October 26, 2024

Kids on the Move- Autism Center Achieves Full Accreditation for ABA Therapy Program

Posted October 26, 2024

OREM, UT — October 3, 2024 — Kids on the Move (KOTM) 

Kids on the Move (KOTM) is proud to announce that our Autism Center has achieved full accreditation for our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy program from the prestigious Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ). This rigorous and rare accreditation places KOTM among only 13 organizations in the nation to hold this honor, affirming our role as a leader in autism care. 

At KOTM, we go above and beyond what is required, intentionally setting the gold standard in the services we provide. Our philosophy is that families and children deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care. This accreditation is a reflection of our commitment to leading the way in delivering superior, comprehensive services that help children with autism thrive. 

KOTM empowers families in complex circumstances by offering essential support tailored to the unique needs of each child and caregiver. Our ABA Therapy program breathes hope into their lives today and lays the foundation for a thriving tomorrow. As a leading provider for children from toddler through adolescence with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we deliver individualized, client-centered therapy in our clinic, in client homes, or through a combination of both. 

“We celebrate the uniqueness of each child by providing therapy that is not only individualized but also focused on their strengths and delivered in a fun, engaging way,” said Rachelle Rutherford, CEO of Kids on the Move. “Last year alone, we provided over 58,000 hours of therapy through our ABA program, and this accreditation reinforces our dedication to offering the highest standard of care for our families.” 

The Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) is a respected trade association for organizations serving individuals and families impacted by autism. This accreditation signifies that KOTM has met the most stringent criteria for quality service delivery, which includes: 

  • Comprehensive onboarding and training processes for behavior technicians and analysts 
  • A structured system ensuring clinical staff complete required training 
  • Detailed job descriptions that enhance staff performance and patient care 
  • Robust quality management policies that monitor and improve service quality consistently 

KOTM is especially proud of its leadership team, including Ella Jespersen, our VP of Clinical Services and Revenue Management, who also serves as the President of the Utah Association for Behavior Analysis. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the quality of care we deliver through our ABA Therapy program. 

As the demand for specialized autism services continues to grow, KOTM remains committed to expanding its impact. We are on a mission to build a Center for Excellence on our campus, alongside our groundbreaking Family Support Services program. This initiative is inspired by the countless hours we’ve dedicated to listening to KOTM families and uncovering their unique challenges. Our state-of-the-art campus and comprehensive programs are thoughtfully designed to ensure families receive the expert guidance and assistance they need to thrive. 

For more information about Kids on the Move’s Autism Center and our accredited ABA Therapy program, please visit our website at www.kotm.org or contact us at cjones@kotm.org. 

Mat Dastrup, CFO

Mat Datstrop, Chief Financial Officer at KOTM, truly embodies a blend of expertise and visionary leadership. Joining Kids on the Move in September 2019, Mat brought a rich history of accomplishments, having served as CFO for manufacturing and software companies. His successful track record includes starting and selling three businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight. As a licensed CPA and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Mat’s skill set is uniquely suited to driving innovation and accuracy within financial processes. His passion for integrating technology and developing robust accounting systems positions KOTM for long-term success. In his role, Mat is deeply dedicated to creating sustainable impacts that will echo throughout KOTM for decades. His presence in the organization is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of lasting change, ensuring families benefit from his transformative work well into the future.

Ryan Erickson, COO

Ryan Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer of KOTM, brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator in executive leadership roles across the medical, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs on transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Ryan views his role at KOTM as a unique opportunity to guide the organization into its next 40 years, shaping a resilient and forward-thinking future. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for sustainable development and lasting impact. Under Ryan’s committed leadership, KOTM continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing its status as a beacon of support and transformation for families everywhere.

Rachelle Rutherford, CEO

Rutherford is the strategic visionary and Chief Executive Officer of Kids on the Move (KOTM). A multifaceted and sophisticated businesswoman, she has led the trailblazing multimillion-dollar non-profit in its commitment to providing essential and comprehensive support, education, and therapies for children with delays and disabilities.  Rutherford has now spent 20 years in executive leadership roles within the telecommunications, genealogy, real estate, health care services, and education industries. Her notable contributions lie in her perseverance to find impossible and impactful solutions. Rutherford is skilled at reverse-engineering goals by mapping out exactly what is required for a successful outcome.

To help raise $150M to expand KOTM’s support services and establish a state-of-the-art center, Rutherford has partnered with Forbes Books to author and publish Chasing The Impossible, a captivating exposé delving into Kids on the Move’s transformative work. With it, she uncovers the compelling stories of resilience and hope from children, families, doctors, and community members who tenaciously pushed forward when faced with impossible odds or challenges.

Her profound understanding of what it takes to overcome the impossible stems from her own journey as a survivor of abuse and trauma, which has shaped her philanthropic missions, her intuitive nature, and her steadfast leadership. As a CEO, mom, speaker, and philanthropist, Rutherford believes discipline is one of the highest forms of self-love, consistently putting in the necessary work every single day to provide impactful solutions for others, promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle, and create opportunities for continuous growth and empowerment around the world.