For Chrystal Santos, building Perspective Learning, a business serving people with autism, is a dream years in the making. We spoke to her about the journey so far, and how the Franklin County CDC worked with her along the way.
Franklin County CDC: What brought you to serving people with autism?
Chrystal Santos: When I was in high school, we had to take a career aptitude quiz. My results pointed to a speech-language pathologist. I had no idea what that was. My basketball teammate's youngest brother has what would now be considered level 3 autism and received in home speech therapy. I asked to observe his in home session to see what a speech therapist did. This was almost 25 years ago, but I remember being inspired and sure I wanted to be an SLP. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at the New England Center for Children. After graduation, I served as an SLPA in public schools and at The Collaborative for Educational Services. In these roles, I often had a few learners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I became invested in learning about AAC and functional communication more than the speech or articulation side of Speech Therapy. I chose the educational track of a Behavior Analyst over a Speech Pathologist for my master's degree, and I will have been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 10 years this May!
FCCDC: How do you see your business growing/changing over the next year and beyond?
CS: Starting this business has been a slow and steady process. I've done it on the side in addition to working full time in the public schools. With support from the community lending program and my family, I feel ready to jump in with both feet to provide specialized healthcare options and education to some of our most vulnerable residents. I see myself running this business full time and it growing quickly over the next year. In this field, we need to be careful because businesses can grow too fast, causing service quality to diminish and become ineffective. I want to maintain small caseloads and high-quality services. I want to provide education and support to our young learners and their families. I see us becoming well known and established in our community. My hope is that Perspective Learning will be a resource for families, a place to access not only education but also community.
FCCDC: How has it been working with the FCCDC? Would you recommend it to others?
CS: The FCCDC is an incredible resource. It has been educational and supportive. I feel heard and valued. FCCDC gave me a platform to share an idea—a dream I've been sitting on for years—and then educated me on how I can make it happen through connections and a community lending program. The FCCDC reminds me there are still people out there who want to help, who want to give community members space and resources to develop new and exciting business ideas. I'm so grateful for their time and support. 10 out of 10 recommend.
FCCDC: Anything else you'd like to add?
I never thought I would be a business owner. It seemed too risky and time consuming. These last 2 years of development have been an emotional and challenging roller coaster. I've stuck to it and put in an enormous amount of time and effort. I'm so proud of the result and the mission. I'm grateful for the love and support from my friends, family, and clients.
I'm also SO EXCITED that Perspective Learning has the opportunity to sponsor the Greenfield Girls Softball League and give back to the community. My daughter grew up in the league through the donations and sponsorship of local businesses and it's fulfilling to be able to support that experience for the next generation of ballplayers!
