Tim has been with ESNorCal’s Kaleidoscope program for several years now working as a Direct Service Professional (DSP). He coaches the adults in the program through various activities aimed at teaching independent living skills, like cooking and money management, as well as overseeing their recreational outings and socialization.
He’s no stranger to this field, though. Tim started as a Behavior Interventionist (BI) at ESNorCal before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2019, working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and implementing their treatment plans.
“Before that, I earned a master’s degree in psychology and had been training to be a psychotherapist,” says Tim. “I started getting interested in the field in high school through psychology courses, and I continued through college.”
Tim (right) and one of his participants, Jedi, on an outing and rocking matching colors.
Most of Tim’s experience was working with adults, from a dual diagnosis halfway house supporting people dealing with addiction to volunteering at The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but in 2019 he applied to ESNorCal to learn more about working with children.
“It was fun and I enjoyed it,” Tim reflects. “But then there came these opportunities for RBTs to serve as substitutes for the DSPs at Kaleidoscope, and it just became really clear that working with adults is my calling. So, I transitioned to a full-time DSP and the rest is history.”
One of Tim’s favorite parts of the job is seeing the growth in the participants’ development over time, even if it’s a seemingly small victory of a participant with echolalia (repeating words) respond to a question – that kind of growth is significant, which someone like Tim, who is highly trained in psychology, can recognize and celebrate.
“I also just like laughing every day,” Tim says fondly. “There are a lot of different characters and a lot of joy, and everyone’s just having a good time while learning and stretching themselves positively. So being part of that is nice, especially in a job.”
Tim and his team are all on the same page, knowing what they’re trying to accomplish with their participants and provide for them, whether it’s gaining an interest in health and wellness through yoga classes or hiking, or gaining confidence in learning the public transportation routes for greater independence around town.
The best piece of advice that has carried through all of Tim’s roles at ESNorCal is to see each individual as exactly that: an individual. “When I started training as an RBT, one of the things they told us was that if you’ve met one person with Down syndrome or autism, then you’ve met one person with Down syndrome or autism. That there’s no one-size-fits-all,” says Tim. “Learning to approach every person differently, because everyone has different needs – that goes for both neurodivergent and neurotypical people – everyone’s coming from a different place, and we can all approach each other with that thinking.”
One thing Tim knows for sure, is that this isn’t your typical job. Not a lot of jobs let you go to museums, visit historic sites, make art and go bowling – all in one week. “Getting out into the community and seeing how the community welcomes the participants, it’s what makes it the best job,” says Tim.
Having a great team to be part of and getting to do new and exciting things while watching his participants grow and achieve what they set their minds to, are all ways that Tim has found joy in his calling, and even greater purpose in his work.
If you’re interested in having a meaningful and fulfilling job like Tim’s, take a look at our Careers page.
