Where do you call home?
I live in Hagerstown, Maryland. However, I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was great growing up in NC and now having the chance to live someplace new.
As a child, I loved hiking through the Smoky Mountains and enjoying the warm surf at our beautiful North Carolina beaches. I felt so fortunate to have the choice between the mountains or a trip to the beach when I wanted a quick getaway.
I now love living in Hagerstown, MD. The people here are so friendly, and the rolling countryside filled with horses is a nice change from the busyness of the city. We enjoy having my husband’s family nearby to get together with.
How many years have you worked in the ABA field?
I have worked in the ABA field for five years. Each year has come with incredible lessons that have further molded me into wanting to be the best possible therapist that I can be for every single child. My passion for this field has only intensified with numerous beautiful success stories.
I have also taught adults with autism at a day program, where I took them out into the community to experience many activities that each of us enjoys daily. Another colleague becoming a BCBA told me that I seemed to be everything he was learning about when it came to being a great RBT! It was very flattering to be identified as a role model.
How did you end up working for Applied ABC?
After deciding to become a behavioral technician, I chose to work for Applied ABC because I was attracted to the passion and kindness that the company held, which makes me very proud. I was so excited for the opportunity to get started in my new chosen career. I wanted to join a company that values my loyalty, dedication, and desire to grow.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your work?
The most fulfilling part of my work is seeing the progress made due to our ABA interventions and our efforts coming to life! It’s so gratifying to catch the first change any child that you and your BCBA enabled. It is great to make their lives a little easier and make a little more sense.
I love seeing the light come on in their eyes as soon as an intervention strategy connects. It’s incredible to watch the wheels turn in their brain. Seeing that happen always results in an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I feel lucky to be there, getting to experience the moment with them, especially when their mom and dad get to witness these special moments.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I do my best to let go of the stress and tension of the day by having a peaceful yoga session. I enjoy lighting fragrance candles and essential oils to bring aromatherapy into my yoga practice. My therapy dog, Bella, that I’ve trained myself, which I also love to do, is learning how to lay on my back because she always wants to be involved with my yoga.
I also enjoy meditation. It helps me find a place to relax and unwind fully. My favorite way to decompress is also taking my dog Bella (mi “Bebita”) out to play fetch outside (or inside) and cuddling her when we’ve gotten tired.
What are some interesting facts about you?
My principal asked me to be the motivational speaker at my high school graduation. I was the youngest poet to be published in my college.
I served in AmeriCorps in Delray, Florida, helping the underprivileged Spanish farmworkers coalition. I was chosen to be a preschool teacher and work with small children who were showing developmental delays of any kind. It was here that I became inspired to work with children with special needs.
I also love animals. I have had a half-king cavalier cocker spaniel, half-mini poodle named Bella since she was six weeks old. Outside of work, she is glued to my hip and comes and goes everywhere with my husband and me. I’ve been able to successfully train her to know how to be a great source of physical and emotional support to anyone who holds her. She’s my pride and joy.
I also have the most precious boy and girl cats named Romeo and Lima. Romeo is all-black, and Lima is a calico. All three of my babies are very needy, and love cuddles all the time. I love coming home to all of them running up to greet me.
I’ve always had a great interest in marine biology, and I’m very passionate about marine wildlife. I do my part to help conservation efforts in any way I can by raising awareness. I am a member of the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Florida, and I am fascinated with learning how dolphin trainers implement learning techniques and practices. Interestingly, they use reinforcement and reward schedules like those we use in ABA. It shows how impactful positive motivation and reinforcement are since I was once able to assist one of the trainers.
