As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, and Journey Therapy Center is proud to be part of that village. It wouldn’t be possible, though, without each and every one of our amazing team members! Today, we’d like to introduce you to Administrative Assistant Amber Clark.
Q: As the Administrative Assistant at JTC, what does your daily work involve?
A: My job entails numerous daily activities and some that are only occasional. I am in charge of managing the schedule, daily changes that occur within scheduling, interviewing and onboarding new employees. I also assist in the HR roles and responsibilities, corrective action, attend and schedule meetings, take part in planning special events and coordinating all the things in the background! I communicate with clients and parents for changes in schedule as needed as well as engage with other professionals outside of JTC.
Q: What is your background and what brought you to JTC?
A: When I came to JTC, I had no experience in ABA or with individuals with autism. I have a nephew that was diagnosed with autism, not long before JTC opened and I had my first interview. I have always had a passion for helping others, and I thought it would be a great way to help my own family, in learning how to care for individuals with autism and meeting my nephew on his level. Prior to coming to JTC, I worked in a hospital kitchen for 11 years, where I started off washing dishes, and ended with being a supervisor. After a year of staying home with my newborn daughter, I interviewed with JTC prior to their ribbon cutting ceremony and I have been here with this amazing company ever since, being the third technician to start at Journey.
Q: What do you think are the best things about JTC?
A: The best thing about JTC is that we are able to make huge impacts on not just the clients’ lives and well-being, but their family as whole. When we can see the improvements in behaviors, social skills, play skills or basic communication of needs and wants, it is truly heartwarming to know that we have taken part in that.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I simply love the work that we do. I love to see the children grow and make progress. I love to be part of something bigger, even though I no longer work directly with the children. Their wins make my heart happy, and when they struggle, my heart hurts for them. I also love the relationship that I have created with my co-workers and most importantly the trust and commitment between myself and (owners) Claudia and Antonio.
Q: Please share a couple of memorable moments you’ve had at JTC.
A: There are so many! My first would be in my beginning days, trying to learn how to apply ABA therapy, and not getting into a “power struggle” with a client that is higher functioning, and they only were able to see things “their way.” Another memorable moment is hearing a non-verbal child learn to speak and say mama for the first time. Last is a more recent event, where I was able to travel and learn new ideas in HR for our growing company with an out-of-state conference.
Q: If there’s anything you think people should know about kids with autism, what would it be?
A: Be patient. Don’t take what they say or do to heart. Give frequent reminders. They learn and grow in a different way than neurotypical children do, and it is not the same.
Q: Are there any misconceptions that you’ve noticed that people have about individuals with autism?
A: A misconception about children with autism is that people think they aren’t paying attention or don’t know what we are saying. This is very far from the truth. They are always listening and studying us, even our non-verbal communication! They are able to feed off of our emotions and actions without us even knowing. That is why it is so important to remain calm and neutral in situations where problem behaviors may occur.