More Than a Job: Why I Returned to the Culture of Care at LRCSS
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re spotlighting the dedicated staff who embody the mission of LRCSS. In this post, Manager Meghan Petch shares culture of growth and inclusivity makes LRCSS a true vocation, not just a career.
My professional journey with Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) began over fifteen years ago, and it's a history I reflect upon with deep gratitude. I first joined the organization as an Instructor Therapist in one of our Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) classrooms. This role immersed me immediately in the world of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), specifically through providing Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to some of the most vulnerable and inspiring individuals we support. It was more than just a job; it was my foundational introduction to the field, and LRCSS made an immediate and profound impression on me.
"The agency didn't just hire staff; it invested in professionals."
From the start, I was enamored with the opportunities for growth that LRCSS provided. The agency didn't just hire staff; it invested in professionals. This included allowing me the invaluable opportunity to collaborate closely with various partner agencies, which broadened my perspective on supporting our community. Furthermore, LRCSS empowered me, a brand new graduate, to grow as a professional by emphasizing the critical importance of professional development. This commitment ensured that we were always upholding our mission of providing innovative, high-quality, and evidence-based services to every individual we supported.
As I became more comfortable in the field, I made the decision, common for many new professionals, to spread my wings and explore what else the broader world of ABA had to offer. I spent several formative years at other agencies, primarily providing consultative services. While these experiences were valuable and expanded my skill set, LRCSS always held a special and unique place in my heart. Deep down, I believe I always knew my path would lead me back to LRCSS.
"It’s more than just a job; it is a vocation within a supportive family."
That “hunch” became reality after a five-year hiatus. My return to LRCSS was marked by a renewed sense of appreciation—not just for the work, but for the inherent culture of the organization. I saw, even more clearly, LRCSS’ unwavering commitment to staff growth, the high integrity we held ourselves to in all clinical and administrative decisions, and the truly unique and supportive culture we collectively cultivate and surround ourselves with.
In the ten years since my return, my career at LRCSS has been a dynamic trajectory of development and expanded responsibility. I have been afforded various opportunities to work across multiple programs, take on management roles to lead and mentor teams, and significantly develop my skills in both clinical implementation and supervisory oversight. My journey from an Instructor Therapist to a Clinical Manager is a testament to the numerous, structured professional development opportunities provided by LRCSS—opportunities that have been crucial in getting me to where I am today.
These opportunities have been multi-faceted. They’ve been provided through the direct support of my incredible team, who have championed my growth and development, and through the hands-on clinical opportunities that served as powerful learning environments. Crucially, they are also deeply rooted in the culture that LRCSS deliberately cultivates: a culture that focuses on respecting the community we support and the teams we work with; one that mandates acting with kindness and compassion in every interaction; and one that always honours the dignity and rights of all individuals.
"A growth mindset is not just an aspiration but an active philosophy instilled in all staff members."
At LRCSS, we actively empower one another to reach our full potential. This supportive environment is backed by a dedication to evidence-based clinical development, most notably demonstrated through our yearly Stone Soup Conferences, a highly valued tradition of shared knowledge and professional advancement. A growth mindset is not just an aspiration but an active philosophy instilled in all staff members; this ensures the continuous development and progression of the individuals we support, the innovative services we offer, and the talented employees who work at LRCSS.
In my current role, I continue to uphold these values every day. I collaborate with partner agencies to ensure holistic care, support my dedicated team in providing high-quality, individualized behaviour therapy services to meet the specific and evolving needs of our clients, and have the profound honour of upholding the Lake Ridge Community Support Services vision: creating an inclusive community where everyone can thrive! This is more than a job; it is a vocation within a supportive family, and I look forward to many more years of shared growth and service.
