meet THE FOUNDER

Marquisha Richards, Owner & Founder

Marquisha Richards is the heart behind Compassionate Connections. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is passionate about providing compassionate, assent-based, family-centered behavioral support. With years of experience supporting children and families, Marquisha believes children should never have to sacrifice their individuality, autonomy, or voice in order to learn and grow.

She created Compassionate Connections to give families access to ABA services that feel personal, collaborative, and respectful. Her approach blends clinical expertise with genuine compassion, focusing on meaningful skills that make a difference in everyday life while ensuring children feel safe, heard, and supported throughout the process.

  • BCBA

    Board Certified Behavior Analyst

  • LBA

    Licensed in Texas

  • MA

    Master of Arts Special Education and Behavior Analysis

Beyond The Therapy Room

Her work reaches past direct care

Marquisha’s commitment to children, families, and compassionate care extends beyond her everyday clinical work. Through international service, advocacy, and children's literature, she continues to create spaces wher children are seen, understood, and valued,

Service beyond borders

Marquisha has volunteered internationally in Belize with Therapy Volunteers International alongside pediatric professionals collaborating across disciplines to support children and families in the community.

In The Press

Part of a bigger conversation

Featured In

The New York Times

Marquisha contributed her perspective as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and autism advocate to an investigation into autism clinics and the behavioral care industry, joining a broader conversation about the future of compassionate, ethical behavioral care.

The Book

Being Kind To Different Brains

Most recently, Marquisha expanded her mission into children's literature as the author of Being Kind to Different Brains.

In this book, Essence helps young children understand and celebrate the many ways people communicate, learn, play, move, and experience the world.