Holly Messick

I'm very interested in working with neurodiverse people like myself. I have a BA in Special Education & Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. Years ago I knew I wanted to work with people similar to me. My first job in the field was as an RBT doing ABA. This experience was beneficial for me because I got to see what I liked and what I did not like, and how these therapies impacted children. With ABA- I benefited from working with a variety of clients with various support needs. It gave me the opportunity to form my own opinions regarding some of the tactics. I was also a Kindergarten SPED teacher at a therapeutic day school- this was an all SPED school K-8th grade including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. I was able to meet more children with various support needs- specifically non-speaking children. During my time teaching, I worked closely with the school's occupational therapist and I would sit in and shadow my student's sessions after school so I could learn how to connect with them more. This was when I really got to experience different therapy tactics. It solidified some of my opinions on what I had previously been taught and showed me that there are so many ways to learn something. I learned how to embrace neurodivergent children more, to never make them conform, help them reach their potential, navigate challenges, and to ensure they knew they were loved for who they are. The occupational therapy techniques helped my teaching immensely and I learned that those are the tactics I want to implement, rather than some of the things that were previously taught to me. My goal of being in this field is so that another child does not feel how I felt growing up. Though I had very supportive parents, I did not have any neurodiverse role models- let alone female role models- to help me navigate a world that is not made for us neurodivergents. I want to be able to provide support, kindness, understanding, and help.

Ideal Workplace Values

My ideal workplace would include supportive co-workers who are understanding and patient. I would like to work in a non-judgemental workplace that is eager for different perspectives.