We sat down with this month’s Gold Star winner Michael Jaghab to discover what drives him as a Behavior Technician, what he likes about working for Golden Care Therapy, and what’s the best advice he’s ever been given.
What drove you to the ABA profession?
After I graduated high school, I needed a job. I began working for a family friend that had twin boys with autism. I thought it would only be for the summer. That summer turned into 15 years. Although they live in a residential, I still work with them from time to time. It was working with them that I learned about ABA therapy. I loved it so much that I began working in an ABA school after I graduated from Kean University in 2009. Currently, I work as a teacher at an ABA school in Monroe and I could not be happier.
How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?
Golden Care has helped me develop my communication skills with parents and co-workers. Working for Golden Care has also helped me think in ways to understand what is important, meaningful, and functional for each individual child.
What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates?
At times sessions can get difficult, and I think it is important to remain calm throughout. Also, always be ready to be flexible.
4) What do you find the most challenging in your work as an ABA?
I think knowing how and when to adapt your sessions to meet the needs of the client is the most challenging. What worked before may not work this time, and learning how to adapt on the fly can be difficult at times. However, for me, that is the fun part.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Always follow through. Follow through with the directions you give. Also, follow through with what you say to the parents because it helps build trust.
What is the favorite part of your work as an ABA/working for Golden Care?
I love working with the families and getting to know them. I also love working with different BCBA’s. I have had the opportunity to work with some great ones!
What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/ in your work as an ABA?
Working in ABA is not an easy job, and not everyone can do it. Coming to work every day, working with families, and helping their child achieve their goals are my proudest moments. Knowing that the families appreciate what you do makes me want to try harder for them. and that a skill you’ve worked on is working in the outside world is some of the best news you can get.
What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?
That it’s one of the best in the world! Every day is different, it’s never boring, and it is one of the more rewarding jobs you can have.
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.
