Kristyn Butler, Ph.D.
CEO | Ability Matters
Columbus II Chapter
What inspired you to start your business?
Ability Matters was born in 2014 out of the heartfelt request from parents of my previous students, to create an agency that could provide the kind of specialized care and services that their kids with autism and other neurological disabilities would need to thrive. Inspired by the trust they put in me, I started Ability Matters right from my kitchen table, where I sketched out the vision and mission of the organization, focusing on offering tailored, high-quality services that emphasized inclusion, dignity and empowerment of the individuals we serve.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
As a woman in business and as the founder of Ability Matters, an organization rooted in inclusion, one of the biggest challenges has been being heard in rooms that were historically not built for women or innovative service models. There have been moments when compassion was mistaken for weakness or when the idea of full community inclusion was seen as an extra rather than essential. Leading Ability Matters also meant pushing back on outdated systems while advocating for equitable funding and respect for individuals with disabilities, often in the face of systemic resistance.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
A piece of advice I live by is to surround yourself with people who are as passionate as you and smarter than you in their discipline. That approach has been a driving force behind the strength of the Ability Matters team. WPO has also provided exactly that, a powerful network of leaders who raise the bar and offer insight from every industry. That mindset has fueled much of the growth at Ability Matters, from creating inclusive programs that didn’t exist to partnering with global platforms that hadn’t previously served individuals with disabilities.
What lesson have you learned that you can share with other women entrepreneurs?
Never underestimate the power of strong leaders and authentic people. Your values don’t need to be sacrificed for your vision. At Ability Matters, we’ve built an entire model around people-first leadership and it’s created lasting impact. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, even when they went against conventional paths, and to surround myself with others who are not afraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of something better.
In what ways has your membership in WPO impacted your personal or professional life?
WPO has given me a community of women who understand the balance of high-level leadership and grounded, mission-driven work. It’s helped me grow as a CEO and as a person by shaping how I lead at Ability Matters. The conversations and collaboration with WPO colleagues are a constant reminder that the most sustainable businesses are those built on people, purpose, and continual learning. The relationships I’ve formed through WPO have challenged and encouraged me in all the best ways.
About Ability Matters:
Ability Matters is committed to providing premier services to individuals with autism and other neurological disabilities in a way that improves their quality of life and allows them to reach their full potential. Through personalized services developed around education, intervention, housing and day services, Ability Matters is wayfaring a better path and empowering individuals with autism and neurological disabilities to succeed and achieve what was once considered impossible. Ability Matters and their foundation, Beyond Ability Matters, are excited to host their 8th Annual Charity Golf Outing to support the impactful work happening at Ability Matters year round. To learn more, visit: abilitymattersohio.com.