about
Our Mission:
We focus on the thing that matters most – People. We diligently work to support our team so they enhance the lives of the families we serve.
DASH’s management team was one of the first to specialize in early childhood ABA therapy in the Midwest region. Our team became the largest ABA service provider in Arkansas and Missouri. With over 40 years- experience delivering ABA therapy, our one-on-one, family-centered approach to autism treatment is individualized to each child’s needs, driven by data and centered in evidence-based practice.
Philip Abbenhaus
Philip Abbenhaus founded Dash ABA, LLC in October 2021. In this role, Mr. Abbenhaus is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of the organization. This includes leading the strategic vision for the future and ensuring the organization is fulfilling its mission to deliver the highest standard of therapy for Dash’s families.
Mr. Abbenhaus brings a unique and diverse background having worked on Wall Street, serving as President /CFO of five companies, starting four companies, and executing dozens of private and public liquidity events. Over the course of his long and successful tenure, he has developed a proven track record of building teams based on trust and respect, partnering with external stakeholders, and helping to grow businesses across different industry sectors. Since 2013, helping families that have children with special needs is his passion.
In the year before founding Dash ABA, Mr. Abbenhaus served as regional vice president at Blue Sprig Pediatrics, LLC following its acquisition of Thrive Autism Solutions, the largest ABA provider in Missouri and Arkansas which he helped start in 2013. Abbenhaus and his wife, Anne, are parents of four adult children. Mr. Abbenhaus earned a BSBA from University of Missouri and a Master of Finance degree from Saint Louis University.
Mr. Abbenhaus brings a unique and diverse background having worked on Wall Street, serving as President /CFO of five companies, starting four companies, and executing dozens of private and public liquidity events. Over the course of his long and successful tenure, he has developed a proven track record of building teams based on trust and respect, partnering with external stakeholders, and helping to grow businesses across different industry sectors. Since 2013, helping families that have children with special needs is his passion.
In the year before founding Dash ABA, Mr. Abbenhaus served as regional vice president at Blue Sprig Pediatrics, LLC following its acquisition of Thrive Autism Solutions, the largest ABA provider in Missouri and Arkansas which he helped start in 2013. Abbenhaus and his wife, Anne, are parents of four adult children. Mr. Abbenhaus earned a BSBA from University of Missouri and a Master of Finance degree from Saint Louis University.
Jennifer Kirby, MS, BCBA, LBA
Jennifer Kirby officially joined Dash ABA, LLC’s ownership team in 2022. She currently serves dual roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Clinical Officer. As such, she is responsible for day-to-day operations and clinical quality across all of the DASH centers.
Jennifer is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with children, families and teams of dedicated professionals expanding services across the US and in Europe for over 20 years. She received her early training and clinical experience at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Massachusetts while earning a Master’s degree at Northeastern University. Following graduate school, she worked at the National Charity for Autism, TreeHouse Trust in London, England.
In 2007, Jennifer moved to Missouri to create services for children with autism at Freeman Hospital in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. While working in Missouri, she was appointed to serve on Governor Nixon’s inaugural Behavior Analyst Advisory Board, which established the licensing standards for the state. In 2013, Jennifer served as Clinical Director for Thrive Autism Solutions. In that role, she was instrumental in growing the organization from a single clinic to eventually providing access to care to hundreds of families across Missouri and Arkansas. Most recently, Jennifer served in both central and regional clinical and operations focused capacities at Blue Sprig Pediatrics, LLC, one of the largest autism service providers in the US.
Jennifer has an interest in developing systems that support effective intervention and sustainable growth for individuals and organizations. Her best day at work is one in which she is able to help provide an environment in which children and employees are realizing their full potential.
Jennifer is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with children, families and teams of dedicated professionals expanding services across the US and in Europe for over 20 years. She received her early training and clinical experience at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Massachusetts while earning a Master’s degree at Northeastern University. Following graduate school, she worked at the National Charity for Autism, TreeHouse Trust in London, England.
In 2007, Jennifer moved to Missouri to create services for children with autism at Freeman Hospital in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. While working in Missouri, she was appointed to serve on Governor Nixon’s inaugural Behavior Analyst Advisory Board, which established the licensing standards for the state. In 2013, Jennifer served as Clinical Director for Thrive Autism Solutions. In that role, she was instrumental in growing the organization from a single clinic to eventually providing access to care to hundreds of families across Missouri and Arkansas. Most recently, Jennifer served in both central and regional clinical and operations focused capacities at Blue Sprig Pediatrics, LLC, one of the largest autism service providers in the US.
Jennifer has an interest in developing systems that support effective intervention and sustainable growth for individuals and organizations. Her best day at work is one in which she is able to help provide an environment in which children and employees are realizing their full potential.
Our Family Promise:
We will take every measure to provide a safe, enjoyable therapy experience. We understand that you are entrusting us with your child. We will work together to make therapeutic choices that will best serve them in the future.
Our Employee Promise:
Every decision we make will be focused on your work experience. We want to respect your time, provide you with the proper tools to work efficiently and benefit from your experience.
Our Core Values
RESPECT
- Welcome diversity of team members, clients, and families
- Foster inclusion so that we benefit from all voices being heard
- Collaborate continuously with other people and professionals
- Prioritize fun and engagement
COMPASSION
- Lend a hand when opportunity arises
- Go easy on ourselves and others
- Demonstrate empathy in all therapeutic interactions
- Prioritize fun and engagement
INTEGRITY
- Do the right thing even when no one is looking
- Encourage and reward honesty
- Ensure science is at the center of all our work
- Prioritize fun and engagement
EMPOWERMENT
- Provide tools for self-improvement to all
- Emphasize the strengths of others
- Allow space for individual growth
- Prioritize fun and engagement