J Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center

Name of Organization: J Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center

Address: 3445 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886

Description of the overall mission of this organization: Trudeau Center states their mission is "to promote an enhanced quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities." In my own experience, I feel they achieve this mission by providing a variety of support and adaptable intervention services to folks of all ages living with developmental disabilities. I specifically work in the ABA Therapy department (Applied Behavior Analysis), which provides care to youth ages 2-6 with Autism.

Ages of youth served: I personally worked with youth ages 3-5; Trudeau Center itself serves youth ages 2-21, as well as adults.

Name of Mentor: Sandy Peliter

Paid/Unpaid Internship: Paid internship, $24/hr, part time.

Description of your role and duties (include administrative or hands-on or both): I work in both the ABA clinic and in clients homes via HBCS (homebased child services). Myself and other ABA techs work to implement clinicians' treatment plans for clients, transitioning between a structured routine of "work" (structured ABA table lessons) and "play" (facilitated natural environment training activities). Work to maintain a therapeutic, joyful environment for the children and support them as they learn and develop everyday skills (educational skills, potty-training, eating, transitions, play skills, etc). We collect and maintain a lot of data, track behavioral trends, and work with a clinical team to provide evidence-based and supported care. 

Hours worked (number, days, times): ~230 hours over 8 months. Hours at Trudeau are very flexible; with homebase clients I work two hour shifts either in the morning or afternoon (before/after my clients have school); with clinic shifts, staff have the option to work 9-1, 1-4, or 8:30-4:30 (with flexibility). Part time staff choose how many days/hours per week works for them (I worked ~10-15 hrs/week over both homebase and clinic shifts).

Description of the culture of the place (how many people in the office, dress code, communication style): The ABA clinic at Trudeau Center has many employees and many kiddos who may come in and out (part time staff + half day for some students). In general, coworkers at Trudeau and very friendly and helpful! Training at Trudeau is generally ongoing, as when you first work with a child, you have three training days with them + another staff, and then on your 4th day of working with one child, you and the child will be 1:1 together (this cycle continues as you train and become comfortable working with more children). Given the unique rotating schedule of staff/kiddos, everyday at Trudeau is different, which can be overwhelming; but in general, don't be nervous to ask for help -- most folks are very approachable! 🙂

Additional Requirements (travel, etc) (More info on HBCS): When working homebase, you must travel between clients and coordinate schedules (mileage not compensated). It is important to stay on top of client data (especially if you are their sole homebase therapist) and advocate for their needs as their treatment evolves. Homebase is unique in that you are working very close with the family! Every family is unique, which can take some adapting, but ultimately home based care is very rewarding; it's a privilege to support youth in the comfort of their homes

Special notes on process of getting this internship: A YDEV friend, Colby Knotts, referred me and our other classmate Brandon to Trudeau Center! The ABA therapist role does not require a degree (though having a YDEV background is so helpful). If interested, they are generally always hiring/accepting applications (see links here and here)!

Other internship opportunities with this organization: I'm not sure, but there are probably many (inquire with Sandy Peliter for more info).

What three TAGS would you use to label this internship? Unique, Challenging, Heartwarming

Your name: Abbi O'Connor

Your cohort: Cohort 10

Your email address if others can contact you: oconnorabbi@gmail.com