In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Emily Weihs and hear about the joy she finds in her job, why she is passionate about ABA, and the silver linings of working in a pandemic.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB?
One of my favorite parts of being a BCBA is teaching early communication skills. It’s so amazing to see how much increasing a child’s ability to communicate their wants and needs changes their life and their interactions with others. It’s so rewarding to see the joy that it brings them.
What’s the best part about working for VB?
The best part of being with VB has been the relationships I’ve established with other BCBAs and the support that I get from my co-workers. Having a support system around you is vital when starting out in this field and being a part of the VB Center gave me that. I’ve seen my colleagues and friends grow into amazing BCBAs who truly care about their clients.
How have you seen VB’s Core Values in action this last year?
This past year has been a uniquely challenging one for the staff and families of VB with the COVID-19 pandemic. We worked together to make the best of the situation and find ways to make sure our clients were still benefitting as much as possible from our services. We found silver linings in a difficult situation and used it as an opportunity to work on some new skills or really focus on the family and home dynamics.
What surprised you the most when you first started out at VB?
I started at VB over seven and a half years ago and was brand new to the field. Everything was so new to me I was constantly surprised by just how many areas of a client’s life ABA can influence and help. I came to VB knowing very little about the field and quickly found out that I loved it.
What keeps you coming back each day?
The smiles and joy on my clients’ faces keep me going. Seeing them open up and engage with people, play appropriately, and communicate effectively, is just such an amazing journey to be a part of. I also thrive off of the testimonies from my families about the changes they see at home. ABA is a career for passionate people who never want to stop improving and learning. It takes hard work, but you have the ABA family at VB to support you along the way. In the end, the part you are able to play in improving your clients’ lives makes it all worth it.
Want to join Emily and be part of the Verbal Beginnings Team? Check out our Careers page or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more!