Optimal Beginnings, LLC

Optimal Beginnings, LLC An Applied Behavior Analysis & Speech and Language consulting and treatment firm serving MD, DC, and NoVA. Assessment is on-going.

We provide psychometric, academic, and skill testing in multiple cognitive, communication and social functioning domains to develop comprehensive treatment programs unique to each individual client. Client advocacy, Family Support Services, Social Skills Development, Speech and Language services, IEP Goal Development Consulting, Family and Caregiver Training, and Support Groups are just a few examples of the interdisciplinary wrap-around scope of services offered for complete client care.

11/26/2025

Come spend the day with one of our RBTs, Eneyda!

You'll probably see some smiling faces and comfortable settings. At OB, we like to do things differently from the traditional doctor's offices you're used to. Our RBTs, like Eneyda, help to make your child's experience more fun, engaging, and geared towards their way of learning.

Fill out our intake form if you're looking for an integrated ABA and speech services program for your child!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, here are our hours of operation and closures this week. We have a lot to be tha...
11/24/2025

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, here are our hours of operation and closures this week.

We have a lot to be thankful for here at OB – Our supportive team members, our incredible clients, and of course, the ability to do what we do best: Create brighter futures for children and their families!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

11/21/2025

PSA: Teach your child about gratitude!

Any child, no matter their unique way of learning and understanding, can show thanks!

This week, we focused on thankfulness, reflection, and giving back! By doing activities like practicing writing thank-you notes, creating a family gratitude jar, and planning small acts of kindness to show gratitude to the OB community.

We have a lot to be thankful for here at OB – Our supportive team members, our incredible clients, and of course, the ability to do what we do best: Create brighter futures for children and their families!

This was the perfect theme to show them all how thankful we are for their dedication, commitment, and hard work.

Share this post if you found it helpful!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

11/20/2025

Being part of the OB family is a different kind of flex. 💪

We don't shy away from acceptance. We embrace it!

Here at OB, there's no such thing as failure or impossibility - We see your child's unique way of learning as an opportunity to gain skills, confidence, and independence to thrive in life.

That's why we venture off on an OB field trip every few months to encourage families to fully immerse themselves in the OB experience (here are a few clips from our field trip last week!).

It takes an entire village to create a safe, educational, and fun learning experience and environment for our clients. At OB, our team, the parents, and our unique integrated services make it all possible.

If this is the type of community you've been searching for for your child and your family, fill out the intake form on our website or call our office to learn more about how to receive integrated services and parent support at Optimal Beginnings.

11/19/2025

"Tell me what you need" doesn't always work for children with communication struggles.

Here's Dr. Dana, the founder and CEO of Optimal Beginnings, with some tips to help you better understand your child's needs, make communication easier, and create less overwhelm for both of you.

Whether it's giving them visual aids and help cards or learning how to build a habit of reinforcement, there are several ways you can improve your relationship and avoid meltdowns with your autistic child.

Be sure to save this video and give us a follow for more tips.

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

What it looks like when you combine a couple of BCBAs with a room full of educators. We taught our approach to ABA and b...
11/18/2025

What it looks like when you combine a couple of BCBAs with a room full of educators.

We taught our approach to ABA and behavioral analysis to show teachers how to support with students’ communication, independence, and emotional regulation throughout the school day. This professional development workshop held at Cedar Tree Academy showed just how committed their educators and staff are to the students' success (slide through to see some highlights from the day).

We discussed things, like:
• How ABA principles show up in everyday classroom moments
• Identifying simple strategies to prevent challenging behaviors and respond in a calm, effective way when they happen
• Seeing how positive reinforcement encourages the behaviors we want to see more of
• Using prompts the right way so students can become more independent over time
• Making sure everyone uses the same approaches so students get consistent support Serving the DMV is at the heart of our work—if your student’s school could benefit from this approach, we’d love to connect. Visit our website to get in touch with our team today.

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

11/17/2025

Ever wonder what a day is like in our office?

Our office doesn't look like white coats and desks against the wall.

It looks like bright colors, round tables, casual, and comfortable settings.

It looks like crafts and interactive learning activities. It looks like big smiles and hands clapping.

Because, at Optimal Beginnings, a regular day in the office should feel like a REGULAR day to your child with neurodivergence.

Come see the OB difference - Fill out the intake form on our site today to get started.

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

11/14/2025

Learning what it means to serve. 🇺🇸

With Veteran's Day this past Tuesday, we spent the week doing activities around showing gratitude and appreciation for those who have served our country.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to teach children about these amazing heroes.

OB parents: If your family has a veteran, we’d love to have them visit the class and share their experiences! Message us or call the office today!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

This week, we’re also honoring veterans and exploring what service and community mean through our weekly activities and ...
11/13/2025

This week, we’re also honoring veterans and exploring what service and community mean through our weekly activities and lessons.

One of those heroes is close to home — our founder, Dana’s husband, David Slikker, who stepped into service with the quiet determination and grit that define the few and the proud.

David served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993 taking on some of its most demanding and elite roles, including machine gunner and amphibious reconnaissance unit during Operation Desert Storm. As part of a recon unit, his work began long before the rest of the forces arrived — slipping into hostile terrain under cover of night, gathering intelligence, charting safe passage for advancing units, and ensuring that every Marine who followed had the best chance to come home.

On Veterans Day, we honor David and all who have served with that same steady strength and commitment to something greater than themselves.

If your family has a veteran, we’d love to have them visit our office and share their story!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

Honoring those who’ve served. Thank you, veterans. 🇺🇸We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to our veterans.h...
11/11/2025

Honoring those who’ve served. Thank you, veterans. 🇺🇸

We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to our veterans.

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

Meet Ty, OB's RBT Training Coordinator AND our Internal Marketing Coordinator!Ty is always hands-on with activities, whe...
11/06/2025

Meet Ty, OB's RBT Training Coordinator AND our Internal Marketing Coordinator!

Ty is always hands-on with activities, whether it's supporting the RBTs with training or filming a quick behind-the-scenes video for our socials.

Ty says the best part of his day, is helping families be able to reach milestones with their children (it takes a village).

He also can't go a day without talking wtih family, sports, and eating twizzlers!

Hands up if this is also one of your go-tos! 🙌

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

Address

6010 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD
20852

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm

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