GCT: Hi Lauren! Can you tell me about what drove you to the ABA profession?
Lauren: I started working with individuals with disabilities back in high school. Once I got to college, I specifically began working more with people on the autism spectrum. I was a peer mentor at The College Support Program at Rutgers, where I peer mentored adults on the spectrum, those of which are still some of my best friends today. When I graduated with my Master’s in special education, I began teaching and fell in love with educating those on the spectrum. I started reading up on ABA and using many behavioral strategies in my classroom. As much as I enjoy working in my classroom, especially now that I teach ABA, I knew I wanted to be more involved! I found Golden Care and feel in love with in-home ABA therapy!
GCT: Wow! So how has Golden Care helped you in your career development?
Lauren: Working in GCT has provided me with experience and guidance to further enhance my practices. In addition to working as a behavior technician, I am also a teacher. I was working in a self-contained learning language disabled classroom, but this past year I made the switch to an ABA classroom. The direct consultations with my BCBA from golden care provide me with insights not only into my client, but into my practices in my classrooms. Things I experience with my client (who is older than my students) provide me with insight into what their futures hold. Further, working with my client and the staff at Golden Care makes my love for working with people on the autism spectrum grow continuously, and makes me want to continue pursuing a career related to ABA.
GCT: How do you balance your career and family?
Lauren: It’s definitely hard, as I’m juggling a lot- I’m getting married in June, have a gorgeous puppy, and hold down too jobs. The main thing is learning to compartmentalize. When I arrive for session, that’s where my brain is. I give my client my full attention because that’s what she deserves. Because I truly love my career, I am able to be completely happy when I am at work, and I arrive home and share that joy with my family. That is the only thing I let carry over between both, the happiness they each bring me!
GCT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Lauren: The best advice I’ve ever been given is simply to work hard. Working hard can help you learn and be good at any skill. It shows that you are willing to go above and beyond. It keeps your mind sharp and helps you grow as an employee and a person. I try to always live by this advice because I love the idea of being limitless, as long as you are willing to try.
GCT: What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?
Lauren: I wish people knew that my job always has a positive aspect. Even on a day that is more difficult or not quite as productive as it was meant to be, there is ALWAYS a reason to smile and to be proud of my client. It is so rewarding to see her make progress. Her success is my success and it is really remarkable to get to be a part of her story.
GCT: It is absolutely your success too! You can be proud of all the incredible work you do! We certainly are😊
If you’re interested in our services, you can find out more information about our in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey here. Or for job openings, you can view our ABA therapy jobs in NJ here.
