For Behavior Analyst Clare Posey, there is no such thing as a typical day at Eden.
“Every day is different, which is something I really enjoy about the job,” she said. Whether spending time with participants at the day centers, analyzing data, visiting group homes, training staff, or working in clinical sessions, each day brings new experiences.
This variety in daily work reflects the tremendous growth of the Adult Services Clinical Team in recent years. They have doubled their BCBA roles since Clare first joined, and the team has expanded what they can offer to the men and women supported by Eden.
“I think what’s cool about Adult Services is that the clinical team is still very early in our growth. There is so much opportunity to expand this department,” said Clare.
The Adult Services Clinical Team develops Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), creates learning environments that support each participant’s needs, and provides support and training to staff in other departments. Out of everything she does, spending time with the participants is Clare’s favorite part of the job.
“The most rewarding part is building relationships with not just the participants, but the staff and families as well,” she said. “When everyone works together because they see positive changes, it’s amazing. It’s very rewarding when you all get to celebrate the good things after times have been a little tough.”
Clare knew she wanted to be a Behavior Analyst after she took a behavior modification class in college. “I think it was seeing the possibility of changing behavior and seeing individuals who really struggled with self-injury or aggression, and how some simple modifications in the environment could change their quality of life. That was really cool.”
Clare joined Eden in 2014, first working at the school before joining Adult Services in 2018. Not only are there plenty of opportunities for collaboration, but working in Adult Services also presents more research opportunities for Clare and her colleagues. “A lot of the literature that is currently out there focuses on children,” said Clare. “We have a real opportunity to develop research that focuses on adults with autism.”
“Clare’s contribution has been vital to the clinical team’s growth,” said Lisa Toole, Director of Clinical Services. “Her early role as a BCBA was essential in developing collaborative relationships across departments, which is a necessary foundation for ensuring that our participants receive quality clinical services.”
“It is the most rewarding feeling ever because you know you’re improving the quality of their lives,” said Clare. “It’s making their lives better, and staff and their parents see that as well. Being able to celebrate that together is a really special thing.”
