Meet Rashidah Cartwright, Ed. M, LCADC! Rashidah lives in Middletown, NJ with her husband and ADORABLE 3 children. Rashidah is the owner of Hope Behavior Services, LLC, which provides ABA therapy to children and young adults in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Learn more about Rashidah’s amazing work helping families throughout our community, and some of her favorite things to do with her family in Monmouth County!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Union County, New Jersey. I lived in various locations throughout Union County to include Linden, Roselle, and Union. I moved to Monmouth County with my family and have been residing in Middletown for the last four years.
Children and Ages?
Logan (12); Max (9); Logan (5); and Olivia (2)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I currently work four jobs, along with being a wife, and a mother.
Anyone special you would like to think for helping you through parenthood?
My husband has been a tremendous support to me and the kids. He has sacrificed working in the community to be a stay at home father to our children. He manages the day-to-day operations of the household which include “shuffling” the kids to school, getting them dressed and bathed, helping with homework, cooking meals, and making time to create “fun” moments with the kids… just to name a few. His dedication allows me to financially support our family as well as work towards career goals.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
I enjoy the simple things with my kids. I love sitting with them on the couch and watching their favorite television shows. I enjoy dancing with the kids and acting “silly.” I also enjoy taking them on summer vacation.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Hope Behavior Services LLC. My company aims to make a difference in the lives of children/adults with special needs by providing on-going support and resources to them as well as their families.
I offer a monthly parent support group within the Monmouth County Library System (free of cost). It is open to all developmental and cognitive delays, genetic and rare disorders, as well as behavioral disorders to include ADHD. In-between meetings, I also facilitate parent-to-parent support on our Facebook support group.
Through discussions with community members I have learned that many families are unable to attend religious services due to lack of childcare or concern about how their children will behave in a structured environment. As a result, I have partnered with Bayshore Christian Fellowship in Keyport where I launched their first sensory room that is available to children during the time of church services. There, children are provided with a safe, stimulating environment designed to develop and enrich sensory processing.
Currently, I am designing innovative sensory rooms to help individuals develop and engage their senses. The sensory rooms are developed to provide stimulation in the sensory areas of sound, smell, sight, and touch. These rooms may consist of fiber optic lighting, rocking chairs, soothing sounds, and vestibular balls. I create sensory rooms, not only for churches, but hospitals, airports, restaurants, schools, and private homes.
How has the community been instrumental in getting you where you are now?
The community has been incredible! Local companies have been instrumental in allowing me to place a flyer with my services in their establishment. I have developed partnerships with other community providers in order to work together to provide resources to those with special needs and their families. I was recently invited to be a guest on a local podcast “theInfluentials” with Joy Michelle author of “I Am Joy.”
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
My favorite restaurant is Bahrs in the Highlands. The seafood is great. Staff is so welcoming!
What are your mom goals?
To be more present in life and with my children. I would like to help my kids develop a growth mindset in order to help them overcome challenges easier. I would also love to make sitting down with the children for dinner a daily habit.
Sponsored by: Hope Behavior Services LLC. Check them out here!