EASTCONN Bridges Community School Celebrates Staff Achievements in Applied Behavior Analysis
EASTCONN Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) is proud to announce that three instructors at Bridges Community School in Columbia have successfully obtained certifications from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Instructors Austin Bell and Erin Kyle-Sonn were recently certified as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), while Nicole Michaud obtained a certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). These achievements required passing rigorous exams in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while earning required hours of supervision at Bridges Community School.
In addition, two staff members – Allison Paradis and Ashley Bonagura – have also shared the experience of completing their schooling and certification while at Bridges. Both started as ABA Instructors and have recently completed the first year of being Special Education Teachers.
EASTCONN Bridges Community School, formerly known as the Autism Program, provides a regionally based, comprehensive, integrated service program for students with autism and other low-incidence disabilities in ages PreK-22.
The program is characterized by a structured, intensive, individualized approach to instruction based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). We emphasize systematic teaching to promote learning and generalization and utilize on-going evidence-based assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring to guide instruction in all areas of development.
“It’s really exciting to be able to provide opportunities for learning and growth within the program,” said Erin Crosby, Program Director at EASTCONN Bridges Community School. “Our program is unique in that it provides support staff with exposure to so many different specialties within the field of special education, and can really help staff to expand their interests, gain experience and jumpstart their career. These staff members have worked so hard to accomplish their goals, and continue to work hard every day. It is great to see them recognized for their accomplishments.”
“I can’t think of a better way to illustrate our staff’s commitment to their field, education, and our community,” said Interventional Specialist II Bethany Anderson. “It is also a great testament to the culture of growth and learning that is supported at Bridges Community School.”
The newly certified professionals expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities provided by EASTCONN Bridges Community School. “It feels really good to come in here as an ABA Instructor, to receive the BCBA supervision and then get hired after passing the test,” said Erin Kyle-Sonn. “Even though I passed my test, the mentorship is still here, and I’m still supported on a daily basis.”
“Starting out as an ABA Instructor and then finding my love of teaching: it has been amazing to have EASTCONN’s support in this process of getting our certifications,” said Special Education Teacher Allison Paradis.
EASTCONN Bridges Community School’s commitment to professional development and creating a nurturing environment for growth has enabled its staff to excel in their respective fields, ultimately benefiting the students and the community they serve.
“When I first joined Bridges as an ABA Instructor, I didn’t know how I wanted to eventually continue my education,” said Austin Bell. “But with the supportive environment that I saw at Bridges, what people’s roles were and how we applied the science of behavioral analysis to our clients, I saw from our first year that I knew I wanted to be a BCBA and I wanted to get my supervision with the supportive staff here. It feels really fulfilling after the two-and-a-half years of supervision to finally get that certification.”
For more information about EASTCONN’s Special Education Services, including Bridges Community School, visit eastconn.org
About EASTCONN
EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut since 1980. EASTCONN provides a wide range of innovative programs and services, including special education, that address the diverse needs of children, families, educators and communities.
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