Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Traci Meador

Traci became part of Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) in 2020 when her previous ABA provider was acquired, creating new opportunities to expand services and enhance the quality of care. She served as the Regional Director for Central Indiana until 2024, when she passed the region to a highly capable and compassionate successor. Today, Traci is a key member of the Regional Director team, focusing on expansion operations, community education and support, and assisting the diagnostic team. She also contributes as a CPI instructor and holds certification as a Trauma Professional.

This Month’s Lighthouse Legend: Traci Meador

Traci holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University and earned her MA in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Ball State University. Her journey in ABA began in 1995 during her undergraduate studies, marking nearly three decades of commitment to the field.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

Being acquired by LAC marked the beginning of a journey of growth, both personally and professionally. I have gained invaluable training and experience, enhancing not only my technical skills as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) but also my interpersonal and leadership abilities. We are given opportunities to build relationships with our learners, their families, our employees, and the communities we serve. Fun fact: I provided direct ABA therapy to our founders’ son back in 2005!

What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?

At Lighthouse, we are driven by our mission to offer the highest quality of ABA therapy services to individuals and communities in need. Our field requires us to prioritize the welfare of our clients, to act with integrity, and to take responsibility for our work. We strive to be trustworthy and remain current in our ethical practices. We are forward-facing and committed to ensuring our practices are always evidence-based and trauma-informed. I genuinely appreciate collaborating with such intelligent, innovative, and value-driven coworkers across various roles and locations.

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

My experience at Lighthouse has been a transformative one. My clinical and operational skills have increased, and my perspective has broadened. I admire our approach to continually monitoring and improving our clinical standards based on new research and evidence-based practice. We are given daily opportunities to change lives for the better, positively impacting not only the learners we serve but also their families and communities. I have had many opportunities to support our communities through our Autism Education program, meeting first responders, educators, medical providers, and community organization employees.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

It is impossible to narrow down a favorite memory to one experience. Each time I visit one of our centers, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the trust families place in us to provide quality care for their children. It’s life changing to witness children learning to communicate in meaningful ways to have their needs and wants met, promoting their autonomy and access to meaningful relationships with others. Each child who comes through our doors is unique and it’s a privilege to see them acquiring new skills and exploring new activities, evidenced by their smiles, giggles, and choice to stay in proximity of and positively interact with peers and other adults.

What advice would you like to share for those interested in a career at Lighthouse Autism Center?

I encourage anyone interested in not only increasing their technical skills but also being involved in a career that offers hope and creates change to consider LAC. We are in a scientific field, and science requires us to explore new ways of thinking and let go of practices that no longer show progress and relevance. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for a company that chooses to monitor, analyze, and update our practices. Together, we can do our part in supporting children with autism by honoring their autonomy, teaching fundamental life skills, and assisting our communities in providing accessible and meaningful resources and support.