Tell us a bit about your job as a BCBA. I have the privilege of working with a wide range of students across New York, spanning from those as young as 18 months to high school-aged individuals. My role includes tasks such as creating treatment plans, designing effective programs, conducting initial assessments, and exploring novel approaches to address behavioral issues. I love figuring out what makes each individual unique and how we can take their strengths and help them become the best version of themselves.
What drove you to the BCBA profession? After I graduated from college with an undergraduate degree in Speech in 2000, I got a job working for an agency that provided speech and ABA services. I had never even heard of ABA but after my first training, I was hooked. I began reading and researching everything I could and eventually I discovered that I could actually get my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. When I set out to find a supervisor there were only 2 BCBAs in a 100 mile radius! Only 1 responded and she took me under her wing and taught me everything she knew.
How do you balance your career and family? I try to work the most when my children are in school or in their after-school activities.
How has Golden Care helped you in your career development? Golden Care has provided me with a really cool opportunity to further my career. I was working long hours in a clinic about 45 minutes from my home and started with Golden Care for some extra money to pay for my children’s wildly expensive activities! Soon after I began, I realized that I could open my own small private agency where I provide school consultations, parent training and social skills groups and continue supervising behavior techs and providing insurance-based services through Golden Care. This way I have the best of everything!
What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates? Ask questions! Everyone I have met with has been so open, so willing to help and so willing to support!
What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA? The most challenging part is staying organized enough to get all my tasks done efficiently.
What drew you to Golden Care originally? And how has Golden Care changed since? When I interviewed with the Golden Care team everyone was so positive and welcoming. I feel that problems are always tackled immediately, and new policies are constantly be put in place to protect both employees and the clients we serve. I always feel supported. I really love all the new graphics containing important information!
What have you gained from working at Golden Care? I love meeting families from different areas of New York. It’s cool to see how other BCBAs address problem behaviors and teach new skills.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? My dad taught me to look at the world with an open heart and without judgement. He always saw the spark in people and showed me that you can do anything you want if you just believe in yourself and put in the effort.
What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self? You can do it and you will do it.
What is the favorite part in your work as a BCBA/ of working for Golden Care? I absolutely love being a BCBA. I enjoy making connections with families and really helping them to learn how to help their children and themselves without judgement. I love that I get to empower behavior techs with the skills to change lives.
What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/ in your work as a BCBA? I can’t say I have a “moment” but I do love the feeling when a parent tells me that they listened to what I was saying and it changed their lives.
What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job? While I love it , it can be draining at times! You need to be able to find that balance so that you can provide the best support to the families and behavior techs you work with and to yourself and your family!
What does the day to day of your job look like? I put my kids on the bus and head to my office. I check my emails and my schedules, and the list is things I need to get done. During the day I typically provide parent training, school consults, make materials to send out to families, type up assessments and review programs and notes. I go home, get my children off the bus, bring them to their activities and then log on to my supervision cases!
