Dedicated to providing step-by-step training and guidance for parents, teachers and caregivers navigating behavioral challenges, Alana Simpson currently serves as the owner of Spectrum Protection LLC, a company she founded in 2024. Through this endeavor, she offers personalized support via Zoom calls and email communication, addressing client questions and tailoring strategies to individual needs. To help achieve these goals, Ms. Simpson has developed specialized tools such as token boards and customized social stories for children experiencing anxiety, incorporating photographs of the children to help them visualize themselves in positive narratives. Spectrum Protection’s services originated from her early efforts providing in-home training and creating individualized resources to assist friends whose children have special needs.
Prior to establishing her business, Ms. Simpson worked as a behavioral therapist with the Los Altos School District. In this capacity, she supported students with behavioral challenges by implementing evidence-based interventions and collaborating with educators to foster inclusive learning environments. Ms. Simpson’s professional experience also includes serving as a trainer at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, where she contributed to staff development and the implementation of best practices for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Her career began with a 12-year tenure as a correctional officer, during which she distinguished herself as a trainer and team leader on the emergency response team.
In addition to her primary vocation, Ms. Simpson is an accomplished author whose publications have garnered international recognition. Her first book, “The Behavior Toolbox: A Guidebook for Parents,” was published in 2024 and provides practical strategies and tracking sheets for managing challenging behaviors at home. That work was released as an audiobook in 2025 and translated into Spanish in 2026, thereby reaching a broader audience. 2025 also saw the release of Ms. Simpson’s latest book, “The Educator’s Behavioral Guide: Tips for Every Teacher.” Both of these titles have won the International Impact Book Award.
To complement her written resources, Ms. Simpson developed a web-based app named Behaviorly. This tool allows parents to track behaviors, eating habits, medical information and appointments in a centralized location that is accessible across devices. Understanding issues faced by many parents, Ms. Simpson has emphasized streamlining data collection for families who previously relied on scattered notes or multiple applications. She is also working on a second app designed specifically for schools to facilitate direct data entry by educators, eliminating redundant paperwork and improving efficiency.
Before venturing onto her vocational path, Ms. Simpson laid an academic foundation for her understanding of social systems and behavioral dynamics. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Bowling Green State University in 2003. Ms. Simpson also holds several professional credentials that underscore her expertise and reflect her commitment to ongoing development. She is certified as an autism specialist and an autism technician and registered as a behavioral technician.
Throughout her career, Ms. Simpson has been recognized for her achievements and contributions to the field. She has been featured in Impact & Influence Magazine and in “The Autism Parenting Guide.” Ms. Simpson has been lauded for her commitment to supporting families and professionals working with children who have special needs. Her approach is shaped by an understanding that both people and situations are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing adaptation and the pursuit of new strategies.
Among numerous accolades, Ms. Simpson was named Employee of the Year in 2024 and Woman of the Month by Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.) Magazine in 2025. She attributes much of her success to the strong work ethic and value system instilled by her parents and grandmother.
Long dedicated to civic advocacy, Ms. Simpson regularly engages in community service beyond her professional responsibilities. She is a frequent blood donor to The American National Red Cross and participates in Autism Walk events. She has also served as a board member of Josiah’s House Inc., an organization devoted to empowering adults with autism and disabilities.
In her leisure time, Ms. Simpson finds joy in hiking with friends and watching Cleveland Browns football games. Looking ahead, she plans to create more personalized resources for children and others seeking effective tools and strategies for behavioral support. Ms. Simpson is also working on her next book, which is aimed at law enforcement professionals and focuses on proactive approaches to interacting with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors. As she has throughout her career, this latest effort emphasizes the importance of understanding motivations rather than simply reacting to incidents — a perspective rooted in patience, compassion and valuable insight into crisis management, de-escalation techniques and leadership under pressure.