Interview with Iva Parsons, BCBA

December 7, 2023

markl

Tell us a bit about your job as a BCBA. 

My role as a BCBA clinical supervisor is to advocate for the clients and their families based off of the client’s individual needs in order to achieve a meaningful life with socially significant behaviors. In addition, I am the BT’s supporter and assist in finding strategies and making modifications for the BT to successfully implement target/goals with our clients. Although I am continuously collaborating with the BTs, caregivers, and other professionals in the client’s life, one of my main priorities is that the client and overall team (BT, caregivers, etc.) are achieving a meaningful and enjoyable experience from services. 

 

What drove you to the BCBA profession?

 

Previously I was a BT in my early college years and I had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing BCBAS that supervised me. These BCBAs acted as my mentor and guided me along the way in which I was able to learn more about human behavior and how we could shape behaviors in order to make lives meaningful. The ABA language and style intrigued me very much and I decided that I too wanted to pursue my BCBA certification to make movement and impact in my community and of those around me. 

 

How do you balance your career and family? 

 

I think having routines and schedules is what I thrive from when it comes to balancing my career and family. Whether I am wearing my “working” or “mom” hat, I do my best to limit my distractions to ensure that I am fully present for myself and the individuals around me. Routines and schedules can create structure, but also good habits that turn into days, weeks, months, and years (which means progress!). I never miss a day where I don’t engage in story time with my two toddlers. 

 

How has Golden Care Therapy helped you  in your career development? 

 

Golden Care Therapy has been an absolute joy to be a part of! I have been able to connect with so many Golden Care Therapy staff members and they have been so supportive. Golden Care Therapy has taught me that we are able to provide quality services and reach many individuals that seek ABA therapy whether it be in-person and/or remote. One of the greatest attributes with Golden Care Therapy is that the staff has really been patient when it comes to barriers that arise and are willing to assist on problem solving together which I have carried over to my clients as well. Overall, I have been given many opportunities and learning opportunities (networking) with Golden Care Therapy. 

 

What advice do you have for prospective GCT candidates? 

 

Networking and communicating with your team and other GCT staff would be the best advice I could give. Our therapy services require us to seek out to other team members for support and learning opportunities so I think it is really amazing to be able to have that dynamic in order to be successful. 

 

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

I think one of the most challenging things as a BCBA is that families often have the view of “fast results”. This allows me the opportunity to disseminate ABA further and to teach families what ABA is about along with how each individual goes at their own pace. It is also a great opportunity to point out milestones that may be overlooked as “little progress”, but is still amazing progress for our clients!

 

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

 

I would tell my younger self that failure is opportunity for growth. 

 

What is the favorite part in your work as a BCBA?

 

My favorite part about being a BCBA is being able to connect with so many different individuals and to be able to assist or have the potential to change behaviors for a meaningful life.