ABA Centers, the nation’s fastest growing autism care provider, has added Dr. Tiffany Hodges to its impressive roster of chief suite executives as the company’s first Chief Science Officer.

Dr. Hodges is a licensed psychologist, as well as a distinguished Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate (BCBA-D), and as Chief Science Officer, she leads all scientific research and development activities within the organization. She is charged with defining ABA Centers’ research priorities and how to approach scientific investigations, as well as identifying new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs in autism care and exploring cutting-edge technologies and approaches, ensuring that all research and development activities adhere to relevant regulations, guidelines, and ethical considerations.

To help realize Dr. Hodges’ scientific research and development initiatives is a team of more than 2,500 employees at ABA Centers, including clinical directors, psychologists, researchers, BCBAs, registered behavior technicians, ABA apprentices, and more – as well as a pool of nearly 2,000 active clients.

“Adding Dr. Hodges to our team marks a pivotal moment in ABA Centers’ evolution,” said Jason Barker, CEO of ABA Centers. “With her at the helm of our scientific initiatives, we’re doing more than shaping the future of our organization; we’re helping define the future of autism care itself. Her leadership will advance effective autism care and also empower the next generation of clinicians.”

Dr. Hodges also provides the vision, strategy, and scientific oversight that guides ABA Centers’ two flagship initiatives to strengthen the autism care workforce: the ABA Academy of Excellence and a strategic partnership with Temple University. Under her leadership, the ABA Academy of Excellence, a BCBA-designed internal training program, equips clinicians with the highest standards of clinical practice, grounded in evidence-based methodology, and real-world application. Dr. Hodges also drives ABA Centers’ collaboration with Temple University, with the pinnacle of the partnership being the launch of the ABA Centers Autism Laboratory. This lab is a multidisciplinary hub where students gain hands-on experience, innovative studies advance the field of autism care, and patients can receive diagnostic services – regardless of their ability to pay. Her leadership ensures these initiatives meet immediate workforce needs and also sets new benchmarks for clinical excellence and accessibility in the industry.

“Joining ABA Centers at such a transformative time in the field of autism care is both an honor and a responsibility I take deeply to heart,” said Dr. Hodges. “My mission is to bridge the gap between research and practice, translating science into meaningful outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. I’m excited to lead initiatives that push the boundaries of autism research, elevate the clinicians who deliver care every day, and set the stage for lasting, measurable impact across the autism community.”

Prior to ABA Centers, Dr. Hodges completed a nearly 16-year journey at Optum, a subset of the UnitedHealth Group, serving as the Associate Vice President of Clinical Operations. She oversaw the behavioral outpatient services for applied behavior analysis, intensive outpatient services, and specialty case management services. In that role, she led utilization management and case management services. She also led projects to improve family supports, provider audits, and staff education. Dr. Hodges used her expertise to present at national conferences, provide continuing education courses, and work with employer groups and health plans to provide knowledge on autism and ABA.