user profile avatar

amanda caraker

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Crocheting
  • Music
  • Music Composition

Reading

  • Drama

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Hi! My name is Amanda Caraker. I grew up in Bakersfield, California, and now live in Utah. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Psychology with the goal of earning my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. I’ve been working with children for about 5 years, including 3 years specifically working with children with autism. I currently work as a Registered Behavior Technician, where I support children in developing new skills, building independence, and reaching their individual goals. My experiences working with children have strengthened my passion for psychology and inspired me to continue growing in this field. My passion for working with individuals with disabilities began through people who have had a meaningful impact on my life. Their experiences showed me how important patience, understanding, advocacy, and having someone believe in you can be. I hope to use my education and career to provide that same support to others and eventually help children and adults reach their fullest potential. Outside of school and work, I love spending time in nature, crafting, and crocheting, which I learned from my grandmother. I also have a huge passion for music and play around 15 different instruments. I’m excited to continue my education, grow within my career, and make a positive difference in the lives of the people I work with. ✨

Education

Bakersfield College

Associate's degree program

2020 – 2029

Majors:
  • Psychology, General
Minors:
  • Education, Other

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Psychology, General, Psychology, Other
Desired degree modality:
Online
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Paraprofessional

    Education · Greenfield Union School District

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2023

  • Registered Behavioral Technician

    Education · Affinity Autism

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Special Education Assistant

    Education · Utah School District

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Education, Psychology
Dream career goals:
I want to be a BCBA
Work experience:
5 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
J&Y Law Yahouda Yahoudai Service Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Aim Higher" Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Special Needs Advocacy Inc. Kathleen Lehman Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Learner Mental Health Empowerment for Health Students Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Harvest Scholarship for Women Dreamers
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Aim Higher" Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Champions for Intellectual Disability Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Brooks Martin Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Shanique Gravely Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Susie Elizabeth Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was truly special—full of patience, laughter, and a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but watching the two of them interact was shaping my heart and preparing me for the work I would one day fall in love with. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I admired about their relationship became even more meaningful. His brother’s joy, resilience, and way of connecting with others continued to inspire me, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a way that honored both of them. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience confirmed my passion for this field. Being part of a classroom where students communicated, learned, and experienced the world differently showed me how deeply I connected with them. Each breakthrough, each smile, and each moment of trust reminded me how important it is for these students to have people in their corner. That role helped me recognize that this wasn’t just work for me—it was purpose-driven. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many incredible children, adults, and families. Every person I’ve supported has inspired me in their own way. The families I work with show tremendous strength, patience, and love, and building meaningful connections with them is one of the greatest parts of my job. My clients inspire me every single day with their determination, growth, and individuality. They continually show me the impact that compassionate, consistent support can make. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside BCBAs who lead with dedication, knowledge, and genuine care. Watching how they problem-solve, advocate, and build meaningful change for families is a huge part of why I want to further my career. Their guidance has shown me what is possible in this field and has motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned—from my childhood experiences to the clients and BCBAs who inspire me daily—and use it to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Kathleen L. Small Teaching Scholarship
Growing up, one of the biggest influences on my life was the friendship I had with my best friend and the relationship he shared with his younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Their bond was something truly special—filled with patience, laughter, and a deep understanding that didn’t need many words. Watching them interact taught me so much about compassion, acceptance, and what it truly means to show up for someone. At the time, I didn’t know just how much their relationship would shape my future. When my best friend passed away in 2019, everything I had admired about the way he loved and protected his brother became even more meaningful to me. His brother’s strength, positivity, and unique way of connecting with the world stayed with me, and I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting individuals like him. Before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, I worked as a special education assistant in a classroom, and that experience changed me in ways I still carry with me today. I found myself drawn to helping students communicate their needs, celebrate their progress, and feel understood in environments that often overlooked their potential. Being in that classroom helped me discover how naturally I connected with my students and how fulfilling it was to watch them grow more confident day by day. That role confirmed that this was more than a job—it was a calling. Now, as an RBT, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many families, each with their own story, strengths, and challenges. I don’t just work with my clients—I connect with them in a special, meaningful way. Every family I’ve supported has taught me something new, and those connections motivate me to continue growing in this field. My dream is to earn my bachelor’s degree and eventually my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis so I can play a more active, impactful role in the lives of the individuals I serve. I want to take the compassion I learned from my best friend and his brother and turn it into lifelong advocacy and meaningful, skill-building support for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. My best friends brother is the reason I started my journey with my education but My clients everyday is the reason I stay. I’ve also met some very passionate and caring people along the way that inspire me everyday. The BCBA’s I get to work with show me everyday why I want to do this job.
amanda caraker Student Profile | Bold.org