The “Why” Behind Sandal Gap
Nicole Johnson is a dedicated founder and CEO of Sandal Gap. Her journey to entrepreneurship was deeply personal, stemming from her experience as a behavior analyst and the transformative path she embarked upon after having a child with Down syndrome.
Before becoming a mother, Nicole had a successful career as a behavior analyst, where she was passionate about utilizing evidence-based practices to support individuals with various needs. However, her life took a profound turn when she welcomed her son, Jaxson, into the world. Jaxson’s diagnosis opened Nicole’s eyes to the unique challenges and rewards of parenting a child with special needs.
Drawing from her professional expertise and newfound personal insights, Nicole was inspired to channel her skills into creating a supportive environment for other families navigating similar journeys. With immense gratitude for the tools and training that had guided her own path, she founded Sandal Gap to offer compassionate, individualized ABA therapy and mental health services.
Her personal experience fuels her commitment to making a meaningful impact, ensuring that every family has access to the quality care and understanding they deserve.
Through her work, Nicole not only honors her son’s journey but also strives to make a positive difference in the lives of countless others, fostering a world where every child and family can thrive.
Nicole Johnson
Founder and CEO
As a behavior analyst, Nicole’s approach to therapy differs from most ABA providers. Incorporating many aspects of mental health, she approaches ABA through a trauma-informed lens. Nicole works to create a foundation built on trust and collaboration with her clients. She presumes competence, believing that every individual is intelligent and capable given the right tools. Nicole incorporates elements of sensory integration, co-regulation, functional health & nutrition into her practice. This dynamic shift in her approach to ABA allows her to uncover all factors that contribute to the behaviors in question, and identify the skills needed to achieve success across all developmental stages. Nicole has experience working in a clinical setting, as well as in schools and in-home.
Nicole works from a strengths-based approach and develops comprehensive treatment plans based on the strengths of the individual. Her belief is that this will create more motivation and interest for the client, as well as give them a voice regarding their treatment goals. She believes that by giving her clients a choice she is allowing them to feel in control, which has a significant impact on their mental health. This strengths-based approach allows her to provide trauma-informed care that helps facilitate a deeper connection and fosters a strong therapeutic alliance.