Family First Center for Autism and Child Development

Update: Celina never was reachable by anyone named Lacey and would directly schedule. Reviews below are misleading. Additionally, my daughter was NOT changed each hour as I gave documentation to support that. So while your experience is vastly different from mine, it’s clear they have corrected themselves and understand how strongly I advocated for change. Glad you’re seeing the fruits of my labor amongst other parents who feel the same. Original review- do not advise to send your child here and choose another location. I am an Active Duty Army Officer and single mother to my daughter. My daughter was attending Family First at the Leavenworth location for 16 weeks. She is non-verbal and requires assistance for toileting and changing. I started to notice inconsistencies in the paperwork that is sent home every day. Because of the inconsistencies and generic feedback, this initiated my inquiry for progress reports and updates regarding my daughter. I asked for progress report updates from Celina (the licensed BCBA). She became avoidant and did not honor the time she told me to contact her. So due to her delayed messaging and lack of response about progress updates, I decided to go in person and speak about the concerns I had. I was more than willing to handle the parent concerns and questions at the lowest level (with Celina) up until this morning when she invaded my space. We were both seated and when I insisted to ask questions, she abruptly stood up, leaned over, and clapped in my face (loudly twice). In my opinion, she demonstrated intimidation and aggression towards me in front of her staff (two other RBTs). She stood at the doorway leading to the back treatment area and relayed the final message, "You can call who you need to call and get what you need from them. I am done helping you." I attempted to file a formal complaint with the supervisors and executives (Dr. Weiers and Cindy) to hold accountability for this unprofessional behavior. The email from the executives disregarded the unprofessional behavior as ok because Celina speaks with her hands. This behavior is inexcusable by a professional and Behavior Therapist. This only highlighted my concerns further because I have trusted Family First with my non-verbal child for approximately 16 weeks. I lost trust and confidence in their ability to ensure my daughter gets the therapy she needs. I asked her for metrics and she became increasingly avoidant and combatant when pressed. In conclusion, I will be receiving summaries and afforded the opportunity to retrieve my daughters personal items. I urge any family to interview thoroughly many centers before choosing this location. They are strategically located outside of Fort Leavenworth and optimize on military families whose dependents require this type of therapy.

Incredible services!

We have officially hit our two year anniversary with Family First. The truth is we have been working with Family first for around three years. And I can say this with complete honesty, they are absolutely AMAZING! Dr. Weiers is nothing short of spectacular herself. From the moment meeting her I knew she was a God send. Her knowledge, reassurance, compassion, commitment and kindness are unmatched. After getting a start date for our son, we learned that he was going to be assigned a main BCBA. AP was blessed with getting Lily. That doesn’t mean we don’t love Chelsey, and Laken as well, because we do! But let me say this. Lily is 100% a perfect match for AP, and our family. She goes above and beyond to make sure that AP is loved, taken care of, as well as myself and his father. She doesn’t need to do that, but she does because she’s a wonderful human being. And that is just the kind of people you have working at Family First. The name says it all. Family, and that is what they all become, and how they make you feel. Before getting AP into ABA of course I used my friend Google. You will find some scary things. But after meeting with the staff, having meetings, conversations, getting all the questions answered I had. I felt safe and comfortable with the decision to enroll him. And I haven’t once second guessed myself. As someone who has been in law enforcement her whole life, a family member, and someone who works in it. You see and know the real evil in this world. Being a parent, that terrifies you even more. Then to add your child have special needs, only makes that fear more profound. But, I have never questioned my son’s safety, wellbeing, health, emotional standing or anything while he is in their care. It truly takes a special person to go into work everyday and get hurt, not because the child is trying to actually hurt them. But it happens. To get treated terrible by other community members. Not get the credit they deserve. But yet show up every single day, with a smile on their face. Wearing their invisible cape. These men and women that take care of the children are absolute angels and not a single person can tell me otherwise. I’ll be first to say, I know my child can be a handful. But they still love him, still protect him, still care for him, still teach him. With no hesitation. I tell everyone I can that AP’s progression is completely due to Family First. I highly recommend them to anyone that is needing help or considering ABA therapy for their child. I truly cannot put it into words how grateful I am for them! I’m simply amazed by them. God blessed us with Family First, and for that I’ll always be thankful and will always sing their praises. Dear Staff of Family First, if you are reading this. AP and I love you all from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for everything you do, day in and day out. You’re absolutely amazing, and we wouldn’t be where we are without you. THANK YOU!!

I have worked with the BCBA and BCaBAs at this facility and I have been very impressed with their work and passion for the children that are in that center. I would HIGHLY recommend Celina to any family needing quality ABA services in the Leavenworth area!!

I have had so many amazing interactions with Family First! Their staff are top tier and they have changed my life.

This place is a joke. I’ve called them on multiple occasions, I’ve left voice mails, and they refuse to send the paperwork to schedule an appointment to have my child assessed. At this point I have my doubts about the competence of their services because they repeatedly fail at basic tasks like responding to potential clientele.

At first I was excited to be reaching another step in my sons diagnosis but after several failed attempts to contact me back after several emails and voicemails being left I ended up moving forward with a more professional company who actually answers the questions you need and respond in a timely manner very disheartening and I wasted my time traveling well over an hour to have a meeting just to be told absolutely nothing which could have very much so been a video meeting in my opinion if it was a meet and greet

The team here is absolutely amazing—professional, patient, and truly dedicated. Their communication and care go above and beyond, and it's clear they’re passionate about what they do. We’re so thankful to have them as part of our support system!