When Sarah joined Verbal Beginnings, she wasn’t just looking for a new job — she was searching for a company that truly meant what it said about valuing people. After years in the corporate recruiting world, she found herself craving authenticity, balance, and purpose. Six months later, as a Talent Acquisition Sourcer, Sarah has found all that and more. Her story is one of rediscovering joy in work, finding alignment with personal values, and realizing that success isn’t measured solely by titles or paychecks — but by how supported and understood you feel along the way.
How did you get to Verbal Beginnings? What was your first role here?
How did you get to Verbal Beginnings? What was your first role here?I joined Verbal Beginnings almost six months ago after leaving a large corporate staffing agency, where I worked as a Senior Recruiting Director staffing Special Education programs in inner cities for several years. I was looking for a company where I could feel honest about the message I was sending out — one that truly values its people. What drew me to Verbal Beginnings was that it’s BCBA-led and genuinely cares about its staff. Funny enough, the role I interviewed for wasn’t the one I was offered — but it turned out to be my dream recruiting job. As a millennial, social media is my wheelhouse, and now I get to use it every day as a Talent Acquisition Sourcer to connect amazing BCBAs with a company I really believe in.
What did you find different as you got settled in your new role? What stood out?
In my last role, I was expected to always be “on” — juggling constant meetings, working while sick, and pushing through burnout. Here, it’s completely different. As someone with ADHD, my social boundaries are respected, and I’m in a role where I can genuinely thrive. It’s refreshing to work somewhere that understands you can’t pour from an empty glass — and that money isn’t everything.
I also think there’s something powerful about being part of a company that focuses on doing good rather than just profiting. When you lead with that mindset, the success naturally follows.
What would you say is the number one way you have changed as a person as a result of your time with Verbal Beginnings?
Honestly, I’d say the biggest change is that I feel happy. I feel genuine in the work that I do and confident that I’m making a positive difference. There’s something really fulfilling about being part of a company whose mission aligns with your own values — it’s changed the way I show up both professionally and personally. Without the constant feeling of burnout and pressure to always be “on,” I’ve even been able to start volunteering in my community with a local cat rescue, which has brought me immense joy.
What would you say to other professionals who feel stalled or stumped with their own growth in the field? What advice would you give them?
I think a lot of times, when BCBAs—or really any professional—start to feel burned out, it’s because they’re working against their own values. They see things happening daily that don’t feel right but push them aside because it’s easier to stay comfortable or avoid conflict, which I completely understand.
When I staffed BCBAs in inner cities, I saw them being given no resources and asked to manage enormous caseloads. That’s not right for anyone involved. I stayed at a company I thought I could change, until one day I woke up and realized it had changed me.
My advice would be this: growth and happiness often start when you allow yourself to be a little uncomfortable for a while, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing.
Seriously, what’s your favorite workday snack?
This is a hard one– but I think sweet potato chips!
