Cathy Jo Higgins is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Developmental Advantage. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders (Speech Pathology and Audiology) from Marshall University and her master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth through Age 5). For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities and supporting the families who care for them.

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Cathy Jo's professional experience spans multiple areas of early intervention and special education. She began her career working in preschool programs serving children with special needs before joining the West Virginia Autism Training Center, where she helped develop the nation's first autism registry. In 2005, she became a Developmental Specialist with the West Virginia Birth to Three Program, serving children and families throughout West Virginia until her retirement in August 2025.

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Throughout her career, Cathy Jo has been recognized as a leader in early intervention and autism services across the state. She has served on the Advisory Board for the West Virginia Autism Training Center for more than 12 years and was selected to participate in several statewide initiatives through the West Virginia Birth to Three Program, including the Mentoring Implementation Team, the ASQ Pilot Program, and the Autism Implementation Team. She also served on the Region 3 Local Implementation Team, supporting children and families in Kanawha, Clay, Jackson, and Roane Counties.

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In recent years, Cathy Jo and members of The Developmental Advantage's leadership team have also been active participants in the We Develop ABA West Virginia Stakeholders Group, collaborating with providers and state leaders to strengthen ABA workforce development, improve training opportunities, and expand access to high-quality behavioral health services across West Virginia.

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Driven by the belief that every child deserves not only services, but the highest quality services possible, Cathy Jo founded The Developmental Advantage with a vision of providing compassionate, evidence-based care while building a culture centered on clinical excellence, integrity, and family support. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into one of West Virginia's leading providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and comprehensive developmental supports.

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Working alongside Chief Operating Officer Ryan Raynes, MS, BCBA, Cathy Jo led The Developmental Advantage through the rigorous process of earning accreditation as a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence® (BHCOE) in 2023. This nationally recognized accreditation reflects the organization's commitment to exceptional clinical quality, ethical practices, staff development, and measurable client outcomes. Together, Cathy Jo and Ryan continued to strengthen the organization's clinical and operational excellence, successfully renewing BHCOE accreditation in 2025.

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Cathy Jo's leadership has also been recognized beyond the field of behavioral health. In 2025, she was named the West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). She represented the State of West Virginia during National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C., where she was honored for her entrepreneurial leadership, business growth, and commitment to improving services for children and families throughout the state.

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Today, Cathy Jo continues to lead The Developmental Advantage with a focus on innovation, quality, and expanding access to exceptional developmental and behavioral health services across West Virginia. Her vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to children, families, and the professionals who serve them continue to guide the organization's mission and inspire its team every day.

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Cathyjo@thedevadvantage.com

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Ryan Raynes began providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in 2017 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). While working in the field, he completed his coursework and earned his Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) credential in early 2020. Ryan joined The Developmental Advantage that same year as a BCaBA and Clinic Supervisor, where he provided direct clinical oversight, conducted assessments, developed treatment recommendations, and worked closely with families and staff to support meaningful outcomes.

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Ryan has experience providing services to individuals ranging from 1 to 70 years of age and has worked with clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cri-du-chat syndrome, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and Down syndrome. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while mentoring staff and promoting high-quality clinical services.

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​Working alongside Founder and CEO Cathy Jo Higgins, Ryan helped lead The Developmental Advantage through the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence® (BHCOE) accreditation process, earning accreditation in 2023 and successfully renewing it in 2025. Their collaborative leadership has strengthened the organization's commitment to clinical excellence, ethical practice, and outstanding outcomes for the children and families they serve.

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In 2025, Ryan transitioned into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he now oversees the daily operations and continued growth of The Developmental Advantage. While leading the organization's operational initiatives, he has remained actively involved in clinical services and continues to support the delivery of exceptional ABA care. In 2026, Ryan achieved another significant professional milestone by earning his Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, further strengthening the clinical expertise and leadership of the organization.

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Beyond his role at The Developmental Advantage, Ryan serves as the Chair of the West Virginia ABA Workforce Development Committee. In this statewide leadership position, he collaborates with providers, educators, and stakeholders to strengthen the behavioral health workforce, expand access to ABA services, and support the development of future behavior analysts throughout West Virginia.

 

Ryan is passionate about improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and empowering the professionals who serve them. His leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to ethical, high-quality care continue to drive The Developmental Advantage's mission of providing exceptional services to children, adults, and families across West Virginia.

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email: ryan@thedevadvantage.com