From Direct Care to Leadership: Professional Development in Applied Behavior Analysis

Illaria Fusco, Treatment Coordinator and CPI Certified Instructor

Career advancement can mean different things to different people, but for those who are passionate about helping others, it often involves finding opportunities to deepen their knowledge and expertise.

Illaria Fusco is a Treatment Coordinator in Perspectives' ABA program and a CPI Certified Instructor, who has been with the organization for four years. When Illaria applied for a position as the Assistant Program Manager of the HBTS 5 ABA team, she was looking for an opportunity to grow in the field.

"I had direct care experience from other agencies, and the balance of direct care shifts and managerial tasks were heavy, but I was up for the challenge," she said.

As an outsider coming in, Illaria was struck by the high-quality treatment that clients received through Perspectives' language-based curriculum.

"The programming and lessons created from the language based curriculum were unlike anything I'd ever seen, in the most impressive way," she said. "It was high-quality treatment that the clients were so receptive to."

The Bigger Picture

While filling in shifts with children all over the state of Rhode Island, Illaria discovered that she enjoyed working directly with clients more than the desk job aspect of management.

"I found I enjoyed my time working directly with the clients more than the desk job aspect of management, so I applied to become a Treatment Coordinator for the ABA team," she said. "This meant more emphasis on the clinical side of Applied Behavior Analysis, rather than the management side of things."

In her new position, Illaria was able to learn much more from the amazing clinicians and BCBAs, assisting in overseeing their caseloads and monitoring progress in treatment goals. She also took on a new role as the HR Training Specialist for Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI).

"I've always enjoyed helping in any way possible for the bigger picture"

"I've always enjoyed being a hands-on employee, helping in any way possible for the bigger picture, so I decided to take this on as well," Illaria said.

For over two years, Illaria has been facilitating training for New Employee Orientation and re-certification trainings for existing employees. She is passionate about both of her current positions and enjoys meeting new employees during their first week with the agency.

"Facilitating training for New Employee Orientation allows me to meet new employees during the first week of their journey with the agency, and the ability to recognize those same faces in the future," she said.

The Perfect Opportunity

Last summer, an email went out containing information about a program that aimed to make Rhode Islander's in the field of human services more marketable, with financial assistance. Although Illaria was still looking to take more time before pursuing a graduate degree, she couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"This was the perfect opportunity and I couldn't let it pass me by."

"I was still looking to take more time before making the jump into graduate school, but this was the perfect opportunity and I couldn't let it pass me by," she said.

Thanks to the motivation from her supervisor, Shannon Ciccone, and her well-rounded experience from Perspectives, Illaria is now pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Salve Regina University, with the hopes of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

"If it weren't for my flexible schedule as Treatment Coordinator, this would not be possible to juggle," she said. "I am forever grateful for all of the incredible opportunities presented by Perspectives Corporation. This agency has allowed me to fully grow and develop my skills in such a short period of time."

Start Your Own Career Journey

If you're looking for a career where you can learn, grow, and make a difference in people's lives, consider joining Perspectives Corporation. Our staff, like Illaria, have found opportunities for professional development, meaningful work, and personal fulfillment. With our commitment to quality services and a supportive work environment, Perspectives can be a great place to start or continue your own career journey.

Check out Perspectives Corporation's career opportunities and see how you can start making a difference today.

From Direct Care to Leadership: Professional Development in Applied Behavior Analysis

Career advancement can mean different things to different people, but for those who are passionate about helping others, it often involves finding opportunities to deepen their knowledge and expertise.

The Bigger Picture

The Perfect Opportunity

Start Your Own Career Journey

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