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Joy Hall

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Art
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Bible Study
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Child Development

Reading

  • Adult Fiction

I read books daily.

Bio

I am a single parent raising an amazing child with autism. Education is my path to stability, purpose, and a better life for us both. I truly love learning and showing up for school. I’m grateful for every opportunity, every lesson, and the growth that comes from perseverance and faith. My goals are rooted in service, compassion, and long-term impact!

Education

Columbia College

Associate's degree program

2020 – 2024

Majors:
  • Social Work

Columbia College

Bachelor's degree program

2020 – 2026

Majors:
  • Social Work

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Registered behavioral therapist

    Mental Health Care · Applied Behavioral Analysis for children

    Jan 2023 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Applied Behavior Analysis
Work experience:
10+ years
Has nursing license:
No
Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship
My life is rooted in service, purpose, and growth. I am a Registered Behavior Therapist, a Human Services student, and a single mother raising a child with autism. These roles don’t exist separately, they shape how I serve my community and fuel my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Every challenge I’ve faced has strengthened my desire to advocate, educate, and help families navigate developmental and behavioral challenges with hope and confidence. As a Registered Behavior Therapist, I work directly with children who experience learning delays, communication barriers, and maladaptive behaviors. Many of the children I’ve supported struggled with emotional regulation, transitions, aggression, or self-injurious behaviors. Some were completely nonverbal when services began. Through consistent intervention, patience, and individualized treatment plans, I’ve witnessed powerful transformations. I’ve seen children who once could not communicate their needs begin to speak, make eye contact, and engage meaningfully with others. Watching that growth never gets old,it’s the heart of why I do this work. One of the most impactful parts of my service is helping clients replace maladaptive behaviors with functional communication and life skills. I’ve supported children in learning to tolerate transitions, follow routines, and build independence both at home and in school settings. I’ve also worked closely with parents, helping them understand behavior strategies and empowering them to continue progress outside of sessions. Seeing families regain hope and confidence reminds me that this work reaches far beyond individual sessions. My service extends beyond my clients to the broader community. I regularly support other parents, especially mothers of children with disabilities, by sharing resources, answering questions, and helping them advocate for appropriate services. I know how overwhelming this journey can be, and I make it a priority to show up with compassion and clarity. Many parents have shared that having someone who understands both professionally and personally has made a significant difference in their confidence and outlook. Academically, I earned my Associate’s degree in Human Services and was honored to be on the Dean’s List. I am now pursuing my bachelor’s degree with the long-term goal of entering a master’s program to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My ultimate vision is to open my own ABA agency, one that prioritizes ethical care, family involvement, and accessibility for underserved communities. I want to create a space where children are supported holistically and families feel seen, respected, and equipped. Being a single mother has taught me resilience, time management, and empathy. Balancing school, work, and parenting a child with special needs has strengthened my commitment to this field and deepened my understanding of the families I serve. Education is not just a personal goal for me, it is a pathway to long-term impact. Through my work as a Registered Behavior Therapist, I’ve seen what consistent, compassionate intervention can do. I’ve witnessed growth where others once saw limits. That is the impact I hope to continue expanding as I pursue my BCBA certification and open my own agency, serving with purpose, integrity, and heart.
Joy Hall Student Profile | Bold.org