For this month’s Motivator Spotlight you’ll get to meet Amy Legan, owner of Aspire Behavior Solutions. With a journey that began in 2006, Amy has built a thriving practice in Alaska, focusing on empowering clients, families, and her team. From her early days as a mentor to becoming a practice owner, Amy’s commitment to ethical, impactful care is making a difference.
1. Can you share your journey in ABA therapy and what inspired you to pursue it?
I first learned about ABA in 2006 while I was in college. I took a course that involved being a mentor to a local high school student. The student I mentored is on the Spectrum, and was receiving ABA therapy at the time. Her parents invited me to sit in on a few of her direct sessions and one of the caregiver training sessions so I could learn more about how to communicate effectively with her, what her sensory needs were and just generally what techniques to use for pairing and connecting.
During these overlaps and the weeks that followed as our relationship developed, it was very clear to me that I enjoyed this science, that I was confident in applying the small amount I had learned and that the outcomes for my mentee and her family were so positive. I loved being a part of that and was so grateful her parents and the ABA team offered me this experience. Soon after I applied to be what was called a "tutor" back then, or what would now be called an RBT. Pretty quickly I realized my enjoyment for the field was passion and commitment. When I graduated, I enrolled in a graduate program and pursued becoming a BCBA. I achieved that in 2013 and have remained committed to our science and the growth of our field ever since!
2. What's been the most rewarding aspect of your role as a BCBA or clinical owner?
There are an incredible amount of rewarding aspects of working in this field. As a Clinician, it is absolutely the life changing outcomes for clients and their families. It's hearing from the parents what a difference the work we are doing is making. It's hearing that their life has been made easier, or simpler in some small capacity. It's watching "my kids" connect with people, connect dots, and connect to themselves and their strengths.
As a practice owner, it is providing others the opportunity I was given to understand our science, to provide them clinical and ethical support and to watch their passion grow as mine did. I also love helping other Clinicians and Technicians find and honor their niche within our field.
3. How has it been using Motivity?
Hear me when I say, Motivity is a GAME CHANGER as both a Clinician and practice owner. I come from paper and pencil as many of us did, but eventually I got with the program and moved electronic. While I wanted these programs to work well for us, they just weren't. When I found Motivity, I felt compelled enough to overcome what I *thought* was going to be a time consuming transition in order to use a program that seemed more aligned with our needs. It turned out to not be that time consuming because we worked with an incredible team at Motivity to help up onboard. From the moment I made the decision to move to Motivity, my work life changed.
First, Motivity's team has been right by my side every step of the way. Second, it is thoughtfully designed and more than that Motivity LOVES to hear from Clinicians and takes feedback and ideas which has lead to wonderful new features and lastly Motivity is reliable. That may be may favorite thing. I don't have to spend any time looking for lost data because it's never lost, I can customize everything I need to suit the style of my practice, I have support any time I need it, and Motivity functions the way it is supposed to. I know that seems like it should be a given, but I assure you it is not amongst other industry options. I have gained so much of my time back.
When someone asks me "How has it been using Motivity", I can only say "Basically life changing and if you aren't using it, you should."
4. Share one powerful ABA strategy or technique you find impactful for your clients.
The most impactful strategy in all my years of practice is using ABA techniques to develop continuity of care. First, pair with your client's caregivers and establish trust. Teach them ABA basics and do some behavioral skills training. Establish what's important to them and what they will find reinforcing. Develop a plan to target those skills or behaviors as a team. My best programs are always the ones where I take care to involve the family and caregivers and help them be part of the team. So much of what we do can be applied to this and when families feel more confident in their understanding of ABA and their ability to apply it in a way that works for their family, the better the outcomes are for our clients. That's what we are all here for!
5. Outside of work, what's a hobby or interest you're passionate about and how do you balance it with your professional life?
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family. I have a toddler and a husband and we love to explore all Alaska has to offer. We take our camper out every chance we get and love to adventure together. I am also passionate about exercise and love to practice applying what I know about ABA to my own wellness. And obviously, crime documentaries haha!
6. One thing you love about Motivity?
Motivity is intuitive. It is clearly designed with Clinician input and people who have actually practiced in a clinical setting. Everything can be customized, is easy to develop and as I said earlier, it all functions the way it is supposed to.
7. What has been your biggest win with Motivity?
Trust. Coming from programs that "lost" data and session notes, I was a very untrusting practice owner. Motivity has relieved me of those fears. Having trust in this team is my biggest win because I can focus my time in other areas and know that Motivity has my back.
