Each month, we get more and more excited to talk about the amazing staff members that make Ascend the best place for teens to grow and thrive. This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Latisha, a behavioral technician who provides support to all the adolescents going through treatment at Ascend. Are you ready to learn exactly what a behavioral technician does and how Latisha makes Ascend and the world a better place? Follow along as we check in with her for a day in the life!
What is a Behavioral Technician?
Latisha’s official title is Associate Behavioral Technician, which means she works with the entire care team to implement treatment plans, work with patients one-on-one, and support their needs throughout their stay at Ascend. She specializes in helping teens with autism, but works with every type of mental illness that we treat, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more.
How Did Latisha Get Started?
After college, Latisha worked with a school for children with autism. She found it extremely challenging but very rewarding and well worth the effort. After her experiences at this school, she wanted to take her work to the next level. At Ascend, we offered her the opportunity to affect positive change with teens who truly need her help and guidance. Instead of spending time with the kids only while they’re at school, Latisha can help them as long as they’re staying at Ascend. They can call on her whenever they need help — whether it’s over breakfast, during educational sessions, or while they’re working on their passion projects.
A Typical Day for Latisha
Latisha’s day starts with a debrief with the staff from the previous shift, usually the AM shift. She counts medications and checks the communication channels for any client updates. When it’s time to pull up the schedule, she checks out which groups she’ll need to facilitate that day and then runs them with facilitators and clients.
Throughout the day, she might be called on to help clients with any number of things, including completing chores or homework and participating in scheduled activities like swimming, movie nights, and sports. Her day ends with the Daily Review, where she checks showers, medications, shift notes, and rounds. Right before she leaves, she cleans and prepares the house for the next shift, debriefing with incoming staff.
Whew… it sounds like Latisha has a lot on her plate. Ascend definitely couldn’t run without her!
Why Latisha Loves Ascend
Latisha loves both the kids and the staff at Ascend. She feels that it’s gratifying to make a difference in a child’s life during their time in treatment. She also loves the culture and teamwork that allows her to develop her skills and grow her career. Latisha is currently working on a Doctorate Degree that will enhance her expertise in mental health treatment.
Why We Love Latisha?
Latisha’s job is one of the toughest there is. She needs to interact with both staff and clients every day. When it comes to clients, they often come into our facility upset and dysregulated because they’re adjusting to a new lifestyle. Latisha connects with all of these clients to help them transition towards a more open mental state that ensures they’re ready to accept the coping skills we teach them during treatment. We love Latisha’s adaptability, and her vulnerability makes clients trust and rely on her guidance.
Latisha believes that every child deserves a nurturing and caring environment. She skillfully balances guidance and discipline with a supportive attitude that encourages exploration and growth. We are honored and humbled that Latisha has chosen to be part of our team.
More Stars at Ascend
From our chefs to our therapists, there are so many people who contribute to making Ascend an amazing place for staff and clients. Visit our blog every month to discover who we’re featuring next!
