06/02/2026
It’s and today we are introducing you to Teri. She joined our team in May 2022 and currently serves as our Registered Behavior Technician Manager. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Q: What inspired you to do the work you are currently doing at STS?
A: I have always loved working with children. They inspire me to see the world through their eyes and from their unique perspectives. My desire to work with children on the spectrum comes from wanting to help them navigate a world that does not always make accommodations for those who think differently. It is incredibly meaningful to support and learn from children whose strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world continue to teach me compassion, patience, and understanding every day.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: One of the most rewarding parts of my work is witnessing communication begin to emerge. Hearing a child who was once nonverbal start using words and eventually short sentences is an incredible experience. I also feel so much joy when a child learns to use picture exchange communication and is finally able to express their wants and needs instead of feeling frustrated. Moments like these are powerful reminders of how important connection and communication truly are. I especially value collaborating closely with our Speech-Language Pathologists and watching each child’s communication skills grow over time.
Q: What motivates you on tough days?
A: Some days can be very challenging. When a child you have worked closely with begins struggling with behaviors or experiences regression, it can feel discouraging and emotionally difficult. What carries me through those moments is the genuine love and connection I feel for each of my kids, along with the support and camaraderie of my coworkers. This work asks a great deal of all of us, and having a team that understands both the challenges and the victories makes all the difference. We share a strong sense of humor, support one another through the hard days, and often find ourselves laughing together about the beautifully unpredictable work we do.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?
A: My advice to someone considering in a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy would be to find an ethical clinic, like STS, and spend time observing sessions to truly understand the work and the impact it can have. If becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is your goal, I would strongly encourage starting as an RBT first. Having firsthand experience in that role provides valuable perspective, compassion, and understanding that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.
I would also encourage anyone entering this field to make self-care a priority. This work is deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Finding something that helps you recharge and care for yourself is essential in order to continue showing up fully for others. Learning how to care for yourself is an important part of being able to care well for the children and families who depend on you.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and cultures. I have always loved art and history, and one place I have dreamed of visiting is Pompeii in Italy. There is something fascinating to me about walking through places filled with so much history and learning about the lives of people from another time. While I am saving for that experience, I treasure spending time visiting my adult daughters and making memories with them. Those moments together are some of the most meaningful parts of my life.
