We sat down with this month’s Gold Star winner Megan Domzalski to discover what drives her as a BCBA, what she likes about working for Golden Care Therapy. and how she manages her work-life balance
What drove you to the BCBA profession?
I’ve always been interested in working with individuals with different needs. As an education major, I was placed in a variety of different settings and schools. One of my most memorable experiences was the opportunity to teach for the Delaware Autism Program. This experience sparked my interest in the science of behavior which soon turned into a passion. I spent 7 years teaching in self-contained ABA classrooms and made the decision to go back for my BCBA to make myself a better educator and advocate for my students and their families.
How do you balance your career and family?
If this career has taught me anything about balance, it’s how important it is. I’ve never been one to “leave work at work”. This last year, becoming a new mom has taught me how even more difficult balance can be, but that it is absolutely crucial. My husband and I have been able to work out a schedule so I am able to see my clients on a regular basis and ensure that I am able to be what they need, all the while being what our family needs as well! (And lots of coffee!)
How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?
A few years ago when I began working for Golden Care Therapy, it was my first leap into building my career as a BCBA. Golden Care has allowed me to grow and learn as a BCBA by supporting my professional style and goals. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of different clientele, administrative staff, and behavioral technicians, who have each brought something different to the table for me.
What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?
I think one of the most challenging pieces of this career is that it’s not always understood or respected as an actual science. Because there are no “quick fixes” for behavior or “short cuts” for learning, it can be difficult to explain to other professionals or families the science behind ABA therapy and that consistency and time are essential for change.
What have you gained from working at Golden Care?
I feel working for Golden Care has absolutely helped to improve my confidence as a BCBA. Conferring with my colleagues has strengthened my communication skills with families and other professionals. Golden Care also provides feedback, positive and constructive, which has improved my report and program writing as well.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
When you meet one individual with autism, you meet one individual with autism.
What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?
There is ALWAYS more to learn and ALWAYS room to grow personally and professionally.
What’s the favorite part of your work as a BCBA/ of working for Golden Care?
One of my favorite parts of my job working for Golden Care is being able to work with families and watch caregivers and clients grow.
What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?
To someone unfamiliar with this field, it may seem as if BCBAs have little emotional connection to clients or their families because we are often looked at as “tough as nails!”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This is the nature of the job, however, determination and consistency are two of the most powerful pieces of behavioral science (aside from reinforcement, of course). I wish others knew how emotionally invested BCBAs are in their career. The amount of time dedicated to ensuring that programs and interventions are catered to the various and ever-changing needs of my families is truly immeasurable.
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.
