Staff Spotlight: Paulina Casillas | Therapeutic Pathways

Paulina Casillas joined Therapeutic Pathways just under a year ago, and she works hard to further her career by earning certifications and relevant academic credentials.

Paulina has always been interested in helping others. A graduate of Las Positas College, she is currently enrolled at California State University – East Bay where she’s working toward a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.

A resident of Fremont, California, Paulina enjoys helping children develop necessary life skills. She has experience volunteering as a Spanish-English translator and as a mentor to students in the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Now, Paulina works alongside other Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals to provide one-on-one therapy to children diagnosed with ASD. The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) position is often demanding, and Paulina stays busy communicating with clinical staff about client treatment plans and volunteering to take sub shifts.

Among her coworkers and the children and families she works with, Paulina has earned a reputation of being responsible, hardworking, and caring. She cares deeply for her clients and is dedicated to helping them become more and more independent.

We were able to ask Paulina some questions about herself and her position at Therapeutic Pathways.

What is your favorite thing about working at Therapeutic Pathways?

My favorite thing about working at Therapeutic Pathways is the love that I have for my kiddos and my team! I have worked with children since I was 16 and I truly enjoy being around them. My team is also amazing! They make my job so enjoyable along with the presence of my kiddos.

How has your career grown since starting at Therapeutic Pathways?

Working at Therapeutic Pathways has given me the opportunity to further my career in Applied Behavior Analysis. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Psychology and plan to start my Master’s program right away, so I can be ready to become a BCBA.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

Something that motivates me to wake up and go to work are my clients and the love I have for the career I chose. This doesn’t feel like a job to me and I enjoy every second I get to be here.

How do you define success?

To me, success means that you have accomplished a goal you’ve been working hard on.

What is something you learned in the last week?

Something I learned in the last week is to do what makes you happy. This is the only way to live freely and happy, and don’t worry about what anyone has to say.

Thank you, Paulina

Paulina, it’s thanks to RBTs like you that Therapeutic Pathways is able to help so many children to become independent and live fulfilling lives. Your coworkers and supervisors appreciate all of your hard work and wish you the best as you complete your degrees. Thank you for your dedication!

Readiness

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Readiness program. This individualized, evidence-based program teaches young children skills they need to accelerate their learning and gain independence. Using imitation and naturalistic learning techniques, your child will develop useful skills in the areas of speech and language, cognition, and self-awareness. A program for children ages 0-3. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Foundations

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Foundations program. This program gives preschool and school-age children the structure to achieve important social, emotional, and intellectual milestones, helping them test within their peers’ range. With 25+ hours of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy per week, your child will develop social skills and better self-awareness for school and home. A program for children ages 4-7. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Breakthroughs

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Breakthroughs program. Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, this program removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships. A program for children ages 8-11.

Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Interactions program. Through guided social skills groups twice a week, this program helps improve social functioning in children ages 5 to 16. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

Independence

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Independence program. Geared toward older children, this program includes more in-depth skills that will help your child function independently. Taught skills include functional communication, self-management, and financial literacy. A program for individuals ages 12-25. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Independence

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited to the Breakthroughs or Interactions programs. These programs treat similar symptoms, so Therapeutic Pathways will need to meet with you and your child before we can place them within the appropriate program.

Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, Breakthroughs removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships.

Through guided social skills groups twice a week, Interactions helps improve social functioning in children. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.