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Founded on Clinical Excellence, Compassion, and Respect for the Whole Child
At Ascent Pediatric Group, we believe every child deserves care that honors who they are — and every family deserves a team that is both clinically rigorous and genuinely human.
Our Founder
Meet Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA
Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in North Carolina with 15+ years of experience in ABA and developmental services. Her career spans direct care, caregiver training, clinical leadership, supervision, mentorship, and program development.
She founded Ascent Pediatric Group to offer ABA services that are clinically rigorous and deeply human — grounded in the science of behavior analysis while centering assent, neurodiversity-affirming practice, family partnership, and meaningful quality-of-life outcomes.
Credentials & Commitments
15+ Years
ABA & Developmental Services
BCBA since 2015
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
LBA
Licensed in North Carolina
Leadership
Clinical & Program Development
"Every child I've worked with has taught me something. That's what keeps this work meaningful."
— Danielle Virnelson
Why We Were Founded
Why Ascent Was Created
Ascent was created because families deserve ABA services that are clinically rigorous and deeply human — not rigid, compliance-heavy, or disconnected from daily life.
After more than 15 years in ABA and developmental services, Danielle saw a consistent gap: families who were receiving services but not feeling truly partnered with, and children whose care didn't reflect who they actually were. Ascent was built to close that gap.
The science of Applied Behavior Analysis is the foundation. But the way it's delivered — with assent, compassion, and genuine family partnership — is what makes it work.
ABA, Done Differently
Assent-Based Practice
Children's willingness to participate is always honored.
Neurodiversity-Affirming
Care that respects and celebrates each child's identity.
Family Partnership
Caregivers are active collaborators at every stage.
Individualized Planning
Tailored to each child's strengths, needs, and daily life.
Meaningful Outcomes
Goals that improve real, everyday life — not just clinical metrics.
OUR CLINICAL APPROACH
ABA With Clinical Rigor and Human Respect
Applied Behavior Analysis is a well-established science, but the way it is practiced matters. At Ascent, ABA is individualized, assent-based, caregiver-centered, and focused on meaningful skills that improve daily life.
We combine evidence-based practice with careful listening, family partnership, and respect for each child's dignity, communication, and autonomy.
What Guides Our Work
Four Commitments at the Heart of Ascent
Whole-Child Care
We see the full picture: your child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs, relationships, and home environment. No two children are the same, and care should reflect that.
Family Partnership
Caregivers are essential collaborators, not bystanders. You'll feel informed, respected, and actively involved at every stage.
Clinical Integrity
We use evidence-based strategies and thoughtful clinical judgment — because your child deserves rigorous, principled care.
Meaningful Growth
We focus on skills that genuinely improve daily life: communication, self-advocacy, independence, and participation in the routines that matter most.
Professional Background
Experience Across Clinical Care, Leadership, and Family Support
A Career Built in ABA
Danielle's career in Applied Behavior Analysis spans early childhood through young adulthood — including direct clinical care, caregiver training, clinical supervision, mentorship, and program leadership. That depth of experience is what shapes the Ascent standard.
What That Experience Means for Your Family
High-Quality Clinical Care
Rigorous, individualized ABA grounded in current best practices.
Family-Centered Decision-Making
Families help set goals and shape the care process from the start.
Assent-Based & Neurodiversity-Affirming
Children's voices and preferences are honored at every step.
Sustainable Systems That Protect Quality
Thoughtfully designed so quality is never sacrificed for scale.
Our Name, Our Philosophy
Honoring Choice. Building Growth.
The name Ascent holds two ideas that are inseparable in our work: growth and assent. Growth should never be forced — it should be supported through connection, trust, and deep respect for each child's voice.
Assent — a child's genuine willingness to participate — is not a courtesy. It is the ethical and clinical foundation of everything we do.
Our Identity
The Meaning Behind the Logo
Each element of the Ascent logo reflects a core value — and together, they tell the story of how we believe ABA should be delivered.
Sun & Horizon — Whole-Child Care
We see the full picture: a child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs, and daily environment.
Family Symbol — Family Partnership
Effective ABA is built with families, not just for them. Caregivers are informed, empowered, and involved.
The Moth — Clinical Integrity
Thoughtful, principled practice — assent-based ABA that moves at the right pace, with genuine respect for each child's process.
Mountains — Meaningful Growth
Steady, lasting progress: greater communication, independence, and quality of life in everyday routines.
From the Founder
A Personal Note
Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA
Founder, Ascent Pediatric Group
"I created Ascent because I believe families deserve ABA services that are both clinically strong and deeply human.
After 15 years in this field, I've seen what happens when those two things are separated — and I've seen what's possible when they're not.
If you're wondering whether Ascent might be the right fit for your family, please reach out. You don't need to have everything figured out. We'll figure it out together."
— Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA
Our Approach at a Glance
How We Show Up for Families
Every family arrives at a different point in their journey. Some are just beginning to seek answers. Others have been navigating the system for years. Wherever you are, we meet you there — with patience, expertise, and genuine partnership.
Families We Serve
Who We're Here For
Young Children
Early intervention and developmental support for families who want responsive, respectful care from the very beginning.
School-Age Children
Support that bridges home, school, and community — helping children thrive across the settings that matter most.
Adolescents
Care that honors growing autonomy, amplifies the adolescent's voice, and builds toward meaningful independence.
Young Adults
Transitional support focused on independence, community participation, and quality of life.
Want to learn whether Ascent may be a fit for your family?
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right next step — no pressure, just a genuine conversation.
Get in Touch
Start the Conversation
If you are interested in learning more about Ascent Pediatric Group, caregiver support, ABA-informed services, or future service offerings, we welcome you to reach out.
Phone
(704) 397-3405
Fax
(704) 519-2845
Email
info@ascentpediatricgroup.com
We look forward to connecting with you.
Ascent Pediatric Group
ABA Services · Caregiver Coaching · Developmental Support
Charlotte, NC
Contact
Fax: (704) 519-2845
Get Started

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