Staff Spotlight:
Kelly Hobbins
Kelly Hobbins graduated with a BA and MA from Western Michigan University in Applied Behavior Analysis. She studied at Teacher’s College Columbia University for two years with an emphasis in Special Education/Behavior Analysis, and completed an MS in Administration from Mercy College. She is a NYS certified teacher of general and special education, a NYS certified School Building Leader and School District Leader, and a Nationally Certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Over her career, she has worked in various settings for children with disabilities. Including teaching in early intervention programs, self-contained and integrated preschool classrooms , and teaching and supervising school age self-contained classrooms. Ms. Hobbins has worked in the for profit field of educational curriculum development at Headsprout Reading in Seattle, WA curriculum. She began working for HFI in 2004 as a classroom teacher and quickly moved into a Senior Teacher/Behavior Analyst role. Ms. Hobbins is now the Coordinator for Early Childhood Education. She oversees the operations of all early childhood programs including Early Intervention and Preschool.
Q&A
Can you tell us about your journey to joining the company and your current role?
When I first started at HCDS, I was a teacher in the school-age program and was promoted to to Senior Teacher in the Preschool department eventually getting my administration degree and becoming the Early Childhood Coordinator.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I really enjoyed all of my psychology classes at Western Michigan came across a small ABA class at the school where I volunteered and fell in love with Applied Behavior Analysis. I was fortunate to have amazing mentors. Dr. Richard Malott helped provide opportunities at WMU learning about ABA. I went on to study at Columbia Teachers College/ Fred S. Keller School and worked with Dr. Janet Twyman and Dr. Tina Covington. I have spend most of my career working in the ABA field and early childhood.
Can you share a memorable project or achievement you’re proud of?
I enjoy helping our staff get their TA or RBT certifications and I especially love it when our staff go on to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
Hardest Part about your job?
In Preschool, the students and families are only with us for a short period of time. Just when all the learning is coming together and we see the biggest changes....it's graduation time and we have to say good bye.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love going to Broadway shows in NYC, visiting indoor water parks with my family and brunch with friends.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sometimes I am observing in classrooms, training staff, working with parents, interviewing or giving new parents a tour of the school. When you work in setting like ours, each and every day is different!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My position requires a lot of problem solving and I enjoy collaborating with our teachers, therapists, behavior analysts and parents. It is rewarding to see the progress our students and families make each year and celebrate their accomplishments at our graduation ceremony in June.
Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that you live by?
My Favorite quote, "If you're someone people count on, particularly in difficult moments, that's a sign of a life lived honorably." - Rachel Maddow
What's a fun fact about you that most people wouldn't know?
I was a Cub Scout leader even though I am not outdoorsy and do not enjoy camping! The things we do for our kids!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would probably say reading people's minds, because as a Behavior Analyst it would make my job a lot easier.