We recently connected with JB Hewell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi JB, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
How did I find my purpose? Honestly, I feel really lucky. I started a business called Development for Autism and Related Treatment—DART for short—and I get to do work that’s not only rewarding but also feels deeply connected to who I am. Working with children, especially those in the autism community, has certainly become a huge part of my life’s mission, or purpose, and I think when you have a certain skill set and genuinely enjoy using it, your purpose kind of finds you. I definitely believe that’s what happened in my situation at least. I started working in the field of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) about 17 years ago, supporting children diagnosed with autism. Over the years, I thought about changing careers more than once. I even came close a couple of times. But for whatever reason, things never quite aligned that way, almost like life was directing me back onto this path I’m on now. Looking back, it feels like the work that I do chose me just as much as I chose it. And now, I really can’t imagine doing anything else.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Professionally, growing as a person, as a leader, and learning as much as I can has always been a main focus of mine, and now especially as a small business owner. DART provides ABA therapy services for children, teens, and adults diagnosed with autism, and our focus as a team is on helping each child develop the skills they need to grow, connect, and live a safe, happy lifestyle, whatever that looks like for them. The company was founded by myself and Megan Mount, and together we’ve built a team that’s passionate about helping children grow, connect, and reach their full potential. What makes DART special is we provide therapy and conduct assessments in our families home. We feel this is the best learning environment for our families, it is a much more natural approach as well. We also prioritize strong partnerships with families and create a supportive, collaborative environment for our team. We recently launched a social skills class, which has been a really exciting addition. We absolutely want our kids interacting, building friendships, and learning how to navigate social situations in a fun, supportive way Looking ahead, we’re planning to open a physical clinic in 2026. It’s a big step, and we’re excited to continue expanding our reach while maintaining the quality and care that defines who we are.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things stand out the most for me: learning from others, working well on a team, and staying persistent.
First, learning from others has been huge. Whether it’s been from mentors, colleagues, or even the families we work with, there’s always something valuable to take in and learn. Being open to feedback and willing to grow makes a big difference, especially in a field that’s always evolving.
Second, teamwork is everything. It’s extremely difficult to build something meaningful alone. Knowing how to collaborate, communicate clearly, and support others is essential, not just for success, but for creating a healthy, positive environment where everyone can thrive.
And finally: persistence. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. There have been challenges, setbacks, and moments where it can become exhausting, and we will always face challenges, but it’s how we react to the challenges, showing up consistently, working hard, and staying focused on the bigger picture that has made all the difference.
For anyone just starting out: stay curious, be open to learning, and surround yourself with the right people.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned that stepping away, even briefly, can make a big difference for me. Taking breaks, going for a walk, I love playing tennis, or just spending time with my dog, Kit, and my wife, Alison, can all help me to reset. Sometimes I just need to turn everything off, phones, emails, music, and sit in silence. That pause gives my brain time to relax, especially when I’m feeling overstimulated.
Sleep is a big one, too. Things always feel more manageable when I’m rested. It’s easy for me to push through and ignore the signs of burnout, and burnout is quite common in the ABA field, but I’ve found it’s much more effective to recognize when I need a break and actually take it.
My advice? Find the little things that help you reconnect with yourself and protect your energy. Whether it’s movement, rest, or silence it’s ok to give yourself permission to unplug and recharge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dart-therapy.com
Image Credits
JB (in button up and no hat and Megan Mount, Business Partner)
JB and Alison Smith (Wife) couple photo
JB and Lance Seggelink (Client)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
