Our Story
Our Mission & Vision
The Growing Place provides high-quality, evidence-based ABA therapy to children affected by autism, delivered with respect, dignity, and compassion, so every family we serve feels supported, included, and hopeful about what's ahead.
We envision a future where The Growing Place is the most trusted, highest-quality ABA provider in our region, known for the outcomes we achieve and the dignity with which we achieve them.
As we grow, opening new centers to reach more children and families who need us, we will do it the way we always have: by growing our own leaders from within. The therapists we train today become the BCBAs and Clinic Directors who carry our heart forward, so that no matter how many doors we open, every child who walks through one is met with the same love, hope, and belief in their potential that has always been at the center of who we are.
our core values
Respect and Dignity: We serve every child and family with respect, love, and dignity, honoring their individual needs, culture, and circumstances.
Compassionate, Family-Centered Care: Families are partners in the care of their children. We walk alongside them, offering support and guidance throughout their journey, and helping them navigate the challenges of an autism diagnosis with hope rather than fear.
Access and Equity: We are committed to eliminating barriers to services so that families from all walks of life, regardless of background, resources, or circumstance, can access the care their children need. We recognize that many families in Anderson and the surrounding communities struggle to find services, and we work actively to close that gap.
Community and Belonging: Every family who comes to The Growing Place becomes part of the TGP family. We foster a sense of belonging, connection, and shared purpose in the work of helping children grow.
Hope and Empowerment: Our greatest joy is giving families hope. We are dedicated to empowering families with knowledge, tools, and encouragement so they feel supported, not alone, in their journey.
Quality and Growth: We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based services and to continuously improving our programs so that The Growing Place remains a place where both children and families can truly grow
our founders
Josh and Emily Fisher are a husband and wife team who have decided to open The Growing Place, Inc. Emily is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who began her awesome journey in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2010. She graduated from Anderson University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She earned her master’s degree from Austin Peay State University, and obtained her BCBA certification from Florida Tech.
Emily worked as a teacher before changing careers to serve children with ASD. She has worked with children ages 2-19, some who have been multiply diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, RAD, Down Syndrome, and mood disorders in addition to Autism. Emily is passionate about making changes in her patient’s lives and helping families grow together.
Josh is an Army combat veteran who, over the course of nearly two decades, has developed many leadership and management skills while serving in the military. Josh runs the maintenance side and many of the back-office components of the clinics. The couple has been married since October 2003 and have 3 sons and 1 daughter. The family is active in the community with sports and school activities for their children. They reside in Pendleton, which is the couple’s hometown. They have returned to Pendleton after traveling through Josh’s military service. Josh and Emily are elated to be back in Pendleton and serving a community they love.
