When I joined Centria in the fall of 2019, I brought with me a background in daycare and nannying, but more importantly, I brought a passion. I have always been driven by the magic of helping a child reach a milestone—whether it’s their very first word or that transformative moment when they gain the self-confidence to beam and say, “I did it!” That smile, that spark of accomplishment, has been my “North Star” as I’ve navigated my career from the front lines of care to my current role in operations.
Laying the Foundation: The BT Years
I began my journey in ABA Therapy as a Behavior Technician (BT). It was in these early days that I learned the true weight of our mission. My first BCBA taught me the importance of a compassionate and calm approach—lessons I still carry today.
By 2020, I became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and stepped into a dual role as a Center Coordinator.
This was a pivotal shift. I was still working with children, but I began to find my voice in professional communication, learning how to bridge the gap between our work and our families and community stakeholders.
Strategic Leadership and Business Growth
In 2021, I advanced to Field Staff Manager, a role that challenged me to think about our impact on a larger scale. Overseeing five centers—Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Alma, and Lansing—meant I was responsible for the crucial “matchmaking” process. My focus was ensuring that incoming BTs were paired with clients in a way that allowed vital services to start promptly.
This role sharpened my business strategy; I spent my time visiting centers to ensure our teams felt supported, focusing on employee satisfaction by matching staff with opportunities that aligned with their interests, and deepening my understanding of our clinical foundations.
Operations with a Human Focus
In 2023, I was promoted to Operations Director. While my daily tasks have shifted toward the “how” of our organization, my “why” remains unchanged. In my current role, I collaborate closely with our Onboarding team to ensure every new BT who joins us has an exceptional experience from day one.
Throughout this leadership journey, I have been fortunate to have mentors who taught me a lesson I hold dear: always keep the care of people as the primary focus.
One of the things I love most about my current position is the ability to use my creative side. I thoroughly enjoy watching an idea come to life and witnessing the joy it brings to the children and my fellow team members.
My journey from a BT to an Operations Director hasn’t just been about moving up a ladder; it’s been about learning how to support our mission from every possible angle. Whether I’m in a center or behind a strategy deck, I am still that person who lives for the “I did it!” moments—for our clients, and for our team.
Redefining the ABA Career Path
Often in this field, we feel like the only way “up” is to pursue a BCBA certification. While the clinical route is vital, my journey has shown me that there are so many other ways to make a profound impact in ABA.
For those who love the mission but find themselves drawn to the “how” of the business—the logistics, the people management, and the growth—know that your time in the field is a superpower in the world of operations. You don’t have to follow a single traditional path to build a fulfilling and influential career here.
