Shakira Millar is a compassionate and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to improving the lives of children with developmental challenges. As the co-founder of Behavior Change LLC in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Shakira has over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), focusing on empowering children and families through personalized and empathetic support.
Her academic journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Shakira initially pursued veterinary medicine at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, before shifting her focus to child development. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. She later completed her certification in Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology and is preparing for her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Shakira’s work emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a client-centered approach, drawing on her experiences working with diverse agencies and shadowing exceptional mentors in the field. Her practice is rooted in the belief that every child has unique potential, and she strives to create a supportive environment where families feel empowered and children thrive.
Beyond her professional life, Shakira balances her educational pursuits, family responsibilities, and entrepreneurial endeavors, embodying resilience and dedication in all she does. Her unwavering passion and expertise make her a respected leader in ABA therapy and advocacy.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins with setting intentions through journaling or meditation to ground myself. I focus on prioritizing tasks, whether it’s working with clients, meeting with my team, or handling administrative responsibilities for Behavior Change LLC. I make it productive by sticking to a structured schedule while allowing room for flexibility. Staying organized and maintaining open communication with my team keeps the day flowing smoothly.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by listening—whether it’s from the families I work with, my colleagues, or personal observations. I analyze the challenges and explore practical, empathetic solutions. Then, I break the idea into actionable steps, gather feedback, and implement it gradually. Collaboration with others ensures the idea is tailored to real-world needs.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing collaboration between ABA, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy excites me. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the importance of treating the whole child rather than just isolated behaviors, creating a more comprehensive support system for families.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily reflection has been transformative for me. At the end of each day, I assess what went well and what I can improve. This helps me reset and ensures that I carry lessons forward into the next day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to pivot. Life’s uncertainties can be opportunities in disguise. Trust your instincts, even if the path seems unclear, and remember that resilience will carry you through challenges.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that growth often comes from embracing small, intentional steps rather than giant leaps. Many people focus on quick wins, but I’ve seen that real progress lies in steady, incremental efforts.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Always seek mentorship and shadow professionals who inspire you. Learning from others’ experiences provides perspectives and tools you might never discover on your own.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and spend time outdoors or with my loved ones. Disconnecting for a short period helps me regain clarity and approach challenges with a fresh mindset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building relationships has been crucial. Whether with clients, colleagues, or mentors, fostering genuine connections has opened doors, created trust, and strengthened the foundation of Behavior Change LLC.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once doubted my ability to run my own practice. I overcame this by focusing on education, seeking guidance, and taking small, calculated risks. The lesson? Self-doubt is natural, but action and preparation are the antidotes.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects families with therapy providers across disciplines—ABA, Speech Therapy, and OT—offering seamless scheduling and collaborative progress tracking in one place.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Google Workspace for everything from scheduling to document collaboration. It keeps my team aligned and ensures we’re all working from the same page, literally and figuratively.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. It’s a reminder that small, consistent changes can lead to transformative results, a principle that resonates in both therapy and entrepreneurship.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched The Queen’s Gambit. The protagonist’s journey of overcoming personal struggles while excelling in her passion reminded me of the importance of perseverance and focus, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Key learnings
- Patience and Resilience Are Key
- Relationships Drive Growth
- Embrace Continuous Learning