An Interview with a Behavior Interventionist Trainer at BTS

At Burnett Therapeutic Services (BTS), we pride ourselves on not only providing top-tier support for our clients but also nurturing the growth and development of our dedicated team of behavior interventionists. We had the privilege of sitting down with our Lead Behavior Interventionist Trainer, Chelsey D., to gain insights into her experiences and the methods she employs in treating children with diverse needs.

Can you share a bit about your background and how you became a Behavior Interventionist?

I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but didn’t know what field to go into. I decided to study Speech Pathology in college, thinking I was going to work with kids in the schools. After graduating, I switched and tried ABA to work as a Behavior Interventionist (BI). I loved that I worked with different types of clients and had the opportunity to be creative in implementing goals and trying to figure out how to work with certain behaviors. After a few years working as a BI, I then became a Behavior Interventionist Trainer here at BTS. I wanted to share my experience with new BIs coming into this field and to be someone they can go to for support with their clients. 

What does a typical day look like for you when working with children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Every day is different when working with a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Even though every day is different, a BI’s main duty in working with clients is to implement goals and to work with behaviors. BIs are given resources, materials, and feedback for their sessions but it is up to them how and when they implement it to that specific client. Overall, BIs are there to support these children in their daily lives through creative and fun experiences during these sessions!

 Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your work? 

When I first started working as a BI, I had a client that was working on saying his name. It took weeks for him to even say the initial sound of his name, but I would still praise him for trying. One day, we were playing chase in the living room and I turned around and asked him what his name was. He then looked at me and said his full name! Mom was also in the room and gave him the biggest hug and had a few tears in her eyes hearing him say his name for the first time. It’s moments like this that I cherish and that keeps me working in the ABA field. 

What advice would you give to parents or caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders?

Whatever skills that a child is learning during their sessions with their BI, have the parents or caregivers incorporate these skills outside their sessions. Parents or caregivers should find these natural opportunities, such as if they see their child reaching for a box of cookies to have them request it appropriately or if one parent is making dinner to have the child help out and see if they can work on following instructions together. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders should always have those opportunities to learn these skills not only during sessions with the BI but by anyone in their daily lives. 

Growth Opportunities at BTS

With unwavering support, continuous training, and a collective drive to make a difference, we empower our team to transform the lives of children with varying needs. At BTS, our mission extends beyond delivering top-notch care to clients. We actively nurture the growth of our behavior interventionists, such as Chelsey. All behavior interventionists are required to either be in the process of obtaining their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or maintain their RBT credentials once they pass the exam. This involves completing 40 hours of training, passing a competency assessment, and successfully completing the RBT exam. For those who achieve their RBT certification, the next opportunity lies in joining our training team as a Behavior Interventionist Trainer (BIT). This full-time position involves providing training to BIs working towards their RBT certifications, conducting online ethics sessions, and facilitating study sessions. 

Additionally, for RBTs aspiring to become supervisors or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), we offer clear advancement paths. Eligible RBTs can transition into supervisory roles after gaining at least two years of experience in ABA and enrolling in a master's degree program specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. Furthermore, we provide contracts to receive free BCBA supervision to those who commit to continuing their career with us after obtaining their certification. 

At our organization, we are committed to fostering the growth and development of our employees, providing them with opportunities to advance and excel in their careers in ABA. We are committed to helping our employees become exceptional professionals who create brighter futures for these individuals.