Building Lighthouse School of Fort Worth with Ashlyn Wimmer

In this episode, Kim and Mary talk with Ashlyn Wimmer, founder of Lighthouse Therapy Center and Lighthouse School of Fort Worth, to talk about how one mother’s experience navigating autism services led to the creation of a unique therapy and education center in Fort Worth.

After her son Graham was diagnosed with autism, Ashlyn quickly realized that many families are forced to choose between ABA therapy and academic education. When she was told during a school tour that her son was essentially too special needs for the program, she knew something needed to change.

On the drive home, she called her husband and said, “I’m just going to open my own.”
And that moment became the beginning of Lighthouse.

What Is Lighthouse Therapy Center?

Lighthouse Therapy Center was created to provide autism families with a more integrated model of care. Instead of juggling multiple services in different places, families can access support in one collaborative environment.

Lighthouse offers:

• ABA therapy
• Academic education through Lighthouse School of Fort Worth
• Collaboration with speech, occupational, and other therapies
• Community-based and functional life skills programming

The goal is to help children build real-world skills while also receiving meaningful education.

Ashlyn designed Lighthouse with families in mind from the collaborative therapy model to the welcoming physical environment. The center has grown quickly and now serves dozens of children and families across Fort Worth, supported by a large multidisciplinary team.

Her mission remains simple:
to create a place where children with autism are never told they are too complex or too old for support.

In This Episode We Discuss

• Ashlyn’s journey from autism parent to founder
• The need for integrated therapy and education for autistic children
• Why programs must support individuals beyond early childhood
• Building a therapy center and school from the ground up
• Creating a community where families feel supported and understood

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