Her Story
About Arielle
Arielle is the Director of ABA Operations at her company, where she has served since November 2024. In this capacity, she oversees clinical operations, staff development, quality initiatives, and program implementation. Her career, which began in 2011, has centered on behavioral health and autism spectrum services, with a strong emphasis on leadership and building effective clinical teams to support BCBAs, RBTs, and clients. Arielle holds an undergraduate degree in speech language and pathology. She earned her BCABA certification from Florida Institute of Technology in 2015 and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2018, which led to her becoming a BCBA. She also maintains OBM certifications, a health specialist certification, and certification in the Early Start Denver Model. Arielle is actively involved in professional organizations, having served on the junior board of the Autism Society of Central Virginia where she helped host community events promoting inclusion, and she is a member of the Virginia Association of Behavior Analysis and Women's International Behavior Analysis. She values accountability and clear communication in her work and personal life, and she advocates for policy changes to improve access to services for clients.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Arielle
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to do the hard thing and be comfortable being uncomfortable. One of my early mentors used a sink or swim method that helped me learn to challenge myself and go into situations even without all the answers, figuring it out as I go. I continue to work like that now and am okay telling people I don't know but will find the answer.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a person of color in this field, I would say don't be afraid to try new things or be intimidated by what the field looks like. Always try your hardest. You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable - that's the motto I live by. Knowing who you are and showing up as yourself has gotten me far.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now there is a lot of change with different policies making it more difficult for clients to access services. I have been advocating with insurance companies and policy makers to ensure individuals have access to needed care, bridging the gap between money-focused decisions and medical/life needs. I want to be more informed to advocate for policy change so kids don't lose access.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability and clear and effective communication are most important. We hold clients and team accountable which creates trust, especially with a vulnerable population. Maintaining positive relationships is key. This transfers to personal life through being trustworthy, honest, and timely.
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