Number of Years in Current Role:
Less than one year
Number of Years with HMEA:
7 years
Number of years as BCBA:
3 years
Graduate Degree:
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Undergraduate Degree:
Merrimack College, Psychology
Interests/Hobbies:
Hiking
Running
Playing video games
TITLE: Regional Director – Central Massachusetts
What led you to want to earn your BCBA?
“I started my career as a residential counselor for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). During the first two weeks of training, we learned all about Applied Behavior Analysis techniques. After that, I was hooked! I knew that this was the career path I wanted to follow and my goal was to become a BCBA.”
What has been your career path to date from your first job to your current position?
“I started my career as a 1:1 residential counselor. After a year or so, I moved into a Lead Counselor position at the residential home where I worked. From there, I decided I needed a change of pace, and started at HMEA’s Darnell School as a Lead Classroom Assistant. At this point in time, I decided to go back to school to pursue my master’s degree and become a BCBA. Once I passed the certification exam and became a BCBA, I moved into the Behavior Specialist role at the school. From there, I advances to achieve my goal of being the Head Teacher of a classroom and I stayed in that position for over two years. Through my experiences at the Darnell School, I was able to acquire the necessary skills and build confidence in myself to transition to a role as a BCBA in HMEA’s Children’s Services division. After a few months of working in Children’s Services, I was promoted to the Regional Director position for Central Massachusetts. I plan on staying in this position for awhile. 😊”
What is a typical day like in your current role?
“I currently have a caseload of eight to nine clients and oversee the Central Massachusetts region. At the beginning of the week, I organize my schedule and plan out my week. On a typical day, I travel to clients’ homes to supervise staff, collaborate with parents and oversee the implementation of programs that I have developed. During the days I work from home, I analyze data, update treatment plans and programs, create materials and communicate with the team (e-mails, phone calls, etc.) and with staff and supervisors. My schedule has a lot of flexibility, so every day is different from the next.”
What are the things you like most about your current role? What excites you and motivates you professionally?
“The thing I like the most about my role is the collaboration. I like being involved and working together to solve problems or issues as they arise. Success and the overall happiness of the team are what motivates me.”
How did HMEA help you earn your master’s degree?
“HMEA helped me obtain my master’s degree by providing me with FREE supervision hours and tuition reimbursement.”
What do you like about working as a BCBA for HMEA?
“I like working at HMEA because they provide you with the skills that you need to be successful. I also have a solid group of people that I can reach out to for guidance and advice. This is just one of the reasons why I think HMEA is a great place for BCBA’s to work. On top of that, you are provided with a cell phone, a lap top, receive reimbursement for mileage, can obtain CEU’s to maintain your BCBA and you have the opportunity to work closely with other really talented BCBA’s.”
Is there a professional accomplishment or success story of which you are especially proud?
“There are too many success stories to narrow down just one when you are a BCBA at HMEA. I think in this position, there are so many moments and opportunities of which to be proud. It is a very fulfilling and rewarding career.”
What advice would you give to Behavioral Therapists who are considering earning a masters and becoming a BCBA?
“My advice to behavior therapists who are earning a master’s degree to become a BCBA would be ‘Don’t give up!’ Going through a master’s program, studying for the ‘big exam’ and preparing myself to become a BCBA was probably one of the most challenging experiences that I have ever had. Even if you don’t pass the exam the first time or feel like you can’t do it, just keep going. Being a BCBA is one of the most rewarding and impactful careers you could have. Having you, another BCBA in the field, can change the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
