From the beautiful shores of Hawai’i to the dynamic world of ABA, Anne Lau’s journey has been one of curiosity, resilience, and a deep passion for helping children and families thrive. Her career path began with an internship in Child Protective Services, where an autistic child became the bright spot in a challenging environment, ultimately guiding her toward ABA. Now the Clinical Director at ABC Group Hawaii, Anne leads with both innovation and heart. Whether she’s supporting families in finding joy in their child’s progress, mentoring BCBAs to ignite their passion, or making data collection seamless with Motivity (goodbye, paper binders!), her impact is felt across the field. Mahalo, Anne, for your dedication to creating meaningful change in the lives of so many!
1. What led you to a career in ABA, and how has your journey shaped the way you approach your work today?
I stumbled into ABA after burning out while getting my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I answered a job ad about working with kids to help them learn, which ended I had an undergraduate internship experience working with Child Protective Services, where I met an autistic boy. He was the sunshine for me in that dark place! But I was also very inexperienced with kids and wanted to improve my abilities before starting a family of my own. After college I was hired by a parent who was starting the first ABA clinic in Hawai’i- I knew nothing! But I soon saw that I could learn… anything. Which was good- because this start-up had a wide variety of jobs, and I think I did them all at some point. That confidence or optimism in figuring things out has been critical in my career. My first supervisor was also a catalyst- she could make almost anything fun for our clients. Her skill, kindness, and excitement for teaching was so contagious. Thank you Emaley!
2. In your day-to-day work, what moment or success story has made you step back and say, "This is why I do what I do"?
There are so many! When we celebrate a client graduation from clinic services, chart shares at our inservice training days when our RBTs get to present some of their most impressive data, mentoring BCBAs and seeing their passion come alive. But I think the biggest successes for me come from helping parents understand and enjoy their children better- when they get to experience the pride of their child’s achievement and joy, which is often in an unexpected context and probably very unique compared to other children- but the feeling is universal. That is why I do what I do.
3. What’s been your biggest win since using Motivity?
ABC Group was a late adopter of electronic data and before Motivity we were all old-school paper users. Going through funder audits is now so easy! Not having to purge binders, shred, scan, or file data sheets, and having the peace of mind knowing where everything is all the time- is priceless. Our session notes are insanely easier now too- so we can spend more time teaching our clients and less time documenting for compliance.
4. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in ABA?
Follow and listen to people who are way smarter than you. Make data displays that are exciting and occasionally jaw-dropping. Go to the ABAI annual convention as often as possible- pay for the pre-conference workshops from the celebrities. Don’t expect anyone to do something you are not willing or able to do, and if you are the highest paid person in the room- don’t delegate or avoid the hardest work. Learn everything about ACT for yourself and apply it in your life. You don’t always have to have “work-life balance”. Be very aware of your bias and your individual needs.
5. What’s a professional goal you’ve set for yourself this year?
Submit your notes on time.
6. When you're not working, what helps you recharge and stay balanced?
Yardwork, festivals, and screentime.
7. If you had to pick one thing you love about Motivity, what would it be?
The Note Template Builder.
