When I began my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Ulster University, I was fascinated by many different areas of human behaviour. But it wasn’t until my final year that something truly clicked. I chose a module in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and each week I found myself increasingly inspired by the scope of its application—from supporting individuals with autism, to influencing environmental change, to improving workplace practices.
One particular moment stands out: we had a guest speaker who spoke about supporting someone to live independently. She described how she used ABA to break down everyday tasks—like making the bed, preparing a shopping list, or cooking a meal. That talk was a turning point for me. It made me realise just how empowering ABA can be—helping people gain autonomy and confidence in their daily lives. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of this field.
I went on to complete a Master’s in ABA at Ulster University. What I valued most was how the lecturers combined theory with personal stories from their own practice. They didn’t just teach us about the science—they showed us how it could change lives in meaningful, lasting ways.
During my studies, I also worked as a support worker. Being able to apply what I was learning in real-world situations helped me grow both personally and professionally. It gave me a solid foundation and deepened my understanding of how ABA works in everyday life.
One of the highlights of my training was a placement at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Massachusetts, United States. I worked in both residential and school settings, took part in weekly lab meetings, and completed my dissertation. This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that brought new challenges. NECC adapted by using ABA to help children tolerate nasal swabs for testing, among many other things. But what struck me most was the culture. Every staff member was focused not just on skill development, but on ensuring that each child had a joyful, fulfilling life filled with warmth, play, and support.
I’m proud to now work at Rainbow Behavioural Therapies, where I’ve found a team that shares that same ethos. Everyone here brings both compassion and deep ABA knowledge to the table. ABA is used with purpose and kindness, always with the goal of helping individuals thrive.
In my role, I support clients in both home programmes and school environments. Through regular one-to-one and group supervision with Natalie and Mollie, I’ve been able to reflect on challenges, find solutions, and continue to grow as a practitioner. Their mentorship—combined with the supervision I received at NECC—has helped me complete my BCBA hours, and I’m now preparing for my certification exam.
Working at Rainbow has been the perfect environment to bring everything I’ve learned into practice. It’s a joy to be part of an organisation that truly puts helping individuals reach their potential at the heart of everything it does.
