Elyscha Harris, VP and Clinical Director of Programs at Quest, Inc. embodies our commitment to lifelong services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Inspired by her mother’s work in the field, Elyscha began her journey at Quest at 19, working in our residential programs for adults during her college breaks. Twenty years later, she continues to advocate for comprehensive care, furthering Quest’s mission of helping individuals of all ages live full lives.

Overseeing ABA Therapy Services and Curriculum Development

In her role, Elyscha oversees our ABA therapy services, managing a skilled team of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians. Through orientation, safety care and behavior management training, she equips them to create personalized plans for the adults and children Quest serves.

Elyscha also supervises the curriculum development for Quest’s Training Centers for adults and Quest Kids Academy. These programs provide comprehensive training on skills including financial literacy, hygiene, advocacy and more.

“Unbeknownst to a lot of people, ABA services are not only used to address challenging behaviors but to develop the life skills that many of our individuals need for greater independence long-term,” Elyscha says.

Using ABA to Build Skills for Independence Across Ages

Achieving greater independence means helping individuals make choices, build friendships and engage with their communities to fulfill their participation in everyday life. Success is rooted in understanding what motivates each individual, ensuring consistency and using data for continuous improvement.

ABA therapy focuses on shaping behaviors using scientific methods to help individuals accomplish their goals. Elyscha is proud of Quest’s advancements in integrating ABA principles across programs. This integrated approach offers a seamless continuum of care, enriching client experiences and supportive environments for families.

Empowering Caregivers and Providers for Effective Outcomes

Collaboration with parents is key for children. Elyscha encourages regular updates and discussions about skills learned in therapy, empowering parents to apply these strategies at home. Comprehensive caregiver training is essential for adults to involve family members and direct care staff in the individual’s learning process for effective outcomes.

“My biggest recommendation for caregivers is to understand the long-term goals for their loved ones, which helps set achievable short-term goals,” Elyscha says. “Ongoing collaboration with all service providers also keeps everyone aligned and proactive in addressing challenges.”

Comprehensive Care with a Collaborative Approach

We value Elyscha’s commitment to training staff, providers and caregivers to consider the big picture. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone Quest serves has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

“I take great pride in the unity we’ve fostered within our team,” Elyscha shares. “Despite our diverse settings and age groups, our analysts collaborate to share ideas and learn from one another, ultimately enhancing the quality of service we provide.”

Providing Transformative Services for All Ages

Quest fosters meaningful, transformative experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Explore our services for children and adults and learn how we can support you and your loved ones in achieving independence.