How has your career evolved since you started in the behavioral health field?

I started my career as a School Psychologist. My first professional job was in a very large, urban school district. I worked at three schools (one elementary, one middle and one high school). My role was primarily conducting educational evaluations to determine if a student needed special education services. After a few years I realized I wanted to be more involved with students and be able to provide more than test scores to help develop meaningful programming that could affect positive change. I stumbled into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the related technologies used in a school setting. Eventually, I went back to school to become a BCBA and subsequently to earn a PhD in School Psychology with a focus on behavior and intervention. I’m now able to work more broadly with families, helping parents as well as children, addressing concerns and behavior issues so children can thrive and parents feel supported.

What excites you most about your role at Shine Bright?

I’m excited to have the opportunity to use my background in assessment, ABA, and clinical practice to provide compassionate, value-driven services to clients. It’s the focus on Client Experience that I find compelling and enthusiastic about my role with Shine Bright.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

Professionally, I’ve become more familiar with PEAK Comprehensive Assessment, the tool Shine Bright will use to develop treatment plans for clients as well as monitor their progress. I also recently attended a professional development event and learned more about seizure disorders.

What’s one piece of advice you always give to new members of staff?

Ask questions! About anything! Asking is important for understanding and clarifying. It also shows you’re processing and curious. Asking questions to get to know colleagues is also a great team-building activity.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to do projects around my house. I’m currently painting the interior, room by room, and learning about gardening and native plants and plant-care as I work on the yard. I also love to play with my dog (she is frisbee-obsessed!), travel, and spend time with family and friends.