Category: Gold Star

GCT: Hi Stephanie! Can you tell us about what drove you to the ABA profession?

Stephanie: Working in a school district has taught me a great deal over the years. Most importantly it helped me realize how rewarding ABA is and I wanted to make more of a difference. In a district we are faced with so many hurdles such as overworked and understaffed so even our best doesn’t seem to be enough. ABA seemed lime the best way to make a difference.

GCT: What does the day to day of your job look like?

Stephanie: My day is a blur usually. With my ABA clients I usually work anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours in a session depending on the day and the client’s mood. Somedays we get through 3 programs and spend lots of time teaching the challenging programs and other days we can work through 10 programs. I can tell you one thing for sure; every day is different! But whatever the days is like, working with my clients brings challenging days as well as many smiles. Every time a client masters a task or progresses in the smallest way fills me with pride.

GCT: What do you find the most challenging in your work as an ABA tech?

Stephanie: Working through the challenges. Some programs gained mastery in a few short days and others take a tremendous amount of time. Finding the patience to not give up when a program becomes difficult can be challenging. I have to remind myself to breath deep and push through it

GCT: How do you balance your career and family?

It has its challenges. I am a workaholic, so I spend a lot of time away from my family, but we make it work. Honestly, I try not to think about it because I am away from my kids so much.

GCT: What have you gained from working at Golden Care?

Stephanie: I have gained so much knowledge from the awesome BCBA’s I have worked with. Pranali and Megan are two of the best BCBA’s I have worked with. I am fortunate enough to work with them and learn from them.

GCT:  What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates? 

First and foremost, develop a relationship with all that you worked with. The client, the family, and your BCBA. You cannot be successful without the support of the BCBA and the family.

GCT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Stephanie: Be yourself. Be kind always. Take time for yourself. You get what you give, so always give your best.

Thanks, Stephanie! We are amazed always by your dedication to the GCT team. Thank you!

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.

GCT: Hi Lauren! Can you tell me about what drove you to the ABA profession?

Lauren: I started working with individuals with disabilities back in high school. Once I got to college, I specifically began working more with people on the autism spectrum. I was a peer mentor at The College Support Program at Rutgers, where I peer mentored adults on the spectrum, those of which are still some of my best friends today. When I graduated with my Master’s in special education, I began teaching and fell in love with educating those on the spectrum. I started reading up on ABA and using many behavioral strategies in my classroom. As much as I enjoy working in my classroom, especially now that I teach ABA, I knew I wanted to be more involved! I found Golden Care and feel in love with in-home ABA therapy!

GCT: Wow! So how has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

Lauren: Working in GCT has provided me with experience and guidance to further enhance my practices. In addition to working as a behavior technician, I am also a teacher. I was working in a self-contained learning language disabled classroom, but this past year I made the switch to an ABA classroom. The direct consultations with my BCBA from golden care provide me with insights not only into my client, but into my practices in my classrooms. Things I experience with my client (who is older than my students) provide me with insight into what their futures hold. Further, working with my client and the staff at Golden Care makes my love for working with people on the autism spectrum grow continuously, and makes me want to continue pursuing a career related to ABA.

GCT: How do you balance your career and family?

Lauren: It’s definitely hard, as I’m juggling a lot- I’m getting married in June, have a gorgeous puppy, and hold down too jobs. The main thing is learning to compartmentalize. When I arrive for session, that’s where my brain is. I give my client my full attention because that’s what she deserves. Because I truly love my career, I am able to be completely happy when I am at work, and I arrive home and share that joy with my family. That is the only thing I let carry over between both, the happiness they each bring me!

GCT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Lauren: The best advice I’ve ever been given is simply to work hard. Working hard can help you learn and be good at any skill. It shows that you are willing to go above and beyond. It keeps your mind sharp and helps you grow as an employee and a person. I try to always live by this advice because I love the idea of being limitless, as long as you are willing to try.

GCT: What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?

Lauren: I wish people knew that my job always has a positive aspect. Even on a day that is more difficult or not quite as productive as it was meant to be, there is ALWAYS a reason to smile and to be proud of my client. It is so rewarding to see her make progress. Her success is my success and it is really remarkable to get to be a part of her story.

GCT: It is absolutely your success too! You can be proud of all the incredible work you do! We certainly are😊

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.

GCT: Hi Gina! Can you tell me about what you like most in your work as a BCBA?

Gina: I love seeing families become more confident in meeting the needs of their children because of the work we do with them.

GCT: Yes, it’s amazing! What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

Gina: I find that people who are not BCBAs, do not understand the complexity of the work we do. FBA’s cannot be rushed, multiple observations are warranted, and BIPs and treatment protocols need time to work before they are revised.

GCT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Gina: To not forget the big picture. Sometimes we spent do much time focusing on a specific skills or limitation. Less is more. One effective intervention is better than multiple inconsistent ones.

GCT: Can you tell me about your proudest moment at GCT?

Gina: One moment that I will treasure always while working for Golden Care, is getting a text from a parent who shared that they went out to dinner for the first time as a family, and it went well. That to me is why I do what I do.

GCT: What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?

Gina: Take things one day at a time and hope that each day is more productive than the one before.

GCT: Love that! You’re a mom, and a professional too…how do you balance your career and family?

Gina: My children love that I love helping families and working with children, so they support my work, which makes me feel less guilty.

GCT: Thanks for your time Gina! We feel so fortunate to have such an experienced and dedicated BCBA like you on your team!

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.

We sat down with this month’s Gold Star winner Leon Yin to discover what drives him as a BCBA, what he likes about working for Golden Care Therapy, and what’s the best advice he’s ever been given.

Tell us a bit about your job as a BCBA

I see my job as creating a collaborative environment between BCBA, tech, and parents so that the client can benefit from the involvement of all parties.

What drove you to the BCBA profession?

I began my career as a special ed/ABA teacher over a decade ago. I became a BCBA so I could have the education and credentials to better serve my students.  As a BCBA and teacher, I am able to observe my students everyday and get a better overall picture.

How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

The flexible schedule allows me to work and at the same time finish graduate school.

What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

Working with other professionals who use non-evidence based interventions.

What have you gained from working at Golden Care?

CGT provides a supportive working environment that allows me to be able to concentrate on providing the best service to my clients.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t talk so much when working with people with communication deficits.

What is the favorite part of your work as a BCBA/ of working for Golden Care?

My interactions with the clients.

What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/ in your work as a BCBA?

Seeing kids learn new skills and having parents realize their kids’ potential.

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 BCBA therapy jobs NJ here.

Hi Jennifer! Can you tell us a bit of what drove you to the BCBA profession? 

I did not know about ABA until my last year in college. Originally, I was a behavior neuroscience major in college and switched over to Psychology on my last year because I feel in love with a particular class “Developmental Disabilities”, from there I did my senior internship at Princeton Child Development Institute and that is where I learned about this profession. I immediately feel in love and applied for my masters that following semester. And here I am now.

What drew you to Golden Care originally? And how has Golden Care changed since?

I love accessibility and the support from the staff and office. I love that I can pick up the phone and have meaningful conversations with the office staff. Although I am not physically working in the office, there is always a sense of belonging when I interact with them.

How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

Working with GCT gave me more confidence to become more independent and freer to just ask for help. As BCBA’s, we usually have the feeling that since we passed that big exam, we should “know it all” and usually that is not the case. When I first started with Golden Care, I remember Estee spending a whole HOUR! just walking me through how to use catalyst. I felt that this was the support I was looking for all along.

What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

Managing my time, making sure that the stress of scheduling does not consume me. Most of our cases as in Home BCBA’s are after school hours, which in a way restricts us from having an able time frame to choose from.

How do you balance your career and family?

It is something that I am still working on, however, I try my best to work hard during the week and have a relaxing and meaningful family time during the weekends.

What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?

Your change in career was one of the best decisions you would ever make.

Thank you, Jennifer! Pleasure speaking with you, and we feel so fortunate having you on our team!

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.

GCT: Hi Nicole, please tell us a bit about your job as a BCBA.

ND: I’ve been a behaviorist in schools as well as in the home. When I make suggestions for children, whether it’s in the home or in school, not only do I utilize strategies that have been proven successful, but I also make sure they can be implemented within that setting and that they’re appropriate for the child. I enjoy doing assessments because you really learn a lot about each child and their family, but I also love watching children interact with their therapists and seeing relationships being built.

GCT: What drove you to the BCBA profession?

ND: I started as a paraprofessional for students with autism. It was so interesting and rewarding for me. I had my certificate in general education but immediately started looking into becoming a BCBA after working with amazing behaviorists at the school for students with autism.

GCT: How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?  

ND: I’ve learned so much about the assessment procedure since I started at Golden Care and more about insurance and billing. I’ve met so many helpful and supportive people.

GCT: What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates?  

ND: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be open minded and flexible. Also, if you don’t have passion for this field and a desire to learn more, then it may not be the right field for you. I feel that in order to enjoy and succeed in this field, you must start out invested because you’re working with someone’s child and you need to be patient and committed.

GCT: What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

ND: Ensuring continuity and consistency between sessions and within the home can be very challenging.

GCT: What drew you to Golden Care originally? And how has Golden Care changed since?

ND:  I found the posting and as soon as I met with the director, I was drawn in by how organized and supportive the staff were. There is always someone willing to answer questions and assist in solving problems.

GCT: What have you gained from working at Golden Care?

ND: I’ve gained more knowledge and confidence in this field and I’ve been able to work with amazing staff and families, and watch children grow and make progress.   

GCT: What is the favorite part in your work as a BCBA/of working for Golden Care?
ND: I love studying behavior. I love figuring out what a child needs or developing an intervention and seeing it make a difference. I love when a child masters a new skill or the pride on their parents’ faces. And I love making a connection with a parent and the look of happiness on their face when they feel understood.

GCT: What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/in your work as a BCBA?

ND: Receiving this award, it means so much to be recognized.

GCT: What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?

ND: I wish people realized how much of an emotional investment it is. You don’t forget about the cases when you’re at home. And every child is different. No intervention or recommendations are identical because there are so many factors in each case that affect how a child learns and grows.

GCT: What does the day to day of your job look like?

ND: I’m a fulltime teacher in a behavioral disabilities class. So usually, I’m teaching all day and then I transport my children where they need to be while I attend a case and then come home and care for my family before I go to bed and do it all over again. But my career is very fulfilling and I know I am doing exactly what I am meant to do.

GCT: How do you balance your career and family? 

ND: This field is very flexible and I have a supportive husband and family that watch my children when I need them to.

GCT:  What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

ND: To have confidence in myself.

GCT: Thank you for your time Nicole and congratulations again on being January’s Golden Star Award winner. Please keep up all the great work that you do, we really appreciate everything you do for our clients.

If you would like more information on autism resources for families in New Jersey, visit our blog directory. Or if you would like to find out more about the ABA services we provide to children with autism, you can get in touch here.

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.

We sat down with this month’s Gold Star winner Rebecca Lasoski to discover what drives her as a Behaviour Analyst, 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 knew nothing about ABA when I entered the field as a direct support professional. I had just graduated college with a fine arts degree and decided I didn’t want to pursue a career in art therapy so I took a direct care job in a neurobehavioral stabilization unit quickly learning about ABA. It was one of the hardest jobs I had ever worked, but I loved it. I felt like I finally found what I wanted to be when I grow up.

How do you balance your career and family?

Consulting has been a blessing for me when it comes to balancing family and a career. Prior to having kids, I was working full time as a BCBA in a residential setting, and work was my daily motivator. I loved going in every day and giving it my all. After having my first son and realizing all of his needs, I really struggled with finding a balance and not having mom or career guilt. After some soul searching I realized I needed to find something that would allow me to be the best I could be as a mom and a BCBA, which meant taking the leap and being a full-time mom and part-time BCBA.

How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

Golden Care has allowed me to keep my feet wet with consulting and gain an understanding of the insurance world, while I was working full time in a residential setting. This helped a lot as I took the leap to leave my full-time job and just do consulting.

What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

I find some of the challenging parts of being a BCBA related to clients and behavior change to be what keeps me going and stimulated as a professional. However, keeping up with the constant changes in insurance requirements is one of the more frustrating challenges.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t overcomplicate it. Sometimes the smallest intervention can produce the biggest change. 

What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?

Celebrate the small accomplishments, behavior change and skill acquisition take time.

What is your favorite part of your work as a BCBA/ of working for Golden Care?

I love being able to work with parents and motivate them to be a part of the behavior change process. I feel as though my job sometimes is half behavior analyst and half motivational speaker, but obtaining the buy-in of parents is so rewarding.

What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job? 

We don’t analyze the behavior of everyone we encounter.

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.

What drove you to the ABA profession?

While working in the public-school setting and utilizing ABA therapy techniques with children with special needs, I realized how positive reinforcement and education combined, can bring confidence and a true desire to learn.

How do you balance your career and family?

I am fortunate to have an understanding and supportive family. While encouraging me to maintain my commitments to my job, they also help out with the daily commitments of the household. Teamwork!

How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

Working for Golden Care has given me the opportunity to use my skills with my students and their families. In a school environment, I wasn’t able to truly experience the rewards of watching a family embrace the joy of their child’s success.

What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates?

Prospective Golden Care candidates should always be open to new ideas. Good listening skills is a must while keeping your mind open to learn all you can! Lastly, do your best to keep all your commitments.

What do you find the most challenging in your work as an ABA?

The most challenging aspect of my job is turning off the switch at the end of the evening. Sometimes giving your mind a rest is the best thing but the hardest to do.

What have you gained from working at Golden Care?

I have gained creativity as I research different and unique ways to achieve goals.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I was ever given was not to judge someone’s reaction to things or their attitude, for we do not know the battle they are fighting.

What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?

Never stop learning.

What is the favorite part in your work as an ABA/ of working for Golden Care?

My favorite part of my work is all of my work. I have such a rewarding job being on the Golden Care Team. I look forward to every aspect of each session.

What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/ in your work as an ABA?

My proudest moment was hearing my nonverbal student speak!

What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?

I truly wish people knew how the nature of the job makes me who I am. Working with such an amazing child and their family has brought more to me in every aspect of my life than I could ever give to them.

GCT: Thanks so much for your time Donna, and for sharing your insights on what makes you such a great ABA therapist. And thanks for being a valuable member of our team, delivering ABA therapy to children! We really appreciate all you do for our clients!

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.

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.

GCT: Hi Krista! Can you tell me more of what drove you to the BCBA profession?  

Krista: I started out as a teacher for students with Autism and got to work closely with BCBAs who consulted in my classroom. I appreciated their systematic and effective approach to teaching, and quickly decided that I wanted to become a BCBA to strengthen my teaching practice and better serve my students.

GCT: What does the day to day of your job look like?

Krista: Something that I love about this job is that no two days are ever the same!  I spend time working directly with children and families, providing support and training to therapists, collaborating with other BCBAs, conducting assessments, writing treatment plans, creating teaching materials, and researching new treatment protocols just to name a few. Every day is an adventure!

GCT: What do you find the most challenging in your work as a BCBA?

Krista: For me, the most challenging part of the job is also what I find most rewarding. Since each client and family is unique with specific goals, learning styles, and needs, each treatment plan needs to be highly individualized. It can be very challenging to figure out the best approach for each client and family, but once I do, it’s a great feeling!

GCT: What drew you to Golden Care originally? And how has Golden Care changed since?

Krista: I was originally drawn to Golden Care by the supportive and collaborative work environment.  From the beginning I have been given ongoing support and guidance, which makes me better as a BCBA, which in turn results in more effective treatment for clients.

GCT: What is the favorite part in your work as a BCBA/ of working for Golden Care?

Krista:  My favorite part of my work as a BCBA is helping kids learn. I especially enjoy teaching communication and social skills.

GCT: How do you balance your career and family?

Krista: It is definitely a challenge to achieve a balance.  As much as possible I try to stay in the moment and give my full attention to whatever I’m doing at the time. I am fortunate that I have a fairly flexible schedule as a BCBA, and am able to plan my work and family commitments around each other.

GCT: Thanks so much for your time, Krista, and thanks for being such a valuable member of our team! We so appreciate all you do for our clients!

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.