At Verbal Beginnings, every team member has a story — one shaped by growth, opportunity, and a shared sense of purpose. For Eddie Collins, that story began with a leap of faith. After a decade in the fast-paced world of movie theatre management, he was searching for something more meaningful — a career that made a real difference. That search led him to an Office Manager position at Verbal Beginnings’ Millersville Center, where a new chapter began. What started as curiosity about a new field quickly turned into a journey of professional development, personal discovery, and a deep connection to the mission of helping others thrive.
How did you get to Verbal Beginnings? What was your first role here?
After 10 years with AMC Theatres, I found myself searching for a role where I could feel a true sense of purpose. I logged into Indeed, and the first job that caught my eye was an Office Manager position at VB’s’ Millersville center. At the time, I had no idea what ABA was. While I brought years of leadership experience to the table, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect in this new environment. Still, I took a leap of faith and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved my time as an Office Manager. I wanted to create an environment in which individuals felt valued and supported. And, let’s be honest, no one’s ever upset with the person handing out snacks!
Tell us about what you do now!
After serving as office manager for Millersville for 6 months, I got promoted as a center scheduling coordinator. For roughly a year, I was in charge of the schedules for our Millersville, Rockville, and Columbia centers. Talk about learning time management!
Currently, I serve as an Operations Coordinator at one of our Columbia centers, where I have the absolute honor and privilege of supporting and advocating for the incredible Behavior Technicians and Registered Behavior Technicians across the Rain (Forest) habitat. I’m also a proud member of the DEI Council, which has been an absolute blast and an amazing opportunity for meaningful collaboration.
That’s quite a journey! How did Verbal Beginnings’ internal programs and values help you grow and advance as a professional?
One internal program that had a major impact on my professional growth is called Everest. Being part of that program gave me the opportunity to connect with incredible mentors who not only guided me, but also challenged me to reflect on my goals and values. Through Everest, I gained a deeper understanding of what I wanted out of my career at Verbal Beginnings and, just as importantly, what VB needed from me. It helped me grow in confidence, communication, and clarity around my purpose. It wasn’t just about advancement, it was about alignment, and that made all the difference.
Because of Everest, I also identified a possible return to finish my bachelor’s degree and I’m happy to share that I’ll be graduating in May 2026 with a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology!
I’ve also found that when values are truly shared by leadership, they become more than just words. Seeing those values consistently reflected in both center and senior leadership gave me the confidence to grow and build on my own skill set. It reinforced the kind of professional I strive to be and made me feel even more connected to the mission.
What would you say is the number one way you have changed as a person as a result of your time with Verbal Beginnings?
Not working weekends and holidays has been absolutely life-changing! As a former GM of a movie theatre, weekends and holidays are the busiest times so there isn’t always an opportunity for a work-life balance. Having that balance has made a huge difference in my overall well-being and happiness.
But beyond the schedule, my time at Verbal Beginnings has truly transformed how I approach myself and my work. I’ve learned to be more compassionate, not just toward others, but toward myself. I’ve given myself the grace to make mistakes, learn from them, and find my own unique path within the organization. That mindset shift has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally in ways I never expected.
I am deeply grateful to Verbal Beginnings for all it has given me- the opportunities, the support, and the sense of belonging. It’s my sincere hope that I am making a meaningful return on that investment, contributing in ways that reflect the trust and faith this organization has placed in me.
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?
First and foremost: find your people. Having a support system, whether it’s coworkers, mentors, or peers, can make a huge difference when you’re feeling stuck. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, challenge you, and remind you of your worth. Growth is hard to do in isolation, but it thrives in community.
Second, don’t be afraid to set healthy boundaries and raise concerns when something doesn’t feel right. Sometimes we stall because we’re overextended or trying to push through challenges without the right support. Advocating for yourself, whether that’s about workload, clarity in your role, or something cultural, is not only valid, it’s essential. The key is learning how to raise those concerns appropriately and constructively. Approach those conversations with curiosity, clarity, and a solutions mindset. Most of the time, leadership wants to help but they can’t support what they don’t know.
Lastly, give yourself permission to explore new paths. Growth doesn’t always mean a straight climb up a ladder. Sometimes it looks like stepping into a different role, joining a new committee, shadowing a teammate, or even just asking questions about areas of the field you haven’t considered. Every experience adds value, even the ones that don’t become permanent.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ve reached your limit. It’s often a sign that it’s time to realign, refocus, and take that next brave step.
Seriously, what’s your favorite workday snack?
I love tootsie rolls and starburst! If you are ever at our Columbia center, swing by my office and grab some! 😀
