Honoring the Vision & Legacy of
Dr. A.J. Anderson
Founder of Adaptive De-escalation Alternatives (ADA)
A Vision Built on Compassion and Safety
Adaptive De-escalation Alternatives (ADA) began as a heartfelt dream: to transform
how professionals handle moments of crisis. In 2017, Dr. A.J. Anderson (A.J.) founded ADA with
a clear and unwavering mission—to provide accessible, highly effective, and
compassionate training in crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, and restrictive
interventions.
A.J. believed deeply that every professional in caregiving, educational, and support
roles deserved the confidence and tools to ensure safety while preserving human
dignity. Through his vision, determination, and leadership, ADA grew from an ambitious
idea into a trusted standard for crisis response training.
Expanding the Mission
Recognizing the need for strong leadership to scale his vision, in May of 2017, A.J.
brought on Demico Graham as Training Director and eventual business partner.
Together, they strengthened the curriculum and expanded the organization's reach:
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2018: Earned official state certification in North Carolina, establishing ADA's foundational presence.
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2019: Secured state approval in Georgia, broadening the organization’s impact across the Southeast.
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Present: Successfully trained and certified hundreds of instructors, creating a ripple effect of safety and de-escalation expertise across numerous care facilities and institutions.
A Lasting Legacy
In March of 2026, the ADA family and community mourned the loss of its visionary
founder. While A.J.'s passing leaves a profound void, his life’s work remains vibrant and
strong.
A.J.’s dream lives on through every instructor he mentored, every classroom
transformed by his teachings, and every individual kept safe through the de-escalation
techniques he championed. Under the ongoing leadership of Demico Graham and the
dedicated network of certified instructors, Adaptive De-escalation Alternatives continues
to carry A.J.’s passion, values, and legacy forward every single day.
"A leader who produces other leaders multiplies their influence."
- John C. Maxwell