As a special instructor specializing in behavior, Brittany graduated with a degree in elementary and special education. Although she had planned to work in a public school, she faced a crowded job market, with thousands of applicants vying for every district teaching job. Pivoting, she taught preschool for awhile, and then taught autistic support at a specialized school for behavior.
Once she finally got a job at a district, she taught emotional support for four years and then transferred to autistic support for a year, working closely with low functioning students with a lot of need. Although the work was fulfilling, it was very draining. “My own children were getting older and involved in sports and I had nothing left after getting home from work,” she explains. “I needed a change but didn't want to leave working with children or special ed.”
She took to the internet to browse for other special ed related positions, and happened upon Happy Hearts about a year and a half ago. “I met with Jess and realized this is the perfect fit for what I need for myself and my family,” she shares. “The flexible schedule allows me to be involved with my kids while still doing meaningful work that I enjoy.”
Brittany had previously worked in daycares. While that wasn’t financially sustainable, she really enjoyed that age range and was excited to work with little guys again. “I love toddlers. They’re so fun. They also grow so much between 18 months and 3 years old. I’ve had some clients for a year and it’s stunning to think back on where they were then versus where they are now. They come so far in a short time span.”
She also appreciates how early intervention allows her to work with entire families. As a teacher, she worked directly with kids but had little contact with their parents. “I like that I now get to see families every session. I get to witness firsthand how the skills and strategies I introduce impact everyone in the family.” She’s developed such meaningful relationships that one mother keeps her updated about a former client even though he’s aged out of the program.
Brittany encourages any parents new to early intervention to be open to receiving suggestions from their therapist and implementing those strategies. And then to practice those strategies and skills throughout the week. “The more you practice, the more likely your child is to improve,” she shares. She also encourages parents to speak up if something doesn't seem right or if a new concern has come about so the therapist can adjust strategies. There’s a chance your child might need a new or a different intervention added to their program.
When Brittany isn’t working, she’s busy running after her two boys, who are 7 and 9 and both play baseball. Her family likes to travel together when they’re not on the baseball field. While she particularly likes the beach, the family had an unforgettable trip to Disney last year. “It was just a magical, magical trip because they were the perfect age. We didn't need a stroller. We were able to just go. But they were young enough that the magic of Disney was alive for them.”
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