Meet Dr. Casey Nottingham, Senior Clinical Director of GentleCare’s ABA Services and Emily DuCoin, Director of Quality & Supervision in this team member spotlight.
“We are advocates for the people with whom we work each day.”
Dr. Casey Nottingham, PH.D., BCBA-D, Senior Clinical Director, ABA Services
1. What does being a BCBA mean to you?
To me, one of the most important defining features of being a behavior analyst who works with autistic children and adolescents is that, as BCBAs, we are advocates for the people with whom we work each day. Being a BCBA means that I get to work daily to learn about and create more inclusive practices and spaces within our field while using our understanding of behavior and learning to help others achieve their goals.
2. What do you love most about being a BCBA and/or how does this role impact you?
One of the things I love most about my role is working with clinicians in the field who are pursuing their certification. On the road to becoming a BCBA, we learn a lot of valuable information in our coursework and our fieldwork experience that we complete before sitting for the BCBA exam. I love being able to work with clinicians who are completing their fieldwork experience to talk about the science in practice, help them work toward their professional goals, and encourage a desire to continue learning and growing after certification.
3. What is one piece of advice you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in the field of ABA?
One thing that I would recommend for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field of ABA is to reach out and ask questions to as many clinicians in the field as possible. There is a wide range of experiences in the field and behavior analysis can be applied in so many different ways! If you’re getting started on a career in the field, take the time to develop a close, professional peer network. There will always be times when you need advice, support, and guidance in the field and having peers who you can reach out to when these times come up will be a very valuable resource!
Read Casey’s bio here.
“Being a BCBA means that I have the privilege of impacting the lives of children and their families.”
Emily DuCoin, M.S., BCBA, Director of Quality & Supervision
1. What does being a BCBA mean to you?
Being a BCBA means that I have the privilege of impacting the lives of children and their families. To do this, I strive to communicate effectively with the behavior technicians and families who I support, bridge communication gaps between related services providers, and facilitate ways to promote functional communication while working with the kids. I have so much respect for the parents who seek services for their children and individuals who work in this field; being a BCBA means supporting these awesome people!
2. What do you love most about being a BCBA and/or how does this role impact you?
Sometimes I have so much fun that I can’t believe this is a job! It is so important for kids that ABA is fun, and as a result, I have a good time, too. I love that I get to apply an individualized, creative problem-solving approach (that’s scientifically backed!) while working with kids and their families. If someone isn’t making progress, then it’s up to me to figure out how to teach them more effectively! Seeing the individuals I work with learn and apply new skills is the most rewarding part of being a BCBA.
3. What is one piece of advice you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in the field of ABA?
Find a company that provides behavior technicians and clients quality, in-person supervision from a BCBA. Ask about supervision practices during your interview! Just as importantly, find a company that makes you feel valued, because you deserve it.
Read Emily’s bio here.
Supporting families in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Camden, Mount Laurel, Gloucester, Deptford, Burlington, Marlton and throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties. We’re currently enrolling! Contact us to learn more and to get started.
