Our Story: Rising to What’s Possible
In the Beginning
The spark that became The Rising Start Foundation began with a simple, powerful question: What if every neurodiverse learner had a place where they truly belonged?
In 2017, our founder, Maria Alejandra Mejia, opened the doors to Early Intervention Behavioral Services (EIBS) with that question at heart. Guided by both professional expertise and personal experience, Maria envisioned more than a school — she imagined a place where students with autism and related disabilities could learn, grow, and feel genuinely seen.
Her goal was clear: to reimagine education for neurodiverse children and their families by blending evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices with the warmth, connection, and joy of a traditional classroom.
And EIBS became just that — a place where progress meets purpose.
Over the years, Maria and her dedicated team built a curriculum designed to do more than teach. It helped students thrive — academically, emotionally, and socially. Families began to see transformation not just in grades or behaviors, but in confidence, self-expression, and hope.
Maria’s passion was deeply personal, too.
After losing her brother, Nicolás, who had Down syndrome, in 2010, Maria found a renewed sense of purpose. His life — full of light, love, and resilience — became the heartbeat of her mission. Every lesson, every milestone, every smile became a tribute to his legacy of inclusion and compassion.
The Next Stage: Bridging to Adulthood
After five impactful years of growth through EIBS, a new question began to emerge — one that countless families of neurodivergent young people share:
“What happens after high school?”
Maria saw the need for a bridge — a pathway that supported young adults as they transitioned from school into meaningful, independent lives.
That vision became The Rising Start Foundation — a natural continuation of her lifelong commitment to helping neurodiverse individuals discover what’s possible beyond the classroom.
Today, The Rising Start Foundation empowers students to step confidently into adulthood with the academic support, workforce readiness, and life skills they need to flourish. Through personalized programs, hands-on learning, and a community built on belonging, we prepare each learner not just for work — but for purpose, connection, and joy.
Our Promise
At The Rising Start Foundation, we believe every child holds a spark of brilliance. With the right guidance, compassion, and opportunity, that spark doesn’t just rise — it shines.
About Our Brand
When we were ready to work on the Foundation brand and image we found a Marketing & Communications agency that hires neurodiverse individuals, not because of external forces, but because of their talent. They are key in their client's creative process and presentations, and they participate in meetings and are in charge of some of the agency talks on creativity.
Working with Casa Carlota was a great experience and a perfect beginning; it was seeing our dream come true, an agency that values and promotes neurodiversity, that believes in their abilities, and, challenges them to give their best each day.
