1. Where do you call home?
I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I moved to Oakwood, Georgia, on June 2 to be closer to the man I love. I’ve been living in Georgia for a little over three months now.
2. How many years have you worked in the ABA field?
I’ve been working in the ABA field for almost 18 months. After getting my bachelor’s degree in child and family studies, I wanted to do something more than just work at a daycare or be a nanny. I had known I wanted to work with children on the autism spectrum for a while.
My 23-year-old cousin is on the autism spectrum. He is on the lower side of the spectrum. My husnand and I are also both on the spectrum. We are both on the higher end of the spectrum. I wanted to help others just as I have gotten help for things. Also, I find autism interesting: there’s not one person with autism who is alike.
3. How did you end up working for Applied ABC?
I have been working for Applied for 18 months. I had been working for Applied ABC for a little over a year in Tennessee before I moved to Georgia. I worked for the same family/child during that time. I now work with a set of twins here in Georgia, and I love it. Working in the ABA field is definitely not the easiest job, but it’s definitely not the hardest job either. I like it a lot, though!
4. What’s the most fulfilling part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a child get/understand something that they have been struggling to understand for so long. I love seeing the small progress in things. Also, I love being able to help the families. Although I am not a parent, I have seen my aunt and uncle struggle with my cousin at times. I know that it’s definitely not easy having a child with autism. It’s nice to be able to help the parents, not just the child.
5. How do you unwind after a long day?
After a long day, I like to come home and chill. I usually will either watch TV or play Mario on my Nintendo Switch. I am currently watching “The Bing Bang Theory” on HBO.
6. What are some interesting facts about you?
I married my best friend on November 25, 2023. I am also an aunt. My brother and his wife just had twins. I have two nieces and two nephews. Some other interesting facts about me are that I was adopted when I was six years old, I laugh a lot when I’m extremely tired, and I’m allergic to cats.
