Before her apprenticeship, Chrestina had never worked in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or with children. When her CEO, Tatjana, introduced her to the opportunity, she knew it was the right next step. The apprenticeship offered a structured way to gain hands-on experience, build a strong foundation in ABA, and explore a new career in healthcare.
“Before joining the apprenticeship program, one of my biggest challenges was feeling uncertain about applying ABA techniques in real-world settings,” she said.
At first, Chrestina wasn’t confident in her ability to work with clients. She asked detailed questions, leaned on her supervisors, and sought out every opportunity to grow. Balancing a full-time job with the coursework required for the program was another challenge. She completed six courses in just one year, using careful planning and time management to stay on track.
As part of her apprenticeship, Chrestina became a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). She also earned certifications in several key areas, including Medical Emergencies, Infectious Diseases, HIPAA, and Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare. These skills helped her better understand client care, safety, and ABA practices.
Her mentor, Joseph, provided consistent support and thoughtful feedback. “He helped me build confidence, understand key concepts, and challenged me to think critically,” she said.
Thanks to the apprenticeship, Chrestina is now planning her next step: earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her long-term goal is to become a clinical psychologist.
“Balancing work and school was tough, but the knowledge I gained will benefit me for years to come,” she said.
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Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and financial stability. Interested in launching your career? Click here to learn how Michigan Works! can help you get started.
