About Anchorway

A steady place for families

Founded by a BCBA and mother who knows this journey firsthand.

Our story
“We were told my son would never live past two. I said: incorrect. That answer is still the foundation of everything we do.”
Stephanie Emmons, M.Ed, LBA, BCBA · Founder

Welcome to Anchorway!

At Anchorway, we provide exceptional therapy and services with integrity and a strong commitment to supporting families. Rather than just telling you what we do, we’d like to share the story of why we were founded and what we stand for.

Let’s start by saying that we are all blessed with gifts that help us in our journey, and I could not be more thankful for those blessings day in and day out.

I was a young 22-year-old military spouse graduating from UT with my sights set on becoming a Special Education teacher when Trevor was born. I knew very early on in pregnancy that there were going to be complications. On May 19, my whole world changed forever. I was so lost in the world of doctors and the unknown, unsure where to begin and who to talk to. Whew, it was a whirlwind of confusion. But in my arms, I had this beautiful baby boy who was going to show me how to live! Immediately, we were told that Trevor would never live past the age of 2. In my mind, I said…incorrect! And that has been a foundation for us.

Over the years, Trevor would be diagnosed with Lissencephaly, Seizure Disorder, Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Speech Delay, Hypotonia… the list goes on. When Trevor was 2, my second child was born—the child that every doctor warned me not to have. Mostly because of the unknown. At this point, we had been to every specialist with no real answers. This second child was a light. Maddie…I knew from day one that she would be the strength within our family.

Despite the challenges we faced, we worked tirelessly to find the right people, resources, and therapies for our children. The military life added an extra layer of complexity, but we never lost hope. We did everything we could to stay strong: mentally, emotionally, and financially. I spent five years teaching in Special Education, became a Certified Principal, and then discovered ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). At that point, I knew there was nothing I wouldn't do to learn everything I could to support my children.

I went on to earn my BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and have worked in the field for over 10 years.

Throughout all of this, Trevor maintained 3-5 days of therapy per week, surpassed the age of two, and has continued to thrive. Maddie, as his older sister, learned the importance of being a sibling to a child with disabilities. She has overcome adversity, educated others, and given her all to Trevor and our family.

A Glimpse Into Our Lives Today

Fast forward to today! Trevor is now 21 and has graduated High School! He loves football and loves playing basketball even more! He is really good! The Longhorns are his team… go figure! He is the most amazing human who teaches me lessons daily. He exudes determination, unconditional love, and just absolutely loves to laugh! Everyone is his friend!

Maddie is now 19 and graduated High School a year early Cum Laude. She equally loves football and the Longhorns even more! Maddie is studying Psychology at the University of Texas with a Pre-Law focus. She is also the most amazing human who teaches me daily. She exudes strength, resilience, heart, and so much passion!

In 2022, the kids lost their father to suicide. He was an outstanding soldier for over 20 years. There is not a day that went by that he did not fight for his soldiers.

There is not a day that has gone by that Trevor doesn’t have to work hard to participate in his daily routines.

There is not a day that has gone by that Maddie hasn’t had to give more of herself to others than she does to herself.

All of this to say that we are fighters and we understand the day to day and troubles and traumas.

Why Anchorway Exists

Anchorway was founded with a mission to help families like ours. We aim to educate parents about their rights, provide them with resources, and ensure they receive the care and training they need to advocate effectively for their children. We want to offer the best possible therapies, treatments, and services to children and families, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.

We also understand the unique challenges faced by military families and are dedicated to supporting them through difficult circumstances. We believe in the power of community, and we are here to partner with you as we work together to navigate the challenges we all face.

As a founding family, we hope you feel the heart and purpose behind Anchorway.

From our family to yours… it’s time to get to work!

Our mission: to provide comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for families, ensuring a positive and transformative experience for all.

Our team

The people behind your child's plan

Every clinician at Anchorway is credentialed or licensed and works under their professional board.

Stephanie Emmons

M.Ed, LBA, BCBA® · Founder & Chief Executive Officer

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst and mother whose journey with her son Trevor turned into a mission. With over a decade in the field and years of navigating therapies, diagnoses and military life herself, Stephanie built Anchorway to give families the high-quality care and steady support she once searched for.

Jessica Ruthman

LBA, BCBA · Clinical Director

Jessica leads Anchorway's clinical team. A Licensed Behavior Analyst and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she oversees assessments and treatment plans, mentors our BCBAs and RBTs, and makes sure every program is individualized, data-driven and delivered with compassion. She partners closely with families so parents feel confident and involved in their child's progress.

Mary Shabunia

Director of Operations

Mary brings over 30 years of healthcare experience and a certification in Human Resources. She has started and managed multiple medical specialty offices and served on several community boards. She leads Anchorway's operations with strategic vision and genuine care for families.

Credentialing boards: BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) · QABA (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board) · TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)

Ready to start your child's journey?

Call 254-402-4800, Monday–Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, or send us a message.

Schedule a consultation