The LEAPS Approach
At LEAPS Therapy Clinic, everything we do is guided by LEAPS — Learning Effective Academic and Play Skills. Each letter reflects how we support children and families every step of the way.
L — Learning
We create meaningful learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and tailored to each child’s needs.
E — Effective
Therapy is intentional and evidence-based, focusing on strategies that lead to real progress in everyday life.
A — Academic
We support foundational skills that promote school readiness, communication, attention, and confidence in learning environments.
P — Play
Play is the heart of how children learn. We use play-based therapy to build skills, encourage curiosity, and make learning joyful.
S — Skills
From communication and feeding to social interaction and independence, we help children develop skills that support lifelong success.
LEAPS—Learning Effective Academic and Play Skills—was born from a deep belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive.
Since 2010, LEAPS has been shaped by research, experience, and an unwavering commitment to helping children with developmental disabilities gain meaningful skills and participate fully in their homes, schools, and communities. Today, we are honored to serve children across nine surrounding rural counties, reaching more than 600 children each week through compassionate, individualized therapeutic services.
At LEAPS, learning never stops—especially for our team. Our staff continually invests time in research, professional development, and advanced training to ensure we are using thoughtful, evidence-based approaches that meet each child exactly where they are. Every child’s journey is unique, and we are committed to helping them discover their own path toward confidence and independence.
LEAPS is led by Director Ashley Faust, M.E., ECSE, whose passion for supporting children with disabilities began early and has guided her life’s work.
As a high school student, Ashley was already organizing programs for children with disabilities, including bringing the Miracle League to Trussville, Alabama. She went on to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning undergraduate degrees in social psychology and psychology, with a minor in social work, before completing a master’s degree in early childhood special education.
Following college, Ashley entered an exclusive mentorship with Dr. James Partington of Pleasant Hill, California—an internationally recognized leader in autism spectrum disorder and verbal behavior. Over the next 14 years, she worked as a private educational consultant, serving children with a wide range of disabilities in home, school, and community settings. During this time, she collaborated closely with families and schools across Alabama to develop individualized education programs, provide staff training, and support meaningful outcomes for children. She has worked with more than 300 children and also directed a small therapeutic educational program for children with autism under contract with a local school system.
The vision for LEAPS Academy was born from both professional insight and personal experience.
After starting her own family, Ashley recognized the need for a therapeutic school program in Pell City—one that combined academic support, play, and emotional growth in a nurturing environment. In 2010, LEAPS Academy opened its doors to meet that need.
LEAPS Academy provides enrichment-based learning opportunities where children benefit from small-group instruction, individualized academic support, and intentional development of social-emotional, language, play, and self-help skills. Families are viewed as essential partners, and parents are encouraged to collaborate closely with staff to support development not only in the classroom, but also at home and in the community.
As LEAPS continued to grow, it became clear that children and families in Pell City and surrounding rural areas needed greater access to comprehensive therapy services. In response, LEAPS expanded to include a full therapy clinic offering Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, alongside its therapeutic learning environment.
Today, LEAPS proudly operates in Pell City, AL, serves children within local schools, and partners with Cheaha Regional to provide therapy services across all 15 Head Start locations. Reaching rural communities remains a core value of LEAPS, as many families in these areas have limited access to specialized services available in larger cities.
Equity, quality, and relationships are at the heart of LEAPS.
We provide high-quality, individualized therapy delivered by master’s-level clinicians and are one of the few clinics in the area that accepts Medicaid. We believe every child—regardless of socioeconomic status—deserves access to skilled, compassionate therapy and the opportunity to build lifelong skills. By fostering strong therapist-child relationships and partnering closely with families, we support children as they grow, learn, and take meaningful LEAPS throughout childhood.
At LEAPS, our mission is to embrace all children in a nurturing environment, that enriches every aspect of a child’s life, so they may reach their fullest potential. A place where God is seen, love is felt, and lives are changed!
Join us on our mission to create brighter futures for children. Contact LEAPS Therapy Clinic at (205) 884-7621 today to learn more about our services!
