Aerika’s Story 

“I love having the capacity to learn every day while supporting kids with special healthcare needs and their families. I have the most supportive and incredibly strong team at ChildServe,” said Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinical Team Lead Aerika Budd.

After finishing her undergrad at Iowa State University, Aerika knew she wanted a career that would directly impact others. Over two years ago, Aerika started working in ChildServe‘s ABA program and felt connected right away with our mission and culture. She knew ChildServe was a place where she could make a difference.

“I was instantly hooked on the impact ABA has on kids and decided to further my career and get a master’s degree in professional behavior analysis,” said Aerika.

Aerika completed a hybrid BCBA master’s program from Florida Institute of Technology, which led to her current role as a ChildServe ABA Clinical Team Lead.

“Completing your BCBA is challenging, but so worth it,” said Aerika. “I would recommend it for anyone who is passionate about helping others because a BCBA can support so many people in a variety of ways.”

Aerika has been able to grow in her skills as a BCBA and a leader through ChildServe‘s ABA program, and has impacted many along the way! In one example, Aerika witnessed a young adult who had been working on transitioning successfully complete a trip to Pancheros.

“He had the biggest smile on his face knowing what he had accomplished! The whole time on our way home we had a dance party to the Cha Cha Slide!” said Aerika.

One thing Aerika has found that really sets ChildServe apart is the collaboration between services that are all housed under one roof.

“I’m surrounded by experts in areas like speech, occupational and mental health therapy,” says Aerika. “Every day I learn from other providers at ChildServe and know I am a more well-rounded behavior analyst because of it.”