Zan's Story
"Behavior never occurs in a vacuum; it is the end result of the interaction between the child and his or her environment, and that environment includes the people in it." - Dr. Temple Grandin
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With over 20 years working with children on the spectrum and 10+ years after completing my MSW at UNC - Chapel Hill, I have moved more into working directly with children both on the Spectrum and those impacted by others on the Spectrum. My work focuses on the emotional and mental well being of my clients and their families.
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I truly believe that it is not the job of our clients to know how to communicate "better" than they already do, it is my job to listen long enough and hard enough to truly understand what it is they are trying to say.
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Families First Autism Services is dedicated to empowering children with autism and their families by providing trauma-informed behavioral therapy that fosters growth, resilience, and meaningful connections. We prioritize creating a safe, compassionate, and inclusive environment where each child’s unique strengths are celebrated, and families are supported as partners in their journey toward a brighter future.
Our Mission
About Us
Go Beyond the Behavioral Binary
Zan Derby, LCSW, BCBA
Zan has been involved in the autism community since the age of 14. A fascination with how brains work led to them reading everything they could about autism even before entering college. At the age of 14, Zan already knew they wanted to open a center for children with autism "one day". Zan attended Smith College in Massachusetts and graduated with a BA in psychology. They went on to get a dual masters degree in social work and public health. After many years of working in the field, and many frustrated IEP meetings, Zan worked towards becoming a board certified special education advocate in hopes of better meeting the needs of the families that they serve.
When not at work, Zan is likely home watching college sports and hanging out with Max and Cooper.
Maxwell Black, PhD, BCBA
Max has been working with individuals with autism since he was 11 when he would spend summers at Camp Gonnawannagoagain in Tidewater, VA. After high school, Max attended Longwood University's Special Education degree program graduating with both his BS and Masters as well as his special education teacher's licensure. Max received his PhD from the University of Virginia where his research focused on the role of parents in the prognosis and outcomes of children with autism.
When Max is not working he is hanging out at home with Cooper and Zan and probably watching UVA football or basketball.
Cooper Black
Office Manager and Resident Emotional Support Pup
Cooper has been by Max's side for almost 12 years. They have enjoyed many walks in the park, rides on the skateboard, camping trips, and shared many frozen yogurt cups together. Cooper loves to hang out at work with his dads and helps to clean up at the end of every snack time.
Cooper always knows when someone has had a rough day, needs some extra love, or could simply benefit from petting the world's best dog.
