In the Beginning..
The seed for The Rising Start Foundation was first planted when the organization’s founder Maria Alejandra Mejia opened the doors of her first program called, Early Intervention Behavioral Services (EIBS). EIBS, founded in 2017, is a specialized academic program that provides an innovative educational environment where ABA services are combined with an inclusive school setting to provide quality education for individuals with autism and related disabilities.
Mejia’s dream of improving and impacting the lives of neurodiverse children and young adults positively became a reality. EIBS classrooms are the result of years of studies, practice in the field of ABA, and dissatisfaction with current educational models.
After the loss of her brother Nicolas, diagnosed with Down syndrome in 2010, her mission to act as an empowering force to neurodiverse individuals was reaffirmed. She then devoted herself to making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse children and their families.
EIBS is today an acclaimed behavioral and tutoring center for children, where a tailor-made curriculum and specialized methodologies were developed by Mejia to allow students to improve their academic performance and overall behavior. EIBS is known for delivering short-term quality results and for its commitment to the student's well-being and cognitive development.
Our Story
The Next Stage…
After five years of educating and- working with countless children and their families, Maria Alejandra and her team were ready to take her life project to the next level. The Rising Start Foundation is an extension of EIBS and a continuation of the commitment to create a better, brighter future for neurodiverse children and young adults. Mejia’s experience and knowledge made her painfully aware of the critical situation her students as well as others found as the approached the end of their studies.
The lack of continuing post-secondary education and programs to support them in their personal and professional development was a glaring problem in Maria's. Once EIBS was established and running, Maria started working on The Rising Start Project.
The Rising Start bridges young adult's transition from school to adult/work life, with all the support they need through different programs and partnerships that Mejia is sure will change their lives and the community as well.
About Our Brand
When we were ready to work on the Foundation brand and image we found a Marketing & Communications agency that hires neurodiverse individuals, not because of external forces, but because of their talent. They are key in their client's creative process and presentations, and they participate in meetings and are in charge of some of the agency talks on creativity.
Working with Casa Carlota was a great experience and a perfect beginning; it was seeing our dream come true, an agency that values and promotes neurodiversity, that believes in their abilities, and, challenges them to give their best each day.
