NeurAbilities Healthcare, a leading provider of autism therapy and neurodevelopmental services in the Northeast, is undergoing a major leadership transition following the resignation of its CEO. Kathleen Stengel, founder and CEO of the organization, officially announced her departure earlier this month. This NeurAbilities CEO resignation marks the end of an influential five-year tenure at the top of one of the region’s fastest-growing autism care providers.
The NeurAbilities CEO resignation was first shared by Stengel herself in a personal post on LinkedIn. “I have mixed emotions today—of pride, excitement, and yes, some sadness too—as I share my decision to step down as CEO of NeurAbilities earlier this month,” she wrote. “I am proud of what we created and am excited about the milestones we achieved together over the past five years.”
NeurAbilities growth under Stengel’s leadership
Based in Voorhees, New Jersey, NeurAbilities operates 18 clinics across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with a staff of more than 500 clinicians, administrators, and support professionals. The organization has become known for offering a comprehensive continuum of care, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medical services such as pediatric neurology and neuropsychology.
Under Stengel’s leadership, NeurAbilities saw rapid growth. In 2023 alone, the company doubled its number of medical assessments, diagnoses, and treatments—resulting in more than 17,000 patient visits, according to its latest annual report. The NeurAbilities CEO resignation comes just as the company’s expansion and clinical achievements have brought national recognition.
Stengel’s background and impact on the ABA field
Stengel, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), is widely respected in the field of autism services. With over 20 years of experience, she previously held executive roles at Clarity Service Group and Avenna Healthcare. Her unique blend of clinical and operational expertise helped drive NeurAbilities forward during a time of increased demand and complex payer landscapes.
The NeurAbilities CEO resignation also draws attention to a broader wave of executive transitions within the autism therapy industry. Jason Owen, the CEO of KKR-backed BlueSprig Pediatrics—another major ABA provider—recently stepped down as well. These high-profile departures signal a moment of transformation for the ABA industry, which continues to face pressure to demonstrate clinical outcomes, manage rising costs, and attract qualified professionals.
NeurAbilities’ evolution and investment backing
Founded in 2005, NeurAbilities became a portfolio company of Nashville-based private equity firm Council Capital in 2018. The investment supported the organization’s transition from a neurodevelopmental diagnostic center into a fully integrated autism therapy provider. Stengel was instrumental in leading that transformation, building an infrastructure that allowed for both medical and behavioral services to be delivered under one coordinated model.
What’s next for Kathleen Stengel and NeurAbilities
As of April 2024, Stengel is listed as a self-employed behavioral health advisor, according to her LinkedIn profile. Though she has not disclosed specifics about her next professional move, she expressed excitement about continuing to make an impact in healthcare. “The staff, patients and mission of NeurAbilities hold a special place in my heart, and I’m eager to celebrate their continued success as I venture to the next phase of my professional journey, driving outcomes in healthcare,” she wrote. “Details will follow!”
The NeurAbilities CEO resignation has not yet been accompanied by a formal announcement from the company or a named successor. Stakeholders across the autism services community are watching closely to see how NeurAbilities navigates this transition, particularly given its reputation for clinical innovation and interdisciplinary care.
The broader significance of the NeurAbilities CEO resignation
While Stengel’s departure may bring about change, the company’s core mission is expected to remain strong: to improve the lives of individuals with autism and neurological conditions through cutting-edge diagnostics, compassionate therapy, and integrated care. The NeurAbilities CEO resignation represents not just the end of one leader’s journey, but the beginning of a new chapter for a growing organization at the forefront of autism care.
From a national lens, the NeurAbilities CEO resignation also speaks to the evolving landscape of leadership in behavioral health. With executive turnover happening more frequently across provider organizations, the focus is shifting toward sustainability, outcomes, and adaptability. As the field of ABA therapy matures, the demand for leaders with both clinical depth and business acumen—like Stengel—will only grow.
As for what’s next, the NeurAbilities CEO resignation leaves behind an organization poised for continued expansion and innovation. And with a strong foundation in place, NeurAbilities now has the opportunity to define the next phase of its impact—building on Stengel’s legacy and meeting the increasing demand for effective, accessible, and personalized autism care.
