Jessica Hernandez
Registered Behavior Technician
Jessica went to Pepperdine University where she studied and got her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to that, she was preparing to become an OT when a friend of hers told her about ABA. After doing her research she felt that ABA was a better fit than OT. Her style of ABA therapy is not a one size fits all approach it is instead carefully customized based on the clients personality, wants and needs. A child led teaching method is preferred, however if DTT is needed, Jessica implements it in a creative and fun way. Before any goal oriented tasks are implemented, Jessica makes sure to build rapport with the client because without great pairing, it is very hard to create lasting results.
Therapeutic Specialties
Verbal Behavior, Daily Living Skills, Decrease Aggressive behaviors, Decreaase Tantrums, Social Skills, Token Systems, Language Support, Increase replacement behaviors, Learning and Academic Skills
What is important to you, for your client to feel, when working with you?
It is important that my client feels comfortable when working with me and that can only happen by getting to know them and catering to their likes as well as being aware of their dislikes.
Who do you believe you are for a client as they manage their problems?
I believe I am a guide that is directing them towards continuous growth and improvement.
What drives your passion for seeing clients?
What drives my passion for seeing clients is the love I have for being able to positively impact a childs life while also enjoying their company and having fun in the process. I truly love being around children, I was raised in a big family with lots of cousins and always loved spending time with my little cousins. Now, I am about to become an Aunt and cant wait to be a kid again through his eyes. While also giving him the best advice I can along the way.
How do you believe clients "get better"?
I believe that its a bit of faith mixed in with great pairing and evidence based ABA strategies being implemented the right way. I also believe that in order for clients to have lasting results; caregivers, teachers, and therapists need to work as a team.
Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life; it is the pathway to it. - Martha Beck
ABA Department
Education
Florida International University, Bachelors in Recreational Therapy, Minor in Psychology
Pepperdine University, Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
Client Age Range
Children (2-6), Children (6-12)
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Personal Hobbies
When Im not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dog, going to the beach when I can, and of course window shopping. I also love doing arts and craft type things, writing song lyrics and poetry.