6 years.
6 years ago I was sad and lonely. I just started my master's, was wanting to live near family and wanted a career. I was passionate about working with kids with autism, but didn't feel like anywhere I had been was a fit. I had been rejected from 3 jobs in Indy then found KCT.
I emailed and asked Frank Knez for an interview. Two weeks later, I put on my best pant suit and drove to Brownsburg. sweating, I tried to put into words why I had already been bouncing around so many ABA jobs in Chicago. They didn't treat the kids right, I felt they asked therapists to be put in dangerous situations without support, the therapists and students had no sense of community..... and he offered me a job and the flexibility to pack and move and find housing with no timeline.
I always thought it was so unique that I was offered a job without being observed working with kids, without asking me any questions about the future plans I had of becoming a clinician. And then, this week I think it's finally made sense: people matter.
In my 6 years at K1ds Count Therapy, LLC , I have joined the student program, passed my Board Exam, held a caseload of 10 clients, become the manager then director of the student program and then taken on clinical supervision of BCaBAs. I've successfully grown and climbed the ladder.
BUT I've grown as a person, and a leader.
🖍I've learned about AAC and tried to integrate it into everything I do and teach, to make sure every child can communicate in every activity they do.
🐎 I've been able to get back into therapeutic riding and assist families and clients two nights a month.
👕I've been able to help connect our clinic to an Indy non profit to help provide meaningful work for our clients
💚I've learned that people matter. I've been yelled at by employees, and parents, and learned to show grace and empathy. I've participated in 5ks and events to show support to our employees and their families.
❤️I've been shown grace, flexibility and support in times of need.
🧩I've called my supervisors multiple times a day and learned how to provide feedback, pour into others, and create changes that support everyone's experience.
🫂I have been poured into and given opportunities to gain continuing education, leadership coaching, and instruction from leaders in other professions.
Now, I'm passionate about working with clients. KCT is the leader of our field in regards to compassionate, televisible care, and collaboration.
And I'm also passionate about leadership, growth, and creating a staff experience and culture that is meaningful.
If I can make even one person feel as poured into as I feel, then I will feel like I've made a difference.
thank you, Frank Knez , Hillary Ott, MSOT, OTR/L , Taylor Helton, and everyone else at KCT for the endless opportunity, feedback, and leadership over the last 6 years, but more importantly the next 50.