I have always known I wanted to work with children. As the oldest of four — with two younger sisters 12 and 13 years my junior — caregiving has been part of my life from an early age.

I was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) early in my career, and during my very first week, I knew I had found where I belonged.

In my first shadow session, I observed an 8-year-old client working toward brushing his teeth independently — a goal his family had been targeting for nearly a year. As he carefully completed each step — turning on the faucet, applying toothpaste, brushing, rinsing — there was anticipation and hope surrounding him.

When he finished, he turned toward his parents with a proud, bright smile.

The room erupted — cheers, hugs, tears of joy.

It was the first time he had ever brushed his teeth independently.

But in the middle of that celebration, he became overwhelmed by the sudden noise and movement around him. What I witnessed next was just as impactful. The ABA therapist calmly stepped in, helping him regulate, de-escalate, and feel safe again. The joy of the milestone was real — but so were the barriers, the overstimulation, and the emotions that followed.

It was in that moment that I realized I didn’t just want to witness the wins — I wanted to be part of the entire journey. The ups and the downs. The breakthroughs and the setbacks. The celebrations and the skill-building that made them possible.

Today, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, I am committed to providing compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based care. My approach to ABA emphasizes:

Building strong, trusting relationships

• Collaborating closely with families

• Prioritizing meaningful, functional skill development

• Teaching coping and regulation skills alongside independence

• Fading support to promote long-term success

• Preserving dignity and joy throughout treatment

I believe progress isn’t defined only by major milestones — it’s built through small, consistent steps forward. And every step matters.

As a mother myself, I deeply understand that behind every goal and data point is a family doing their very best. This perspective shapes my approach — ensuring that treatment is not only effective, but compassionate and supportive of the whole family.