We had the good fortune of connecting with LaToya Tekoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaToya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Whenever there is an issue or a crisis, people want to know, “Who has the authority to make things happen?, How can things be fixed?,,” They generally want to know who is in charge. I always knew from when I was a little girl, I had the ability to solve problems. That’s just one of the many gifts that God has given me. I’m a great listener… I listen for the things that people don’t say. So, I would definitely say that my thought process behind starting my own business was to not only be the best in my field but to delegate with wisdom. After experiencing uncomfortable situations on the job. I knew that I wanted to thrive in my workspace. I wanted to share stability and genuine love that I am able to give to those needing my services.

What should our readers know about your business?
I like to think of my business as the melting pot of therapy. What sets my business apart from others, I offer behavioral therapy, recreational therapy, respite care, physical and conditioning therapy for brain injury patients, individualized evaluation plan assistance, and phonics tutoring for children with special needs. I got to where I am at today by pushing to never stop learning new things. This definitely wasn’t easy. I developed a love for people and healthcare in high school. I earned a full scholarship to a healthcare career program at Darton State College, currently known as Albany State University now. I faced some challenges over the years. I lost motivation but I later went on to Florida International University graduated, then to Florida Agricultural & Metropolitain University..finishing up at North Dakota State University. So yes, it was definitely some ups and downs. Along the way, I learned to get up and go after what I really want. Day by day, I begin to acknowledge the fact that I am great! Once I started to realize how great I am.. I wanted the world to see how great I am. My story doesn’t end here. As long as God continues to keep me, I am going to keep going, and going, and going! Watch out world. Behaviorgenics is coming to a community near you! 5 years from now, I will own clinics, schools, sensory gyms, and mobile services.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite restaurants are: The Chop and Lobster Bar, Yebo Beach Haus, Ionies Island Kitchen, Rooftop LOA, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and the Garden Room. I ABSOLUTELY love seafood but the steaks and brussel sprouts at Frankies the Steakhouse are phenomenal !Some interesting places to go would be Ponce City Market, Spin Art, The Illuminarium, Puttshack, and Slingshot. Depending on the time of the year, we would go catch some local high school basketball games or go watch Atlanta United play. All of my friends know that I love sports!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mentor, one of my biggest supporters, Noble Ibe. He is one of the most unselfish human beings that I know. He has one of the most rewarding jobs there is as a pastor. He is an author, multi-manager of several businesses, dual entrepreneur and he still takes the time to help guide others on a successful path. Moment of transparency, I was working as a teacher. I love to teach children of all ages. The teacher salary wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to try my hand at being a therapist but the comfort of being a teacher was just too comforting for me. I was used to the pay schedule, use to being off for holidays. I was just comfortable. I presented this challenge to him, we prayed together. After prayer, he told me to move forward with becoming a therapist. I took his advice seriously and became a therapist full time. Truly, it was perfect timing. Shortly after becoming a therapist, I enrolled into the clinician program to become a specialist. Do you see the cycle of elevation from obedience?? Any ideas, business ventures, or anything concerning my advancement… I always discuss it with him. So, this shoutout is to him and my leaders (Dr. Apostle Joy Ibe, Pastor Christopher Ibe, and Pastor Gift Deborah Moore) at Divine Visitation International Church & Ministries!
Thank you, sir, for believing in me, for pushing me into greatness, and for helping me to maintain a peaceful and prosperous life. I couldn’t complete this interview without shouting out my daughters, Valenica & Victoriah. Thank you for sharing your mommy with the world! I love you both!

Website: behaviorgenics.godaddysites.com

Instagram: _behaviorgenics

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