Meet The Leadership Team

ESIS Administrative Team

Amber Watkins, EdD, BCBA, LBA

CEO & Executive Clinical Director

Dr. Amber Watkins received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to complete her teaching certification from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She then completed a Masters in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Watkins then graduated from Wingate University with an Educational Doctorate Degree, with a concentration in Superintendency and Curriculum and Instruction. Later, she enrolled into Clemson University to pursue her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Watkins served as a high school teacher, athletic coach, assistant principal and Middle School Principal. She then served as the Director of the Exceptional Children’s program in Richmond County, NC, for 4 years supporting students, teachers, and parents of children with special needs throughout the school district. In her final year in public education, Dr. Watkins served as the Executive Director of K-12 policy and Exceptional Children’s Services for Richmond County Schools.

After serving in public education for 17 years, Dr. Watkins, and her husband, Derrick Watkins, opened their first ABA clinic in December of 2022, serving children with Autism and their families. In October of 2023, they opened their second clinic, and they are now in the process of opening their third clinic in rural North Carolina. Dr. Watkins has always been passionate about advocating for, and serving children, especially those with special needs in underserved communities.

As a parent of a child with Autism, Dr. Watkins realized the challenges of raising a child with Autism with minimal support and services, outside of the local school district, which sparked her passion to leave public education to create clinics to serve and support. Dr Watkins and Mr Watkins have two boys, Elias and Derrick, Jr. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, camping, and doing almost anything with her husband and her boys.

Derrick Watkins, MSA

Co-Owner & Chief Operating Officer

Derrick Watkins received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Elizabeth City State University. He attended ECSU on a football scholarship. Derrick also earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Derrick served 23 years in various roles in Richmond County Schools. He served as a Business Education teacher, athletic coach, Assistant Principal and Principal.

Derrick is the co-owner of Early Start Intervention Services, and is dedicated to serving families of children with Autism around the region.

Derrick is married to Dr. Amber Watkins, and he is the proud father of two sons, Elias and Derrick, Jr. Elias, Derrick’s youngest son, who has Autism, was the inspiration for opening ESIS, and Derrick continues to be proud of Elias’s progress. Derrick is a classic car enthusiast and he enjoys coaching his son, Derrick, in various sports, and he enjoys helping Elias create videos.

Chasity Allen

Program Administrator for Long Drive

Chasity Allen has 14 years experience working in school systems in North Carolina and Virginia. Throughout her experience in schools, she worked with the exceptional children's population in both resource and self-contained classrooms.

Chasity is currently enrolled at Mary Baldwin University, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Autism Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis, where she is pursuing her certification as an Assistant Behavior Analyst. Chasity enjoys working with children, especially children with special needs. She loves being there when they accomplish something for the first time and seeing the proud smiles on their faces. They truly brighten her days and teach her new things everyday.

Chasity has four children, two boys and two girls. They enjoy kayaking and movie nights with snack boards. There is always something going on in her house, but she loves every minute of it!!

Rhonda Watkins

Office Manager, Fox Road Clinic

Rhonda Watkins attended Richmond Community College after graduating from Richmond Senior High School. She went on to work at Hood Packaging in Hamlet for 23 years. Rhonda enjoys working with children, and has served as a Foster Parent for Alexander Youth Network for the last 14 years.

Rhonda is so thankful for the opportunity to work daily in something she is passionate about, making a difference in the lives of children. Rhonda is excited about her new career as Office Manager at ESIS.

Rhonda is the mother of 3 children, the wife of Mr. Timothy Watkins Sr. and she enjoys spending time with my family and friends