When it comes to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, finding the right therapist is important. Ideally, you want to find a team who works well with your family and who really knows their stuff. At Innovative Behavior Options, we work with the best team out there. From our office staff to our registered behavior therapists (RBTs) to our board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), each member of our team values and cares about our clients and loves making a difference in your family life.
Today, we’re continuing our Staff Spotlight series! We’d like to introduce you to yet another of our outstanding BCBAs – meet Michelle!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! I’ve lived in Atlanta my whole life, and I’ve worked with people with special needs for about 12 years now, mainly in ABA. I began my career right after my undergraduate studies by working in Early Intervention.
After a few years in the field, I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education, including coursework in Positive Behavior Support. While finishing my Positive Behavior Support coursework, I became a dual certified teacher for grades preK-6. I was then recruited to be part of the teaching staff at a new private school in Atlanta, serving children on the autism spectrum and with related disorders.
I later left the school to work in a pediatric therapy center in ABA. There, I completed my certification hours to become a BCBA. After I was certified, I joined IBO to be part of the BCBA team here. I’ve now been part of the IBO team for about a year and a half!
What’s your official title? What is your role at IBO?
I provide in home therapy services to clients in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. As a BCBA, my role includes supervising a group of RBT’s; implementing behavioral assessments; designing treatment programs for clients in their homes, schools, and communities; and providing training and consultation for parents and caregivers.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There are no typical days for me! Every day is different and exciting. I commute to different locations daily to meet with clients and their teams all over metro Atlanta.
What interested you initially about this type of work?
I have always been interested in working with people with special needs, and with my undergraduate work in Psychology, ABA was the perfect fit for me!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It’s hard to say what I enjoy most because I enjoy so many parts of my job! I especially enjoy supervising therapists, meeting with parents, and learning how to help my clients grow and develop.
What puts a smile on your face?
Every single time a client learns a new skill, it puts a smile on my face!
If you’re interested in learning more about ABA therapy or working with one of our wonderful ABA therapists, like Michelle, check out our website or give us a call at 770-250-0093.