Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth in Behavioral Teaching Solutions and Community Engagement
- Maribel Castillo Stikeleather
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
The year 2025 marked a significant chapter for Behavioral Teaching Solutions, a journey filled with meaningful milestones, community connections, and a deepening commitment to inclusion and understanding. From launching innovative programs to engaging with local and international communities, the organization embraced opportunities to grow, learn, and inspire. This reflection highlights key moments that shaped the year, the challenges that strengthened leadership, and the optimism that will fuel future collaboration.
Launching Spectrum Speaks and Expanding Reach
In April 2025, Spectrum Speaks launched, a new initiative to amplify voices within the neurodiverse community. This program quickly became a platform for sharing stories, raising awareness, and fostering understanding. It set the tone for the year, emphasizing the power of behavioral teaching solutions to create meaningful change.
From May to July, the team engaged with the Local Leadership Institute. This exposure provided valuable insights into leadership development and community engagement strategies. The experience broadened their perspective on building stronger relationships and collaborating effectively across sectors.
Building Relationships and Community
A core theme throughout 2025 was the focus on relationship-building and community. The framework developed around these ideas encouraged collaboration not only within the organization but also with external partners. This approach ignited a call to action to do more for the community, emphasizing that real progress comes from working together.
The summer months brought visible community involvement. July featured an awareness walk that united participants around shared goals of inclusion and mental health advocacy. This event was a powerful reminder of the strength found in collective action.
Mental Health and Neurodiversity Awareness
August and November were dedicated to education and dialogue. In August, a lecture on mental health and neurodiversity provided a space for learning and reflection. It highlighted the importance of mindfulness in understanding diverse experiences and supporting mental well-being.
November’s focus on financial literacy and neurodiversity addressed a critical but often overlooked area. By combining practical skills with awareness of neurodiverse needs, the event empowered participants to navigate financial challenges with confidence and support.
Celebrations and Challenges
October’s fireworks event brought the community together in celebration, symbolizing hope and shared joy. The year closed with a holiday gathering that emphasized embracing differences and choosing love over hate. These moments of connection reinforced the organization's values of compassion and creativity.
Despite the successes, 2025 also presented challenges that tested leadership and resilience. These experiences were embraced as opportunities for growth, helping the team become more vigorous advocates and more mindful leaders.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Gratitude for the opportunities to be seen and heard fuels the optimism for the coming year. The 2026 plan includes deeper collaboration with other organizations to build sustainable support systems for underrepresented groups. The belief that everyone belongs and deserves a seat at the table guides this vision.
The commitment to model inclusion and belonging through love, compassion, evidence-based practices, and creativity remains strong. By staying curious and mindful of personal biases, the team aims to foster environments where all voices are valued.
Key Takeaways for Advocates and Community Leaders
Collaboration is essential for creating lasting impact. Working with diverse partners strengthens community support.
Mindfulness helps leaders stay aware of biases and better understand the needs of those they serve.
Gratitude for challenges and successes alike builds resilience and optimism.
Creative approaches to education and engagement open new pathways for inclusion.
Building trust and relationships lays the foundation for meaningful community change.
Behavioral Teaching Solutions’ journey in 2025 demonstrates how dedication to these principles can transform challenges into opportunities. The organization’s story encourages advocates, coaches, and mental health professionals to continue pushing for inclusive, supportive communities where everyone can thrive.
