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Founded on Clinical Excellence, Compassion, and Respect for the Whole Child

At Ascent Developmental Group, we believe every child deserves care that honors who they are — and every family deserves a team that is both clinically rigorous and genuinely human.

Our Founder

Meet Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA

Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in North Carolina with 15+ years of experience in ABA and developmental services. Her career spans direct care, caregiver training, clinical leadership, supervision, mentorship, and program development.

She founded Ascent Developmental Group to offer ABA services that are clinically rigorous and deeply human — grounded in the science of behavior analysis while centering assent, neurodiversity-affirming practice, family partnership, and meaningful quality-of-life outcomes.

Credentials & Commitments

15+ Years

ABA & Developmental Services

BCBA since 2015

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

LBA

Licensed in North Carolina

Leadership

Clinical & Program Development

"Every child I've worked with has taught me something. That's what keeps this work meaningful."

— Danielle Virnelson

Why We Were Founded

Why Ascent Was Created

Ascent was created because families deserve ABA services that are clinically rigorous and deeply human — not rigid, compliance-heavy, or disconnected from daily life.

After more than 15 years in ABA and developmental services, Danielle saw a consistent gap: families who were receiving services but not feeling truly partnered with, and children whose care didn't reflect who they actually were. Ascent was built to close that gap.

The science of Applied Behavior Analysis is the foundation. But the way it's delivered — with assent, compassion, and genuine family partnership — is what makes it work.

ABA, Done Differently

Assent-Based Practice

Children's willingness to participate is always honored.

Neurodiversity-Affirming

Care that respects and celebrates each child's identity.

Family Partnership

Caregivers are active collaborators at every stage.

Individualized Planning

Tailored to each child's strengths, needs, and daily life.

Meaningful Outcomes

Goals that improve real, everyday life — not just clinical metrics.

OUR CLINICAL APPROACH

ABA With Clinical Rigor and Human Respect

Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-established science, but the way it is practiced matters. At Ascent, ABA is individualized, assent-based, caregiver-centered, and focused on meaningful skills that improve daily life.

We combine evidence-based practice with careful listening, family partnership, and respect for each child's dignity, communication, and autonomy.

Learn more about our services

What Guides Our Work

Four Commitments at the Heart of Ascent

Whole-Child Care

We see the full picture: your child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs, relationships, and home environment. No two children are the same, and care should reflect that.

Family Partnership

Caregivers are essential collaborators, not bystanders. You'll feel informed, respected, and actively involved at every stage.

Clinical Integrity

We use evidence-based strategies and thoughtful clinical judgment — because your child deserves rigorous, principled care.

Meaningful Growth

We focus on skills that genuinely improve daily life: communication, self-advocacy, independence, and participation in the routines that matter most.

Professional Background

Experience Across Clinical Care, Leadership, and Family Support

A Career Built in ABA

Danielle's career in Applied Behavior Analysis spans early childhood through young adulthood — including direct clinical care, caregiver training, clinical supervision, mentorship, and program leadership. That depth of experience is what shapes the Ascent standard.

What That Experience Means for Your Family

High-Quality Clinical Care

Rigorous, individualized ABA grounded in current best practices.

Family-Centered Decision-Making

Families help set goals and shape the care process from the start.

Assent-Based & Neurodiversity-Affirming

Children's voices and preferences are honored at every step.

Sustainable Systems That Protect Quality

Thoughtfully designed so quality is never sacrificed for scale.

Our Name, Our Philosophy

Honoring Choice. Building Growth.

The name Ascent holds two ideas that are inseparable in our work: growth and assent. Growth should never be forced — it should be supported through connection, trust, and deep respect for each child's voice.

Assent — a child's genuine willingness to participate — is not a courtesy. It is the ethical and clinical foundation of everything we do.

Our Identity

The Meaning Behind the Logo

Each element of the Ascent logo reflects a core value — and together, they tell the story of how we believe ABA should be delivered.

Sun & Horizon — Whole-Child Care

We see the full picture: a child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs, and daily environment.

Family Symbol — Family Partnership

Effective ABA is built with families, not just for them. Caregivers are informed, empowered, and involved.

The Moth — Clinical Integrity

Thoughtful, principled practice — assent-based ABA that moves at the right pace, with genuine respect for each child's process.

Mountains — Meaningful Growth

Steady, lasting progress: greater communication, independence, and quality of life in everyday routines.

From the Founder

A Personal Note

Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA
Founder, Ascent Developmental Group

"I created Ascent because I believe families deserve ABA services that are both clinically strong and deeply human.

After 15 years in this field, I've seen what happens when those two things are separated — and I've seen what's possible when they're not.

If you're wondering whether Ascent might be the right fit for your family, please reach out. You don't need to have everything figured out. We'll figure it out together."

— Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA

Our Approach at a Glance

How We Show Up for Families

Every family arrives at a different point in their journey. Some are just beginning to seek answers. Others have been navigating the system for years. Wherever you are, we meet you there — with patience, expertise, and genuine partnership.

Families We Serve

Who We're Here For

Young Children

Early intervention and developmental support for families who want responsive, respectful care from the very beginning.

School-Age Children

Support that bridges home, school, and community — helping children thrive across the settings that matter most.

Adolescents

Care that honors growing autonomy, amplifies the adolescent's voice, and builds toward meaningful independence.

Young Adults

Transitional support focused on independence, community participation, and quality of life.

Want to learn whether Ascent may be a fit for your family?

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right next step — no pressure, just a genuine conversation.

Get in Touch

Start the Conversation

If you are interested in learning more about Ascent Developmental Group, caregiver support, ABA-informed services, or future service offerings, we welcome you to reach out.

Phone

(704) 397-3405

Fax

(704) 519-2845

Email

info@ascentdevelopmentalgroup.com

We look forward to connecting with you.

Ascent Developmental Group

ABA Services · Caregiver Coaching · Developmental Support

Charlotte, NC

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