Helen Muska, M.S., BCBA, LBA

I have always known I wanted to work with children. As the oldest of four, with two younger sisters 12 and 13 years my junior, caregiving has been part of my life from an early age.

I was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis early in my career, and in my very first week I knew I had found where I belonged.

In my first shadow session, I watched an 8-year-old client work toward brushing his teeth on his own, a goal his family had been working on for nearly a year. As he finished each step, turning on the faucet, applying toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, the room filled with anticipation. When he finished, he turned to his parents with a proud, bright smile. The room erupted with cheers, hugs, and tears of joy. It was the first time he had ever brushed his teeth independently.

In the middle of that celebration, he became overwhelmed by the sudden noise and movement. What I saw next was just as powerful. His behavior technician calmly stepped in and helped him regulate and feel safe again. The joy of the milestone was real, and so were the barriers and big emotions that came with it.

In that moment I realized I didn't just want to witness the wins. I wanted to be part of the whole journey: the breakthroughs and the setbacks, the celebrations and the skill-building that makes them possible.