06/2025

03/25/2025

2025 Small Business Person of the Year – WV is Cathy Jo Higgins, M.A. Founder/Owner/CEO of The Developmental Advantage, LLC located in Charleston, WV.

Cathy Jo will be attending National in Washington D.C. May 4-10th and will be presented her award, in person, on May 5th by the SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler at an Awards Luncheon. On May 7th, Cathy Jo will attend a local ceremony presented by the SBA’s District Office who will celebrate her and “additional local awardees who have empowered entrepreneurial success, created jobs and driven economic growth”- SBA WV District Office.

Cathy Jo would like to Thank the SBA for all the amazing trainings and financial assistance they have provided, over the years, through SBDC (Doug Spaulding) and SCORE (Melissa Hill). A special thank you goes out to Doug Spaulding (retired)/Harold Patterson for nominating her for such a prestigious award. Cathy Jo would like to send another special thank you to the families and staff at The Developmental Advantage, LLC, who wrote such heartfelt letters on her behalf. Cathy Jo is quoted as saying “This award really belongs to the outstanding team of professionals at The Developmental Advantage, LLC and the children/families that we serve. This would not be possible without God answering my prayers to help fill a gap of not only providing additional services for children with disabilities but providing the best quality services. The children/families in West Virginia deserve that!” For more information about Cathy Jo’s pediatric outpatient (ABA) clinic/and other programs they provide, please go to www.thedevadvantage.com

For more information on National please visit www.sba.gov/NSBW for information on the virtual summit, registrations and speakers. Local SBA events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events
U.S. Small Business Administration