09/03/2026
Hannah Krause's journey with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began at ChildServe in the Autism Day Program and has come full circle as she now works toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
After earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa, Hannah was looking for a role that would challenge her and allow her to work with children in a new way. In 2020, she joined ChildServe's Autism Day Program, a decision that sparked a passion for serving children with autism.
"My supervisor at the time, Kara Pick, encouraged me to continue pursuing the field," Hannah shared. "After I moved away, I spent the next several years working with children in the autism community and discovered ABA. Even then, no other workplace compared to ChildServe and the community I experienced here."
That realization led Hannah back to ChildServe as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a clear goal: become a BCBA.
As soon as she returned, Hannah expressed interest in ChildServe’s ABA practicum program, eager to expand her knowledge and develop her clinical skills. One of her biggest takeaways has been seeing the flexibility and individuality of ABA in practice.
"ChildServe has taught me how diverse ABA can be," she said. "It's incredible to see how different approaches can be so effective for different children, helping each child reach their unique goals."
Throughout her journey, Hannah says the support from her ChildServe team has made all the difference.
"My leaders have been incredibly supportive from the time I started as an RBT through becoming a practicum student," she said. "After learning I was pregnant with my first baby, my leaders and coworkers were so understanding and supportive throughout my pregnancy and after returning from maternity leave. I couldn't have asked for a better team."
For those considering the ABA practicum program at ChildServe, Hannah offers this advice:
"Your practicum at ChildServe will teach you far more than the science and techniques of applied behavior analysis. You'll learn how to apply what you've studied in meaningful, everyday practice while growing tremendously as a professional. More importantly, it will shape you as a person. You'll develop deeper compassion and build lasting relationships with kids, families and colleagues. Those experiences will teach you lessons that no textbook ever could."
Interested in building your own career in ABA? Learn more about ChildServe's ABA careers and apply today: https://www.childserve.org/aba-careers-at-childserve/
Image: Hannah at ChildServe – Johnston.
