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March 1 was Employee Appreciation Day! We are celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Kelvina Mitchell, Behavior Technician, and why accountability is important in her role at Your Life ABA’s campus in Northern Neck, VA.

What is your favorite thing about working here?

My favorite thing about working here is being able to interact with the clients and the inclusiveness I feel with being a part of the team. 

What keeps you coming to work each day?

My motivation for coming to work each day is my clients. Being able to help them reach their goals and being a positive impact in their lives is important to me.

How do you make an impact on clients’ lives?

I make an impact on clients’ lives by teaching them social skills, communication skills, and ways to increase positive interactions in their everyday lives.

Last year, we rolled out our BetterTogether guiding principles. Which one of our values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)

The value that resonates the most with me is Accountability. I think that it is always important to be accountable when working with kids and in any profession in general. Accountability ensures that you work hard, make responsible decisions, and have the ability to advance in work when possible. 

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?

I start by coming into the ABA clinic and setting up activities, games, and toys that interest the particular client that I will be working with during that session. I then work to keep the session fun, entertaining, and educational when running goals and collecting behavioral data on my clients. I also collaborate with staff members to ensure that the client is getting the attention and procedures needed to reach their full potential, and achieve goals outlined in treatment plans. 

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?

I previously worked as a qualified Mental Health Professional for children before becoming a Behavior Technician. Honestly, I wanted to step outside of mental health for a while, but was still motivated to work with children and help with molding positive behaviors.

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role?

My proudest moment in my role is when my clients who don’t verbally communicate much, begin to learn how to express themselves more, echo words, or talk in general. This lets me know that my time and energy is being channeled correctly in the work environment.

What is something about you that not many people know?

I have a big family and am very family oriented. I am named after my father and have four brothers who have the same name as him also. 

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