When Brook Bachi started her career as a behavior technician, she wasn’t prepared for what she would witness.
Her clients - children on the autism spectrum - arrived with little ability to communicate and, in some cases, severe behaviors. Then, slowly, things began to change.
“I wanted to help people, so I became a behavior technician. And the clients that I was working with had little to no communication. They had severe behaviors such as biting. And after following a behavior intervention plan over time, we saw the clients start to communicate. We saw the behaviors disappear. And so that led me to want to take the next step in my education and become a BCBA,” said Bachi, now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with MetroEHS.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is an evidence-based therapeutic practice designed to teach new skills and reduce problematic behaviors in individuals with autism. The field is expanding rapidly, and companies like MetroEHS are looking for compassionate, energetic professionals to join their teams.
Ashlei Lewis, also a specialist with MetroEHS, said the job demands a particular kind of person - someone who can stick with it when the days get hard.
“The top two are patience and playfulness because some days are hard, but the people who have patience, they’re able to keep a positive mindset and a positive attitude through those tough moments to get to the other side,” Lewis said.
She added that results do not come instantly. “This is a therapy that takes time. New skills don’t develop overnight, but with consistency and intensity, you will see the progress.”
MetroEHS differentiates its approach through play. Rather than a clinical, structured setting, sessions are built around games and interaction - which Bachi said makes all the difference for both clients and practitioners.
“The best part about working at Metro is that it is a play-based therapy, and play-based therapy allows the BCBAs to have fun. So, we get to play with the client, we get to play and watch the behavior technician interact with the client and just have a good time,” she said.
For those considering entering the field, Lewis recommends starting as a behavior technician - working one-on-one with children on the front lines - before pursuing a master’s degree and BCBA certification. A bachelor’s-level certification is also available for those earlier in their academic journey.
The stakes, both women say, could not be higher.
“We change lives truly. And so, this science is evidence-based and our biggest goal is to improve the quality of life of the kids that we serve and the families,” Lewis said.
Backe put it simply: “At Metro, we reveal the super in every child. So, we really, really want the child to be the best version of themself.”
MetroEHS is hosting a career event at the end of the month. Those interested can learn more and register at metroehs.com/wdiv.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.