Behavioral Momentum opens 2nd facility

Behavioral Momentum located in Wasco on Annin recently opened its second facility in town.

On Nov. 2, 2019, Behavioral Momentum opened its first facility in the city. Because of the pandemic, a ribbon cutting ceremony may be held at a later date.

Behavioral Momentum provides Applied Behavioral Analysis services to children diagnosed on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. ABA is an evidence-based therapy that can help children with disabilities achieve better outcomes, such as improved language, social skills and decreases challenging behaviors.

The owners of the facility are Clinical Director Abby Dhillon and Executive Director Marina Tackitt.

Tackitt and Dhillon have worked together for over 15 years and decided to go into business by first opening a facility in Bakersfield in early 2019.

The center provides opportunities for teaching those with disabilities to function in the mainstream world and become gainfully employed in the workforce.

Clients at the 7th Street facility will be guided by a staff of about 10, who all care for the clients at the centers in Bakersfield and now two in Wasco.

"Our staff does all the hard work," Dhillon said.

The funding for the center is through private insurance companies in which the insurance companies are billed by the center. The facilities are funded by Kern Family Healthcare.

The first facility in Wasco is located at 120 Annin Ave.

"This second facility will be for children under 5 years old," Tackitt said. "The facility on Annin Avenue is for those older than 5."

"The majority of the kids are not in school yet," Dhillon added. "Right now, we have about 10 clients."

Both women said that the younger students will be taught life skills.

"The goal is to get the kids ready for school," Tackitt said.

The women now own a total of four Behavioral Momentum centers.

"We work with the clients at home, at school or within the community," Dhillon added. "We provide behavioral consultation services to adults living in group homes and adults with disabilities living with foster families.

Both women are excited about working with all age groups and mentioned that their work with those with intellectual disabilities and behavioral issues are necessary.

"Usually clients that present with Down Syndrome have a secondary diagnosis, so Down Syndrome is not a diagnosis," Tackitt added.

Most of their clients are insurance referrals and all staff is trained and supervised.

Marina Tackitt is a registered behavioral technician and Abby Dhillon is a board certified behavioral analyst.

The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment only and can be reached by calling 661- 229-0546 or by email at [email protected].