Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Melissa.
Melissa is a Family Outreach Coordinator and has worked at Lighthouse Autism Center for 7.5 years. She began her Lighthouse journey in 2014 as a ABA Therapist/RBT before being promoted to a Senior Therapist in 2018 and now Family Outreach Coordinator for the Elkhart, Goshen and Granger centers. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Law and Sociology/Psychology.
Why did you apply for a position with Lighthouse?
While being a Program Aid for PHM, I had the privilege to work with a few kiddos on spectrum. I spent much of my extra time educating myself about ASD and how I could better serve my students and their education. I was very privileged to work with a group of educators who noticed my efforts and suggest I apply to work for, “This new Autism center created by a Gregg and Sandy.” I think I applied 5 or 6 times! During this time, the center was JUST starting, and job positions were hit or miss. I repeatedly dropped off my application and resume.. I think Leila got tired of me dropping off HOT PINK folders to catch her attention. I ended up leaving being a PA and started working as a Social Worker with having ASD clients as my specialty. I remember sitting in one of my school offices (AKA the storage room) and receiving an email asking me to come in for an interview… I cried. I was so happy feeling like I was finally going to work somewhere I felt like I would belong.
How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?
Working for Lighthouse Autism Center has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. I have a great deal of pride for who we are and what we do. The company has supported my family and I through amazing times of growth and difficult challenges. The past 2 years has spoken VOLUMES to the value LAC places on their families and employees. I feel honored to have experienced so many victories, met so many influential people I now consider my friends, and to be part of a company who encourages me to keep growing.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?
The memory that stands out from all my AMAZING memories comes from when I was an RBT at Edison… On her child’s FIRST day at LAC, I told her that her son would have a wonderful day and not to stress because he is with people who will absolutely love him. She nervously smiled and said, “I know you guys will… I feel like we finally found our light at the end of the tunnel.” What an honor, to be someone’s light.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Halle Halle is a Registered Behavior Therapist at our Avon center. She has been with Lighthouse Autism Center since March of 2022. She is working towards her associates degree in Psychology from College of the Canyons located in Los Angeles. Halle recently got married and has […]
Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a Program Manager at our Valparaiso center. She has been with Lighthouse Autism Center since August of 2019 and started as a Registered Behavior Technician, then a Senior Therapist and next, a Jr. Program Manager. She graduated from Ball State University with an […]
Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Abigail Abigail is a Registered Behavior Technician at our Portage center. She has been with Lighthouse Autism Center since June of 2022 and is currently working towards her Associates Degree in Human Services and Social Work at Ivy Tech and anticipates graduating in August of 2023. […]
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Lighthouse Autism Center offers ABA therapy for children with autism. Contact us to learn how our innovative clinical model can help your child make greater progress, faster, all while having fun.