CHRISSY JONES, 34 / Owner/Executive Director, Virginia Autism & Behavior Consulting
Chrissy McConnaughy Jones first opened VA Autumn as an in-home behavioral therapy provider for autism, helping children from ages 18 months to 21 years) with autumn spectrum disorder and related disabilities. It has since grown to three locations in Roanoke, Rocky Mount and Blacksburg; the Rocky Mount location is also licensed by the Department of Education as a private day school. Her business also provides services to the surrounding school systems, participates in the Virginia Tech Autism Conference each year and sponsored “Special Nights for Special Kids” for the 2018 season at the Blacksburg Children’s Museum. For Jones, creating safe and fun learning environments for children with autism is not only vital, but worthwhile. “To see the growth our individual kids have in our programs and the knowledge gained by the young professionals we are able to employ is very rewarding!”
- Awarded Roanoke Chamber Small Business Award for Health and Wellness, 2019
- Franklin County CSA Board Member
- Served on the board for Matthew’s Child
- Member of the Planned Parenthood Spring Luncheon Committee
From the Nomination: “Chrissy McConnaughy Jones is a light in this community! Jones owns and operates Virginia Autism & Behavior Consulting first hand. The company has grown exponentially in its seven years of operation. Jones is set apart by her care for all children and for this community. She absolutely goes above and beyond for our clients and for her staff. She operates three centers of extremely motivated staff who care for the clients they serve and provide essential services for the Roanoke and surrounding areas. Everything she does, she does with her clients and staff in mind. She is always looking for ways to better her staff and client’s lives!”
What do you love about Roanoke? I love the sense of community Roanoke offers. I moved here in 2008 and absolutely fell in love with the number of events, festivals and quality restaurants while still having a more small-town feel. I remember going out with one of my first friends in Roanoke and it seemed like they knew everyone and they responded ‘It’s just Roanoke.’ I now can’t go out without bumping into at least one person I know and it’s a wonderful place to feel connected and build a business and family.
