Number of Years in Current Role:
1 year
Number of Years with HMEA:
1 year
Number of years as BCBA:
2 years
Graduate Degree:
Bay Path University
Undergraduate Degree:
Central Connecticut State University
Interests/Hobbies:
Skateboarding
Drawing
Nature
HMEA PROGRAM: Children’s Services, Boston, MA
TITLE: Board Certified Behavior Analyst, LABA
What led you to want to earn your BCBA?
“I was drawn to a career as a BCBA because it is an evidence-based field that is data driven, effective and enlightening.”
What has been your career path to date from your first job to your current position?
“I worked in residential settings before becoming an Instructor in home ABA Services. I worked as an instructor, gaining direct experience before transitioning to a case manager, a transitional position for individuals that were currently in a graduate ABA program. I then completed my BCBA and started in my current position.”
What is a typical day like in your current role?
“My schedule varies, and mostly encompasses supervision sessions with direct staff, and/or parent consultation and training sessions. I also provide consultation services in preschool settings, attend IEP meetings and conduct overlap sessions with other service practitioners (SLP, Early Reading Services, etc.) and participate in treatment planning as well.”
What are the things you like most about your current role? What excites you and motivates you professionally?
“I appreciate the ability to connect with an eclectic group of people: clients, families, staff, service providers, and others. I appreciate the level of communication and coordination that goes into the position. I enjoy the subtleties that are involved, the complicated and functional connections that are required to be effective in providing the best clinical services.”
What do you like about working as a BCBA for HMEA?
“At HMEA, I have been treated with respect. I have been given the opportunity to utilize my strengths and to build upon areas in need of development. The management is accessible and reactive when necessary. My direct supervisor has been kind and helpful, answering my questions and providing feedback in a constructive manner.”
What kinds of support does HMEA provide to BCBAs that help you focus on being successful in your role?
“HMEA provides BCBA’s with the support to utilize best clinical practice. For example, HMEA’s Clinical Coordinator Stefanie Salome has, in addition to providing quality and timely clinical reviews, agreed to provide me with additional training in the VB Mapp Assessment, of which I have limited experience. I feel personally supported and prepared to achieve clinical success for those we serve.”
Is there a professional accomplishment or success story of which you are especially proud?
“I have been working with a family for the previous ten months and, in that time, we have been able to transition the services directly to the parents. Direct staff are no longer required, as services consist entirely of parent training/consultation sessions. This was achieved through consistent parent training/consultation, as well as a focus on effective communication and implementation of wrap around services.”
What advice would you give to Behavioral Therapists who are considering earning a masters and becoming a BCBA?
“Work to advance your communication skills. Look toward the functions of behavior to provide you with answers to tricky questions. If you put in the time and planning, it will pay off. Graduate school may be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, but it may also be one of the more enlightening and fruitful as well.”
