February 10, 2023 - San Francisco Post

Seattle-Based Global Business and Sales Leader Launches Her Groundbreaking Book, ‘The Storyteller’s Mind Movie : Become an Emotionally Connected Leader Through Your Storytelling Skills’

San Francisco Post Staff on February 10, 2023

Melissa Reaves is a Seattle-based Executive Storytelling Mentor and the Founder and CEO of Story Fruition. Reaves has decades of experience in the marketing and sales of start-up companies. She has helped countless C-Suite executives and business professionals learn to become storytellers in their presentations, Town Halls, media podcasts and signature talks.

You’ve just added the title of author to your list of accomplishments in life with your new book, The Storyteller’s Mind Movie. Did you learn anything new during the writing process of this book?

Writing this book was pure joy because I let it write itself at times. My clients are taught to open their “Creative Flow” by allowing a story to come out freely, not hindered by overthinking. And I did the same thing when writing the book. The outline of the book was really what we teach in our Mind Movie Workshops, and more. There are elements that just flowed out that I found entertaining, like the Life Chapters section that is packed with story prompts. The improviser in me really had fun playing on the keyboard.

Being a major contributor to so many various work industries, do you ever find it difficult to remain so motivated?

When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I find such joy in the projects that come forth and now that Story Fruition is growing coaches, it feels even more invigorating to watch them revel in the stories of our clients and pull out the art to balance the data and science. But, if I have a day that feels “slower” –I give myself grace. I’ll go work out, or even take a cat nap to recharge my battery. That’s the fun of being an entrepreneur—you call your own shots.

You have a wealth of knowledge in the sales, marketing, acting and writing worlds. How did this knowledge shape you to want to create Story Fruition?

My combined skills are exactly what Story Fruition represents. I finally figured out how to utilize and monetize my acting skills—because I didn’t want to go down the traditional “cattle call “road that actors believe they are supposed to do. I tried LA and didn’t feel it was a fit for me. But, I always found ways to use my acting in my sales and tech jobs. My quick humor made meetings fun—and productive—and improv teaches fearlessness. It takes a LOT to shake me in a business meeting because the clients are just going to throw an objection, that I can likely handle. But can they create a Hip H’Opera based on a one-word suggestion from the audience on the fly? This is when acting in a scene, and then randomly a beat boxer starts up—and you must start rapping the rest of the scene with other actors– is invigorating (and a bit unnerving)! But, when you and the cast walk off the stage having entertained a couple hundred people, it is absolutely confidence building. I recommend every business professional study improv at some point in their careers.

Sales is a coachable skill. Marketing is a learned skill. Acting is also coachable. This is what Story Fruition brings to executives—because every presentation they deliver is sales and marketing and requires a little bit of acting to deliver it beautifully.

What are some challenges someone learning about storytelling might encounter and how might they overcome them to be successful storytellers themselves?

First, they need to believe that their stories matter. At the beginning, many clients doubt they are going to share anything interesting and feel wilted—which could not be further from the truth. Storytelling is innate, but most of us were not taught how to TELL a story in school, unless you were in the theater department. But, once they start to see how fun it is to create vivid Mind Movies using my method—they begin to blossom. And some might say, “I’m not an actor, there’s no way I can do that!” But I’ve seen transformation from some nervous and resistant executives. When they start to play in dialogue, for example, and hear for themselves how much more entertaining that makes their story—the light bulb goes on. It’s a delight to witness.

Do you have any hobbies outside of the work world that you enjoy in your spare time?

I love to exercise. I go on hilly walks in my neighborhood with 10 lb weights in both hands and basically get both my much-needed steps in and a ½ hour non-stop upper body workout at the same time! Exercise and weightlifting have been a part of my life since I was 16. I also love to cook and maneuver the kitchen well. My mother loved to cook and so do I. I also love to cook with my kids and friends. Food gathering is a rich human experience and I just love it.

Pick Up a Copy of ‘The Storyteller’s Mind Movie : Become an Emotionally Connected Leader Through Your Storytelling Skills’ Today!
https://www.amazon.com/Storytellers-Mind-Movie-Emotionally-Storytelling-ebook/dp/B0BSVLHVQZ/

Teen Autism and Ways ABA Centers Can Help

San Francisco Post Staff on February 10, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Over the past decade, the rate of childhood and adolescent diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased exponentially. Studies show that as of 2022, approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide have received a diagnosis of ASD. While most receive their diagnosis as young children, sometimes the signs of ASD can lay dormant or be misdiagnosed until late childhood or the teen years.

Receiving a correct diagnosis of ASD as a teenager can add an extra layer of complication to treatment. A particular approach may be needed for this age demographic, and there is clear evidence that Applied Behavior Analysis therapy could be the best scientifically-supported approach for this specific age group.

ABA Centers of America have established a reputation for comprehensive care for those with ASD using Applied Behavior Analysis. This approach can help teens with autism learn necessary life and communication skills.

The difference for teens with autism

Teens with autism are a group with unique considerations that need professionals with the experience and training to address their particular needs. With the proper treatment, many teens with ASD can hold jobs, do well in school, and have full social lives. The teenage years are extremely formative — not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally — meaning that if possible an ASD diagnosis is not properly addressed, it can have a detrimental effect on the rest of a teen’s life.

ABA Centers understand well the need for customization with teen autism. This is especially true with the diagnosis previously recognized as Asperger’s Syndrome, which often manifests itself with signs around the onset of puberty. While the DSM-5 description of Asperger’s has changed, the markers and symptoms of it have not. The challenge concerning treatment is finding a provider that understands the nuances between different placements on the autism spectrum. Whether a teen is high functioning or needs full assistance with the activities of daily living, ABA therapy can be successful.

New age, new skills

As teens enter high school, they often encounter a school structure far different from the more comfortable confines of an elementary school, which can cause them to struggle more than they had in the past. This is true for all teens, but especially those on the autism spectrum.

Necessary changes in individualized education plans (IEPs) can crop up with the changing needs of growing children. Different social structures can send a treatment plan that may have worked for a young child into chaos for an older one. ABA Centers of America individualizes their treatment plans, so they are patient-specific and age-appropriate.

The targeted treatment plans for teenagers with autism can include such specifics as addressing sleep problems, learning how to perform self-care, or helping them navigate emerging adult feelings that may include relationships outside of the family unit. With ABA therapy, problematic behaviors are targeted with healthy alternatives, inherent strengths are identified and bolstered, and crucial life and social skills are highlighted as a priority. Treatment can also focus on a teen’s post-high school life, career plans, and even elements that can help parents better relate to their teens with ASD.

ABA Centers of America begin their treatment process with a thorough assessment so they may land on the correct diagnosis that will inform the process going forward. Then, along with the family and the patient, there will be a goal-setting meeting and a chance to develop a custom plan with board-certified behavior analysts. Throughout the care journey, the process is constantly evaluated to make sure goals are being met, and that adjustments are made whenever necessary.

Finding comprehensive care quickly

One of the most significant frustrations of families seeking help for their teenagers on the spectrum is the difficulty in finding help. A nationwide provider shortage, healthcare deserts that are common in rural areas, and the lack of coverage that many may grapple with make finding diagnostic services and therapy for teens with ASD challenging.

ABA Centers of America was founded on the idea that access to comprehensive ASD care should be far more accessible than it is in many cases. ABA Centers CEO Christopher Barnett has a personal connection to the autism journey and knows well how difficult securing therapy can be.

“Both of my nieces are on the autism spectrum and had a very difficult time getting treatment,” explains Barnett. “They languished for years waiting even to get a diagnosis, then were put on another waiting list for ABA therapy. Leveraging my background in healthcare, I knew there had to be a better way, so I set out to disrupt this space and fundamentally change the way ABA services are made available to communities.”

With more and more teens diagnosed with autism, receiving proven, evidence-based therapy could be integral to their future success. With their science-based, highly-trained approach, ABA Centers of America is changing how people with autism can receive treatment and reach their lifelong goals.

Day: February 10, 2023