Meet Ryan Bolling | Behavior Analyst & CEO

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

Hi Ryan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I love taking risks. I would not be where I am professionally if I had not taken risks. I left a secure job with benefits to start my own business. It was definitely a huge risk, and I had to struggle and work hard to build my company and to build the life I want. Looking back, I am happy that I chose to take that risk. I have no regrets.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have been working in this field for over a decade. I began my career as a special education teacher in a co-taught setting. While working with my first student with autism, I realized that behavior modification was a passion. I then began working with the Marcus Institute’s school consultation program, and ran a therapy classroom with 8 students with moderate to severe autism. In 2013, I decided that I wanted to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, so I went back to school to pursue a Master’s of Science in Special Education Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis. In 2017, I moved into a behavior specialist position with the GNETS program in Atlanta Public Schools, and began volunteering in a clinic setting to accrue my supervision hours for my board certification. After working for the school system,I saw the gaps in services for students with autism and students with emotional behavioral disorders. I realized that I wanted to have my own practice to provide the best services possible for this population.

In 2018, I created Bolling Behavioral Consulting. For the first two years it was just me working independently. I was work 12 hour days, and driving all over metro Atlanta to serve clients. I had so many referrals that I realized I needed to build a team of clinicians in order to meet the needs in my community.

Today, I own a private medical practice that provides Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy for adults and children with autism and other developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. My practice works with children as young as 2 years of age to adults over the age of 70. My passion is working with individuals with special needs, and providing quality ABA therapy to ensure every client meets his or her personal goals.

Adult services is one of our specialties. Many adults with disabilities need supports in the home or community, however, many do not receive services once they have aged out of school. My practice aims to work with this population, so that we can promote independence for the adults we serve and empower their families.

One major lesson I have learned is that you need a strong, reliable team in order to grow and prosper. I am very proud of the team of clinicians I have. I hire clinicians that possess the same passion I have for working with individuals with disabilities. I feel like this is my life’s work, and I am excited to see where life takes me and my company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely have to go to Harold’s Chicken and Ice bar on Edgewood. I love going there for a good meal and good music. It’s a fun turn up spot and the chicken wings are bomb.

Bulla Gastrobar in midtown is another favorite of mine. I have had many business meetings and brainstorm sessions there. The food is great and the drinks are amazing.

We would definitely have to walk the belt line. I enjoy walking the belt line and stopping for drinks at the different restaurants along the way. Sometimes I stop in Ponce City Market and peruse the shops. I also like getting a scooter and taking the belt line to Piedmont Park.

Piedmont Park is a fun place to have a picnic on the weekend. I like to bring a speaker, some wine, and a simple meal and enjoy the outdoors.

Bully Boy is another restaurant that never disappoints. It has great food and a cool atmosphere.

Pals on Auburn Ave is another cool little spot for drinks. It doesn’t open until 3a so, I rarely go. Its always a fun after hours spot on those rare occasions I’m out late.

I would definitely go to Little 5 Points to check out the vintage stores. I love thrifting and shopping for vintage. Clothing Warehouse is one place I always find cool items. I also love the Honey Pot in L5P as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I would like to shoutout my son, Lennon. He is my biggest motivation, and everything I do is for him. Being a single mom and a business owner is not easy, but Lennon motivates me. He thinks I can manifest anything, and I love how he believes in me. Next, I definitely have to shoutout my mom because she is my biggest supporter. I also want to shoutout my circle of friends: Megan, KJ, Benji, Teccey, and Polattie. They have been with me since day one. Sometimes they have been my investors, and other times they have leant their manpower. I have a great tribe behind me, and for that I am eternally grateful,

Website: Bollingaba.com

Instagram: @bollingaba

Facebook: @Bolling Behavioral Consulting