Interview with McKinzie
Tell us about yourself
I am a proud AZ native who grew up in Glendale. I’m the youngest of 3 & was blessed to have my grandma around to take care of me. I grew up playing a few instruments (piano, violin, flute, guitar) & sang in choir every chance I got in high school. As for present-day adventures, I am a full-time student at GCU, enrolled in my bachelor’s program for Behavioral Health Sciences & a newly admitted student-intern with AzABA. In my (limited) spare time, I enjoy working out, engaging in arts & crafts, scrolling Facebook reels, or seeing my family.
Why did you become a Registered Behavior Technician?
Growing up, I lived with my nephew who has a multi-diagnosis of bipolar disorder, ADHD, & depression. Although he is 4 years younger than me, we were more like brother & sister. I took notice of his mood swings & extreme behaviors when I was 13 years old. In 2019, my youngest nephew was diagnosed with autism after spending the first 5 years of his life not speaking. When the COVID-19 shutdown happened in 2020, I became his respite care provider. From then on, I developed a deep interest in how autism affected him and other children so differently.
Why do you think your coworkers nominated you for being empathetic?
I think I was nominated as an empathetic teammate because I take time to share and understand the feelings of my kiddos, as well as my teammates. Just asking about my teammates’ well-being & creating space to vent gives me the chance to help them feel heard & to feel seen. I may not be able to solve all their problems, but the least I can do is give them an opportunity to breathe in & let go of their stress. That feeling goes a long way, & even gives me a way to share my own feelings or thoughts so I may help them through that moment. The number of times my teammates have been there for me in my time of mental/ emotional exhaustion inspires me to pour back into them as much as possible. I do what I can to make my teammates’ day easier, because I can only do as well as my team. “We’re all in this together” 🎶❤️
What do you love most about working with TEAM 4 Kids?
I absolutely love the amount of collaboration that occurs across disciplines here at TEAM 4 Kids! Our OT & ST friends are never too far away & easy to approach whenever us RBTs need help with a program that requires their expertise.
If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
My one wish would be for ABA therapy to be implemented in schools everywhere & create an established role for RBTs to assist students who show they would greatly benefit from ABA therapy. Special education teachers can only do so much with the limited resources they have. It would be incredible if RBTs could lend a helping hand, with the support of our public school system.
Nominations for McKinzie:
“She is a great co-therapist; she is always checking in on me. McKinzie looks out for her peers, makes sure they are good, gives breaks when needed, and is always available to listen without judgment. She gives great feedback when it is needed.”
“McKinzie embodies empathy in everything she does. She is beyond kind and patient with all her clients. Her strong core values and compassionate demeanor resonate with her clients. McKenzie is a top-notch RBT and one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever met.”
“McKinzie is always so compassionate and understanding with her co-workers as well as our kiddos. She is so patient and sympathetic, providing comfort during times that can feel overwhelming and stressful.
