Everyone Can Thrive: Reflecting on 40 Years of Growth and Connection at LRCSS
As Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) celebrates our 40th anniversary, it is a natural time for reflection. Four decades of providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services is a monumental milestone, built on the dedication of countless professionals who share a single, unwavering belief: everyone can thrive. When asked to reflect on why I chose this career path, what brought me to this space, and how I've grown, I realized that my journey is rooted in a deep desire to foster hope and create meaningful change.
“There is no greater reward than watching our clients grow and achieve their potential, and bringing a renewed sense of hope to their families.”
From Youth Justice to ABA: Finding My Path
My work with youth didn't actually begin in a clinical setting; it started while I was in college completing a certificate in Youth Justice and Interventions.
During a placement in a youth detention centre, and simultaneously working in youth residential treatment settings, I noticed a heartbreaking pattern. Many of the youth who had been removed from their homes due to interfering behaviours were neurodivergent or had diagnoses of intellectual or developmental disabilities. It became glaringly obvious that these youth were navigating a world, and a system, that was not built to support their unique needs.
Witnessing this sparked a fire in me. I realized I didn't want to work within those reactive systems; I wanted to work on the prevention side. I wanted to help equip neurodivergent individuals with the skills and support they needed long before they ever reached those settings.
Driven by this goal, I took a position as an Instructor Therapist at a private agency. Almost immediately, my love for ABA was sparked. I saw firsthand how individualized, focused support could change the trajectory of a person's life.
After two years in that role, I knew this was my lifelong career path. I applied for my Master's degree to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and the rest is history.
Evolving Toward Neuro-Affirming Care
When I look back on how I have grown since my first day in the field, I realize that while my underlying motivation has never changed, my perspective has deeply evolved.
Compassion has always been my driving force. However, over the years, I have learned so much more about what it truly means to provide compassionate and neuro-affirming services. It is no longer just about teaching skills; it is about honoring each individual's unique self and finding ways to support them authentically in a world that is fundamentally not designed for neurodivergent people.
The Heart of LRCSS: Community and Connection
In 2021, my path led me to Lake Ridge Community Support Services. Joining this team has only expanded my love for ABA.
Working at an agency that has spent 40 years championing individuals across the lifespan is incredibly special. The culture, the shared values, and the fierce commitment to our mission make LRCSS a truly unique place.
So, what shapes my path today?
The answer is simple: the people.
On a daily basis, I am kept going by our incredible clients and my dedicated colleagues. There is no greater reward than watching our clients grow and achieve their potential, and bringing a renewed sense of hope to their families. Furthermore, I am continually inspired by the profound care and compassion that the LRCSS team demonstrates every single day.
As we celebrate 40 years of Lake Ridge Community Support Services, I am deeply grateful to be part of this community. Here’s to the decades behind us, the work we do today, and a future where we continue to ensure that absolutely everyone can thrive.