March 7 is Employee Appreciation Day! We’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Alex Harker, a Transitions Support Specialist at Applied Behavioral Services (ABS) Dayton.
What is your favorite thing about working here?
My favorite thing about working at ABS Dayton is how supportive my coworkers and supervisors are. They are very collaborative and committed to the continued success of our students.
What keeps you coming to work each day?
I look forward to seeing the students become as successful and independent as possible. It makes me feel confident that I am having a positive impact on their lives.
How do you make an impact on students’ lives?
I help them build confidence in themselves, independence, and help give them a vision for their future. By providing guidance, resources, and encouragement, I can support them in navigating their transition into adulthood. My goal is to empower them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed beyond the classroom.
Which one of our BetterTogether values resonates with you most personally and why?
Collaborative resonates with me the most because it is at the heart of everything that I do. Supporting students in their transition requires teamwork between educators, families, and the students themselves. I like working in an environment where everyone’s input is valued. By working together, we create stronger support systems, more opportunities, and better outcomes for the students we serve.
What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?
A day in the life as a transition support specialist is all about guiding students and families through the journey of post-secondary planning. I spend most of my time meeting one-on-one with all our students who are 14 and older and once a week for a group lesson for each classroom. I assess their skills, interests, and goals. I help them explore options like vocational training, college, or supported employment. I collaborate with families who may not be aware of the resources available, ensuring that they have the information they need to make informed decisions which helps improve parental confidence in transition planning.
Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?
Growing up, I took care of my father who has usher syndrome, which caused him to rapidly go blind and deaf. I helped him out a lot because of this impairment, including getting from place to place. I have always felt the need and desire to help people, and I think that my upbringing contributed to that. I have always loved working with children. I taught dance and color guard for about 15 years of my life. I enjoyed having fun with the kids and creating things with them. I worked at a swim school for children before I started working in ABA therapy. That was where I found that I connected very well with nonverbal children. Shortly after working at the swim school, I began working as an RBT and fell in love with the field. I am currently finishing a BS in psychology and graduate in April. I plan on continuing into a Master’s in ABA therapy as soon as I graduate.
What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role?
I think that my biggest accomplishment or proudest moment is any time a parent expresses gratitude. Some parents do not realize all the options that their child has for transitioning into adulthood. One major accomplishment that I have had was with a student who originally had a very negative opinion about me after beginning her internship last year. She refused every week that we went to either internship. Her parents were afraid that it would be impossible to get a job. She has improved exponentially since last year and happily participates in both of our internship opportunities. She has grown so much socially, and I am no longer an unpreferred person.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I really enjoy volunteering outside of work when I can. Every year I volunteer for Night to Shine, which is a prom, created by Tim Tebow, for individuals with disabilities. You get to be their date for the night, and I look forward to it every year.