Entering the healthcare field was ultimately the result of my personal experiences with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Growing up, I wished there was someone I could talk to who would’ve understood me on a level that was foreign to me at the time. Through struggling on my own, I not only learned how to build resilience, but realized I wanted to be the support system I searched for in the past. My experiences with children solidified this goal for me. I’ve worked as a behavioral technician, daycare teacher, and nanny, so I’ve seen how a change of support system can transform a child’s self-esteem and motivate them. Even small moments, such as a child finally feeling proud of themselves or learning how to regulate their emotions, can be life-changing. Those moments are what made me certain that this is the kind of impact I want to have. Fulfillment for me looks like helping those isolated and misunderstood individuals to grasp their full potential. As a woman in healthcare, I want to build a positive change and make a difference by building safe places for children and families affected by mental health disorders. Narrowing my focus to mental health allows children and families, especially those who I can relate to, receive the support they need. I also decided to narrow my focus on mental health due to the stigmas associated with this field. Isolation is felt and understood by many individuals affected by mental health disorders, but not always talked about. Years of societal expectations and stigmas have lead people to believe that their experience should be silenced or dismissed, especially for men and boys alike in this world. From a young age, boys are taught to be tough and put up a strong front. If said front crumbles due to mental health concerns, society tends to quickly mold them back into shape due to vulnerability being seen as a weakness. I aim to reframe this weakness and how we see mental health as a whole; In turn, aiding individuals to reach their goals as well. For me, healthcare isn’t just a career, it’s a way to turn my past challenges into something meaningful. If I can help even one person feel seen, understood, and supported in a way I once needed, then I know I’m making the difference I set out to make. By combining compassion and science in my day-to-day life, it will result in entirely changing the lives of misrepresented groups, making for a better tomorrow.

When I was eight years old, I lost my father. Experiencing such a profound loss at a young age was overwhelming and life-changing. At first, I felt lost, scared, and unsure how to move forward. I struggled to process my grief and wondered how life could continue after such a sudden absence. Over time, I realized that while I could not change what had happened, I could choose how to respond to it. I leaned heavily on the support of my family, especially my grandparents, who guided me through the challenges of growing up without my father. Their stories, wisdom, and encouragement taught me the value of resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of finding purpose even in the face of adversity. I also learned to channel my emotions into determination, turning grief into motivation to grow, persevere, and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Losing my dad shaped the way I relate to children and families. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working with children in various capacities, including my current role as a behavioral technician for children with autism. This work has allowed me to support children as they navigate challenges, whether learning new skills, managing emotions, or overcoming obstacles in their daily lives. I understand firsthand how critical it is for children to have support, patience, and guidance during difficult times, and I bring empathy and care to every interaction. My own experiences with loss and adversity help me connect with the children I work with, recognizing the strength they demonstrate every day and encouraging them to see their potential. My long-term goal is to continue working with children and families, providing support, guidance, and therapy to help them overcome challenges and thrive. I want to be a source of stability and encouragement for those who may be struggling, much like the support my grandparents provided me during my formative years. I hope to expand my impact by developing programs and resources that make therapy and support more accessible to children and families, especially those who may not otherwise have access to such services. Experiencing this adversity at a young age fundamentally reshaped my perception of life. I have learned that life is unpredictable, but challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth, resilience, and empathy. It taught me the importance of perseverance, self-reflection, and giving back to others. Today, I carry these lessons into my work with children, striving to help them feel seen, understood, and empowered to overcome their own obstacles. Ultimately, losing my father inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others navigate adversity, just as I was guided through mine. It strengthened my empathy, deepened my resilience, and motivated my passion for supporting children and families. Through my work, I aim to honor his memory by making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those who need guidance, care, and encouragement the most.

My name is Maya, and I am a behavioral technician working with children with autism. Every day, I have the privilege of supporting children as they develop essential skills, build confidence, and navigate the challenges that come with their unique needs. This work has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of individualized care, as every child requires a different approach to help them thrive. Through these experiences, I have come to understand the profound impact that guidance, support, and understanding can have on a child’s growth; not only academically and socially but emotionally as well. Working closely with children on the autism spectrum has given me insight into the challenges they face, as well as the incredible potential each child possesses. I have witnessed children make breakthroughs in communication, social interaction, and daily living skills, often after months of consistent effort and encouragement. Being a part of those moments is both humbling and motivating, reinforcing my dedication to this field. It has also strengthened my belief that every child deserves access to resources, care, and opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. My goal is to use my career to create a lasting positive social impact by advocating for children and families with special needs and expanding access to therapeutic services. I plan to continue my education in psychology and therapy so that I can provide even more specialized support and guidance. Beyond direct care, I hope to develop programs that educate families, schools, and communities about autism and other developmental challenges, breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and stigma. By increasing awareness and accessibility, I aim to help create an environment where children with special needs are understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. I also plan to mentor and train future behavioral technicians and caregivers, sharing my knowledge, experiences, and techniques to ensure that every child receives compassionate and effective support. I understand firsthand the difference that well-trained, dedicated professionals can make in a child’s life, and I am committed to helping others cultivate the same skills and empathy that have been so impactful in my own career. Ultimately, my work is guided by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and be heard. Through my career, I hope to empower children with special needs to achieve their goals, help families navigate the challenges they face, and foster communities that value inclusion and understanding. By combining direct care, advocacy, and education, I aim to create meaningful change that extends beyond individual children to influence broader social systems. In short, my passion for helping children with autism, combined with my experience as a behavioral technician, drives me to make a positive, lasting impact. I am committed to advancing my skills, advocating for families, and creating a more supportive and inclusive world for children with special needs; one breakthrough, one family, and one community at a time

Growing up, I faced challenges that shaped both my resilience and my sense of identity. I was bullied in school for things as simple as the hair on my arms and even for my name, which is deeply connected to my Native heritage. These experiences were painful, especially as a child trying to find my place in the world, but they taught me the importance of self-acceptance and pride in who I am. At the same time, losing my father added another layer of hardship. Coping with grief while navigating everyday life required strength, reflection, and support from those around me. It was through these difficult moments that I began to understand the importance of perseverance and the power of leaning on my community. One of the most meaningful sources of guidance has been my Native grandparents. Through their stories, teachings, and traditions, they helped me understand the richness of our culture and the importance of community, resilience, and honoring our roots. Listening to them speak about our ancestors and traditions showed me that even challenges can be part of a larger story, and the way I respond can honor those who came before me. Their guidance has given me a foundation of strength, pride, and perspective that continues to inspire both my personal life and my goals for the future. These experiences have shaped my goal of helping children and families who are struggling, particularly those who may face challenges similar to mine, whether it is bullying, grief, or feeling disconnected from their culture. I want to provide therapy and support to help others build resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance, while also fostering an understanding and appreciation of their identities. My personal journey has shown me that even in the face of hardship, guidance, culture, and storytelling can provide a path forward, and I hope to be someone who helps others find that same guidance in their lives. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that my background is not just a part of my past, it is a compass for my future. The lessons from my grandparents, the resilience built through adversity, and the empathy born from my own struggles fuel my commitment to giving back and making a positive impact. Sharing stories, whether mine or others’, is a way to honor those who came before me and to inspire hope, strength, and courage for those who come after. I am determined to carry these lessons forward and dedicate my life to supporting and uplifting others in meaningful ways.