Featured image: Erick pictured with colleagues receiving a reward at Verbal Beginning’s 2026 Exhale Leadership Conference.
Erick Rivera’s journey at Verbal Beginnings (VB) began with a career change, and VB’s training helped him build the skills to thrive working with children. Today, he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supporting clients and coaching his own team of technicians. His path shows what can happen when a team member’s curiosity meets real support. Here’s how Erick grew his career at VB with help from Verbal Beginnings Academy (VBA).
A New Path After Grad School
Erick earned his master’s degree in Applied Sociology and started looking for his next step. His teaching experience came from working with college students. Working with kids was brand new to him.
When he found VB, he applied for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) role to see if it was a good fit.
“At first, I didn’t think I would like it,” Erick says. “But as I kept working, I started to enjoy being an RBT!”
Taking the Next Step With VBA
Erick’s next step came through Verbal Beginnings Academy (VBA). At VB, our mission is to change lives, and that includes the lives of our own team members. VBA gives our RBT’s access to the support and resources they need to grow in their ABA careers. Some team members are just getting started in the field, while others, like Erick, are ready to work toward becoming a BCBA. VBA offers different pathways to fit where you are, with experienced supervisors guiding you along the way.
What is Verbal Beginnings Academy?
Verbal Beginnings’ VBA integrates research-based supervisor training along with a technology solution to make each Trainee’s Supervised Fieldwork Experience individualized, organized, and effective. With locations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and DC, Verbal Beginnings Academy offers a practicum site that gives you the education, training and support to pass your BCBA exam.
Learning to Trust Himself
For Erick, the biggest lesson from VBA was confidence. His supervisors, Nikki Stewart and Michaela Rayor, had a simple rule. When he came to them with a question, they asked him to think of an answer first. This thinking encouraged him to think through possible solutions whenever he came to them with a question, helping him build confidence, strengthen his problem-solving skills, and recognize his own potential.
“This really helped me with critical thinking,” Erick says. “It prepared me for when I become a BCBA, because my supervisors will not always be around.”
That habit of thinking things through on his own now guides his work every day.
Erick pictured with his colleagues at a work event.
Support That Fits Your Schedule
Balancing training with client work can feel like a lot. VB makes it easier with a clear outline that shows when each training module is due.
He says the outline is a great tool for anyone who feels overwhelmed. It helps you build a schedule and stay on track.
The Moment It Clicked
As Erick began earning his supervised hours, he got a closer look at what BCBAs really do. That’s when he knew this could be a long-term career.
Life as a New BCBA
Erick has been a BCBA for two months. One of his clients now has two technicians, and he has already supervised each of them twice. As his caseload grows, his days are filled with supervision and case oversight. He also does school observations and family training.
His favorite part? Case oversight. “It is like RBT work with extra steps,” he says.
He admits the change is bittersweet. He misses playing with his clients every day. Still, he’s excited about his new role and the impact he can make as a BCBA.
Advice for Anyone Without an ABA Background
Erick knows what it’s like to start from scratch. He had no ABA experience when he joined VB as a Behavior Technician.
“This job is not easy,” he says. “But seeing the progress your clients make and the satisfaction from the families makes this job rewarding.”
VB in One Sentence
We asked Erick how he would describe VB to a future team member. His answer was simple:
“The staff at Verbal Beginnings is very welcoming!”
Grow Your Career at VB
Erick’s story is one of many at Verbal Beginnings. Whether you’re new to ABA or ready for your next step, VBA can help you get there. Explore open roles at VB and start building a career you love at the button below!
Do I need ABA experience to work at Verbal Beginnings?
No. Many of our team members, like Erick, start as Behavior Technicians with no ABA background. VB provides the training you need to get started.
What is Verbal Beginnings Academy (VBA)?
Verbal Beginnings Academy (VBA) is a program for VB team members who want to grow their careers in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). When you join VB as a Technician, you gain access to VBA and the support and resources you need to take your next step. If you are working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), VBA will help you get there with guidance from experienced supervisors along the way.
How do I qualify for VBA?
VBA is open to Technicians at Verbal Beginnings who want to grow their ABA careers. Each pathway has its own requirements, so the best first step is to talk with your supervisor. They can help you find the pathway that fits your goals.
How does VB help staff balance training and work?
VB gives each team member a clear outline of when training modules are due. This makes it easier to plan ahead and stay on track.
