About Archways ABA

Rooted in compassion. Driven by science. Committed to every family we serve.

Our Mission

Empowering Children. Supporting Families.

At Archways ABA, our mission is simple: to help every child we serve reach their fullest potential. We believe every child deserves access to high-quality, evidence-based ABA therapy - regardless of where they live in Missouri.

We founded Archways ABA because we saw a gap: too many families in Missouri - especially in rural communities - couldn't access the consistent, expert ABA care their children needed. We built this agency to change that.

Like the Gateway Arch that rises over the Mississippi just miles from our home, our work is built to stand - rooted in strength, shaped by purpose, and designed to connect families to something greater. Every child we serve receives a treatment plan as unique as they are.

"Every child has the potential to grow, connect, and thrive. Our job is to unlock that potential with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication."
- David Skaist, Founder

Why “Archways”

The Gateway Arch Isn’t Just Our Backyard. It’s Our Philosophy.

Rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of passage - from uncertainty to possibility, from where you are to where you’re going. For Missouri families navigating an autism diagnosis, that passage can feel impossibly wide.

We named this company Archways because we believe every child deserves a gateway to their fullest potential - and every family deserves a guide to help them walk through it. We are that guide. Missouri-rooted, BCBA-led, and built to stand.

“The Arch doesn’t just point to the horizon. It frames it. That’s what great therapy does for a child.”

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Science-Driven

Every intervention we use is grounded in peer-reviewed research. We never guess - we measure, analyze, and adapt.

Compassionate Care

We treat every child and family with empathy, dignity, and warmth. Therapy is most effective when built on trust.

Family Partnership

Parents and caregivers are essential partners. We train, involve, and support families at every step of the journey.

Ethical Practice

We strictly uphold the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code. Every decision prioritizes the child's wellbeing.

Continuous Growth

We invest in our team's professional development so our clients always receive care that reflects the latest research.

Accessibility

Quality ABA should not depend on your zip code. We serve every county in Missouri through multiple service delivery models.

Our Leadership

Meet the Team Behind Archways

Built by a family-first founder and led clinically by a research-driven BCBA scholar.

David Skaist

Founder & CEO

David’s journey into helping children and families came from a deep belief that every child deserves the opportunity to be understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. As a husband and father, family has always been at the center of his life, and through his wife’s work and education in special education, he developed a firsthand appreciation for the impact that compassionate, individualized support can have on a child’s growth and a family’s everyday life.

David founded Archways with a simple vision: to create a place where families feel heard, children feel encouraged, and support extends beyond therapy sessions. He is passionate about building a warm, caring environment where families can feel confident that their children are receiving the attention, understanding, and guidance they deserve.

Nisan Fetman, MA, BCBA

Chief Clinical Director

David Nisan Fetman, MA, BCBA, is the Clinical Director of Archways ABA and has close to a decade of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Over the years, he has worked extensively with children and families across home, school, and clinical settings, with a strong emphasis on compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based care.

Nisan holds a Master’s Degree in School Psychology and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology while also completing advanced graduate training in Clinical Psychopharmacology. He is also pursuing the BCBA-D designation. His academic and clinical interests focus on bridging behavioral science with a broader understanding of emotional, cognitive, developmental, and medical factors that impact children and families.

In addition to his clinical leadership work, Nisan is the founder of Navara Behavioral Group, a developing parent-centered behavioral framework focused on empowering families through clarity, connection, and practical behavioral support. His doctoral dissertation centers on parent-mediated behavioral intervention and explores how behavioral strategies can be integrated with stress regulation and attachment-informed approaches to create more meaningful and sustainable outcomes for children and caregivers. His dissertation committee includes Dr. Saul Axelrod, a renowned pioneer and influential figure in the field of ABA research.

How We Work

Our Clinical Approach

We use naturalistic, play-based, and structured teaching methods tailored to each child's individual learning profile.

Individualized Treatment Planning

No two children are alike. Every treatment plan is built from scratch based on a comprehensive assessment of skills, deficits, and family priorities.

Behavior Reduction Strategies

We identify the function of challenging behaviors and address their root cause through teaching replacement skills - not just managing symptoms.

Verbal Behavior & Communication

We use Verbal Behavior (VB) methodology to build communication skills, from foundational requesting to complex social language.

Generalization Across Settings

Skills taught in therapy are systematically generalized to home, school, and community environments so they stick in real life.

Questions

About Our Practice

Yes. All of our BCBAs hold current BACB certification and comply with all Missouri state licensure requirements for behavior analysts. We also maintain professional liability insurance.
All RBTs complete the BACB's 40-hour training requirements, pass the RBT competency assessment, and pass the RBT national exam before working with clients. They receive ongoing supervision (at minimum the BACB-required 5%) and continuous performance feedback from BCBAs.
BCBAs provide regular, direct supervision of all RBTs at or above BACB requirements. Supervisors review data, observe sessions, provide feedback, and adjust programs regularly to ensure each child is making meaningful progress.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to learn how Archways ABA can support your child and family.