Meet Kait: New Castle Center

Kait’s Lighthouse Story

Meet Kait! Kait is a Senior Therapist at our New Castle center, where she has worked for a one year. As a Senior Therapist, Kait serves as a lead therapist and works closely with the BCBA’s on her team as well as provides support to the RBT’s working one-on-one with clients.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I had a friend that always posted on social media about how much she loved what she did and how rewarding it was (She was so right!). So, I decided to give it a try and ended up falling in love with ABA and what I do now. This job has taught me so much in the short amount of time I have been here, and I want to share a couple of strong key points I have taken away from this amazing opportunity. There is a career out there that isn’t just “another job” or dragging your feet to get up in the morning to push yourself in to work a Monday-Friday job. You will find what you love to do as long as you take those leaps and go beyond your own comfort zones to get there. Waking up and going to work is easy for me, because I love what I do, the company that I work for and most importantly I love working with every single one of my kiddos. ABA isn’t easy and some days you feel so exhausted and defeated but seeing the progress that these kiddos make in such a short time goes beyond words and makes all of that incredibly rewarding.

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

There is no one favorite memory I have because it’s all been amazing. The team we have at New Castle is always striving to be the best team we can be every single day. We lift each other up, celebrate one another and cheer each other on every single day. Some days are harder than others but working with such a positive team that continuously uplifts each other makes it so much easier. I am so proud to be a part of a team that inspires each other every day to be better and to work together with ease. Not only are we a dedicated and strong team, but we are an even better family. I’m grateful for these people who have motivated me to grow as a person, a friend and an even better RBT.

What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?

My favorite part about working with all of these kiddos would definitely be seeing their progress from where they started and where they are now. It’s always such a joy knowing you made a difference in their lives and all that of that hard work is showing amazing results. Pairing with these kids and building that connection with them is another favorite part of mine because you get to see their face light up when you’re around and it makes you feel valued and important which is just another reminder to get up and do what I do every day.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

So far, I have had an amazing experience with Lighthouse. They have given me so many more resources to become a better trainer and more importantly they have given me multiple opportunities to grow as a person. I have met two of my biggest inspirations here who have continued to push me out of my own comforts to become a better person and to grow more than I ever could have imagined and I will forever be grateful for that. This company goes above and beyond to make sure their clients and staff are well taken care of and that alone shows how amazing it is to be a part of this team.

Kait is a dog mom to a Pitbull named Cosmo and enjoys traveling to new places in her free time.

Meet Dacia! Dacia is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Anderson center, where she has worked for two years. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Dacia is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I have always loved helping other people. Before coming to Lighthouse, I worked with adults with special needs. While I enjoyed that, I was looking for a change, and and for a while I was working with adults. I then decided that I wanted to start working with kids and I have loved every minute of it.

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

My favorite part about working with my teammates is that no matter how hard your day is, there are always people around you who support you and always can put a smile on your face.

What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?

My favorite part is being able to spend time with the kids and watch as they make so much progress. It’s so rewarding!

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

My experience with Lighthouse has been nothing short of amazing! The team is so supportive and everyone really cares!

In her free time, Davis enjoys spending time with her six year old daughter, cat and dog and shopping.

Meet Chelsey: An RBT at Lighthouse Autism Center in Portage, Michigan

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Chelsey

Meet Chelsey. Chelsey is a Registered Behavior Technican at our Portage, Michigan center. Chelsey has worked with Lighthouse Autism Center for just a few months and recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Psychology. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Chelsey is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I have always heard great things about Lighthouse Autism Center and thought it would be a great place to further my passion of working with children with autism.

Tell us about a favorite memory with your team at Lighthouse.

While I have only been with the team a short time, everyone has been so welcoming and willing to helping me learn and any questions I may have.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

On the day I passed my Registered Behavior Technician Certification exam, the whole team cheered for me over the walkies. A client heard the team cheering and wanted to also congratulate me. It was such a wonderful feeling!

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

My experience so far has been nothing short of amazing. The welcoming atmosphere of the center makes me look forward to going to work every day!

Chelsey is a cat mom to Nala and Luna and enjoys playing Sims in her free time!

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Dana’s Lighthouse Story

Dana is a Purchasing Specialist with Lighthouse Autism Center. While Dana has only been with Lighthouse Autism Center a few months, she has enjoyed her time with the company. As a Purchasing Specialist, she is responsible for ensuring centers have all the supplies they need to provide the best therapy to the children and families we serve.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

Lighthouse Autism Center has a great reputation in the northern Indiana area. I wanted to work for a company that really made a difference and offered great career opportunities.

Share your favorite part about working with the Lighthouse team.

While I have only met in-person a few of my colleagues due to COVID-19, everyone is so friendly and welcoming!

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience so far?

While it’s strange starting a new job during a global pandemic, I have enjoyed being a part of the Lighthouse team. It’s really great being part of a company that is not only growing but does such important work for families in our community.

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Olivia

Meet Olivia. Olivia is a Jr. Program Manager at our Elkhart – South center and has been with Lighthouse Autism Center for three years. Olivia recently graduated from Ball State University with her Master’s in ABA and received her BCBA certification in July of 2020. As a BCBA with Lighthouse Autism Center, Olivia oversees a small caseload of children and designs and implements custom therapy programs to help children advance social and communication skills, daily living skills, and more.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I originally did an internship at an ABA center in Munice, IN while I was in college. Once I moved back home after I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue working in the ABA field because I fell in love with the science behind ABA practices.

Tell us about a favorite memory with your team at Lighthouse.

My favorite memory is that I have made lifelong friends through this company. Being in a service field bonds you to other people because you share the same passion. Lighthouse has introduced me to some of the greatest people I have ever met!

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

My favorite part about working with kiddos at Lighthouse is when they completely surprise you and show you skills that you had no idea they had! These kiddos never fail to impress and amaze me with all of the things that they can learn. Working with them is the biggest blessing and I am so lucky to be their teacher!

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

I would describe my Lighthouse experience as memorable. I have gotten the chance to work at two centers and get to know so many different kiddos and therapists. It has been wonderful being a part of this community!

Olivia is a dog mom to a standard poodle named Stella and is looking forward to getting married in the Fall of 2020.

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best ABA therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Cierra

Meet Cierra. Cierra is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at our Plymouth, Indiana center. Cierra has been with Lighthouse Autism Center three years and is a graduate of Winona Lake College with her Bachelor’s in Psychology. As a RBT, Cierra is responsibly for working one-on-one with children who have autism to implement custom therapy programs to help that child develop social skills, communication skills, living skills and more. Cierra is currently working towards her Master’s in ABA at Ball State University.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

Honestly, I fell in love with the idea of being an ABA therapist. I did my research before graduation and I had heard so many wonderful things about Lighthouse and I knew I wanted to be a part of a company that not only cared so much about their clients but about their staff just as much. Lighthouse just seemed like the best out of all the centers available!

Tell us about a favorite memory with your team at Lighthouse.

There are so many memories! If I had to pick one my most memorable would have to be back in March of 2019 there was a client at the center with a rare epilepsy disorder and it was epilepsy awareness month. Our team took the time to get shirts that represented epilepsy awareness and created banners and posters for this client. I remember holding one of the posters waiting for the doors to open for her and her parents to see us standing there waiting for them. Doing something that special with my team made it feel like a work family experience. I love participating in things like this with my team because it not only feels good to do something amazing for these families but feels amazing to band with my team in a way like this.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

My favorite by far was a former client of ours that came to us not being able to walk on his feet. I could only move around on his knees. I remember our whole team working so hard to get him to walk using many assisting devices, and at one point even had a wheel chair. He got to a point to where he could walk if we held his hand, but if we didn’t hold hands he would not walk. After months of practicing walking around the center I remember by the end of the day one day he let go of his therapists hand and took his first independent steps on his feet to his mom. It was the best thing to experience.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

My experience at Lighthouse is life changing. Without Lighthouse I would not have found my passion for what I do. I love ABA so much and I love being a part of the solution and a part of the reason so many kids get a better outcome of life and so many positive changes for these families. It’s the most rewarding feeling and I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I love where I work so much that no other place would ever compare.

When not at work, Cierra enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her husband and her rescue pup, Maggie.

September’s staff spotlight of the month is Rachel

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best ABA therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Rachel

Meet Rachel. Rachel has been a Registered Behavior Technician at Lighthouse Autism Center’s Greenfield location for one year. She graduated from Wittenberg University with degrees in Psychology and Sports Management. She is currently in graduate school working towards her Master’s of Science in Education Psychology with a concentration in ABA.

Tell us what you like about working at Lighthouse.

My favorite part of working with lighthouse team members is the opportunity to collaborate with amazing minds every single day. Having supervisors and co-workers to not only hold you accountable but to lift you up is an amazing experience. It has helped me learn so much and to ignite a passion for this field and our kiddos.

Tell us about a favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse.

My favorite part of working with Lighthouse kiddos is getting to watch them learn and grow every single day. Everyday is a new opportunity for them and getting to be a part of their success is something that is indescribable. All credit goes to these amazing, hardworking kiddos that I get the pleasure of working with.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

Working at Lighthouse has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the field and develop new skills as a therapist and future BCBA as well as given me the chance to work with some amazing kiddos. I am excited to continue to grow with Lighthouse!

When Rachel isn’t working, she enjoys hiking, DIY projects and playing with her puppy, Noodle.

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best ABA therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Chelsea

Meet Chelsea. Chelsea is a Junior Program Manager at our Warsaw, Indiana center. Chelsea started at Lighthouse two years ago as an RBT, before being promoted to a Senior Therapist and now Junior Program Manager. Chelsea has a Master’s in ABA from Ball State University and is preparing to sit for her board exam. As a Junior Program Manager, Chelsea works with a BCBA to design custom therapy programs for children with autism.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

“When I first started working in this field about 6 years ago, I immediately fell in love with it. When my husband and I moved to this area I knew I wanted to continue my career in ABA. After looking at several different companies I chose to apply at Lighthouse because of their values. “

Tell us about a favorite memory with your team at Lighthouse.

I love that Lighthouse provides the opportunity for team building events. One of my favorite memories is from last fall when we had a family fun day at a local farm. Everyone was able to bring their children and loved ones and have a day to spend together outside of the center. It was so much fun!”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

“My favorite memory about working with the Lighthouse children is being able to teach them the necessary skills for them to transition into their next least restrictive environment. It’s incredible rewarding to see them make this progress and I love being able to see our kiddos graduate and return to school!”

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

“I would describe my Lighthouse experience as amazing. Throughout my positions I have been able to learn and grow as an individual and in my career. Lighthouse is like a family. Everyone is always so kind and helpful towards one another.”

When not at Lighthouse, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best ABA therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Elisha

Meet Elisha. Elisha is a Senior Therapist at our Mishawaka location. Elisha graduated from Ball State University in 2015 with a degree in psychology and has worked at Lighthouse for four years. Her journey at Lighthouse began with an RBT position before being promoted to a Senior Therapist. As a Senior Therapist she works closely with BCBA’s to implement behavior programs for Lighthouse kiddos.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

“In college, I took a class on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and absolutely fell in love with it. I knew after taking that class that I wanted to pursue a career in ABA.”

Tell us about the team you work with at Lighthouse.

“I have made so many close friends while working at Lighthouse. They are some of the best people and one of my favorite things about working at Lighthouse.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

“I love seeing the kids learn new ways to communicate or overcome a fear that they have had. Being able to watch the kiddos learn new things and see all our hard work (and theirs!) payoff is incredibly rewarding.”

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

“My overall experience with Lighthouse has been amazing. I love coming to work every day and seeing all my favorite kids and people. I wouldn’t change even the very hardest of days. Every day is a great day at Lighthouse.”

When not at Lighthouse, Elisha enjoys spending time with her two year old son and two dogs.

Laney’s Lighthouse Story

Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight serves as an opportunity for us to highlight the incredible individuals we have working across all of our centers.  Our Staff Spotlight features employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best ABA therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Laney

Meet Laney. Laney is the Director of Talent Acquisition with Lighthouse Autism Center. Laney has been with Lighthouse just over a year now. Laney leads all talent acquisition efforts for all centers in Indiana and Michigan.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

“Lighthouse has a great mission. I really saw an opportunity to make a difference through a position with Lighthouse.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

“This past Fall, a child had a program that involved practicing trick or treating. Over the course of two months, this child would come into my office and practice trick or treating. I would give her a token that was supposed to indicate a piece of candy. It was such a pleasure interacting with her and her RBT and knowing that I could play even the very smallest part in helping her become more comfortable with trick or treating. It was the highlight of my day!”

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

“My experience so far working at Lighthouse has been refreshing.  I had previously worked for a non-profit but was discouraged that they were not making a difference in the community.  In my short time with LAC I’ve seen an incredible amount of impact on not only the kiddos but the families as well with the work that the team does.   I’m incredibly proud to work for LAC!”

When not leading Lighthouse’s recruiting efforts, Laney enjoys spending time outdoors, watching football and collecting stamps.

Lighthouse Autism Center is starting a new initiative highlighting the amazing employees we have working at our centers. Our Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Ashley. Ashley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Program Manager at our Warsaw center. Ashley has worked at Lighthouse Autism Center for 5 years and began her Lighthouse journey as an RBT before being promoted to a Senior Therapist and eventually a Program Manager. She designs unique programs for each of the children she works with and works with therapists to implement these unique programs.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

“I joined the LAC team for their values and passion for working with the kiddos and providing services for children in need in the area.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

“One of my favorite memories is being a part of the Warsaw Center expansion. During this time, we doubled in staff size and caseload in a matter of 6 months. This was exciting to me because it meant that LAC was able to provide more and more services for children in the area. The atmosphere at Warsaw has always been positive and collaborative. Given the openness of the center, all staff are provided with the experience of a team. Therapist, senior therapist and management are continuously working together to provide the best therapy possible for all of the kiddos.”

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

“I would describe my Lighthouse experience as wonderful. Through my different positions and locations at Lighthouse I have always been greeted with smiles and encouragement in my job. Now as a manager, I make sure to continuously follow our LAC values of care about people, more than anything and give away credit. It is the positive, kind words that go a long way!”

Ashley grew up in Valparaiso with a large family. She is the youngest of four and has 15 nieces and nephews! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, Wrigley and Duke!

Lighthouse Autism Center is starting a new initiative highlighting the amazing employees we have working at our centers. Our Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.

Meet Autumn. Autumn is a Senior Therapist at our Mishawaka location. Autumn has worked at Lighthouse for two years and began her Lighthouse journey as an RBT before being promoted to a Senior Therapist As a Senior Therapist she works closely with BCBA’s to implement behavior programs for Lighthouse kiddos.

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

“After graduating with my B.A. in Sociology and Minor in Psychology from Indiana University, I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years and wanted to find a job where I could be able to continue working with kids and making a difference.”

Tell us about the team you work with.

“I have made some of my best friends while working at Lighthouse. Over the course of these two years, I’ve developed and grown friendships that I believe will last a lifetime. A couple of my co-workers and I even created a Book Club together (shout out to Alex, Veronica, and Ale), and I’ve made a lot more memories with co-workers that I consider to be great friends now!”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?

“There was one kiddo in particular that I had a very special bond with – I always looked forward to coming in to work and working with her, or just hearing her in the hallway talking up a storm. I think what I enjoy the most is that I truly love ALL of the kiddos that I work with! They are WONDERFUL!! Watching them grow and learn and develop their skills is truly an honor.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

“I have loved working at Lighthouse! The 28^th of February will be 2 years that I’ve been at Lighthouse and throughout my 2 years, I’ve worked at the Park Place, Granger and Edison locations, and I loved working at each one. I’ve learned so much about myself and I’ve developed such amazing friendships along the way. I’ve been able to learn from amazing people at each location. I feel immensely blessed to be working at Lighthouse.”

Autumn is currently working towards her Master’s degree in ABA at Ball State University. When not working with Lighthouse kiddos, Autumn enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.