Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Staci Jesuit

This Month’s Lighthouse Legend: Staci Jesuit

Staci began her journey at Lighthouse Autism Center in Warsaw on November 23, 2020, and currently serves as an RBT Trainer. Prior to this, she was a Senior Therapist before transitioning to her current role. Staci holds an associate degree in Baking and Pastry from Ivy Tech, but her passion for supporting others led her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, which she completed at Purdue Global in October 2024. In January 2025, she will begin her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and move into a Clinical Apprentice position.

In addition to her professional achievements, Staci and her husband recently adopted their twin 5-year-old sons, who are undergoing a diagnosis for Autism. They adopted their boys in March 2024 and have been dedicated to creating a sensory-friendly home for them. Staci credits her work at Lighthouse for enabling her family to take on this new chapter in their lives, as the knowledge and support she gained have allowed them to incorporate ABA therapy at home to ensure their children’s success.

Staci’s family also includes Axel, her 8-year-old fur child, who is adjusting to life with his new brothers. Outside of work, Staci enjoys DIY home projects, researching ideas to support her sons, and creating wedding cakes for brides-to-be to make their special day unforgettable.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I originally applied to Lighthouse because I was ready for a change in my career. I wanted to go back to working with kids. I was hired during COVID and honestly had no idea what I was in store for. Every day was different which is what I LOVED the most. I enjoyed being a part of something that was bigger than me and where I made a difference. I got to see the changes with the learners and sometimes I get to watch from the sidelines as they graduate to new adventures in their lives. 

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

It is hard to pinpoint my favorite part of working at Lighthouse as it is a combination of things. I love getting to watch the learners improve on their school, life skills, and behavioral skills. Every day is a new day because you never know if a learner is going to show up and everything clicks that day or today is the day they learn many new skills that frustrate them. I love getting to know my co-workers on a personal level. Sometimes it takes me a while when they first start but I always find a way to make a small connection with each and every person in our center. I love the support system you can build within our center. I have been with Lighthouse for 4 years and I have been able to have leadership cheer me on to be promoted through the ranks and through my academic career. I had a co-worker who prayed and talked with me through my 2 years of hopeful adoptions. They are more than co-workers to me, they are my village. 

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

My experience at Lighthouse has been eye-opening. I have been able to love on, and help learners grow into the kids they are today. I have been able to experience parents getting reports that their little one had a rough day to a few months later hearing their child is succeeding faster than we can write programs for them. I have been able to see the changes in Lighthouse of how it helps our learners and staff. I have experienced some of the lowest times when our center wasn’t sure where to turn to being supported by other Lighthouses from around the state. Not only are we a community within our one center but we are a community within our corporation of Lighthouses. Being a part of the staff that gets to support other buildings helps bring ideas to help us all grow and be better for our learners and staff.  

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

I have way too many memories to pick just one memory but one that always sticks out in my mind is the day I paired with a particular learner by playing Flying Mermaid off a slide. We laughed the whole day, and I was so exhausted but couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear that day knowing that neither one of us was going to forget that. I tried so hard to pair with this new learner from the start and we had the best pairing up until they graduated from Lighthouse. 

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

If I had any advice to give it would be to ALWAYS ask questions; even if you think it’s a silly question, ask it anyway. My favorite thing to say is “I have a stupid question…..” all the Program managers hate it when I say it and their reply always is “There is no such thing as a stupid question” because if you don’t know the answer you’ll never figure it out until you ask. If you don’t understand the answer keep asking until you understand it.