Say “Hi” to Alice, a special education student whose career ambitions and skills in parent and provider coaching during Early Intervention services brought her to the READi Lab team. She aids in our research studies by bringing a unique viewpoint because of her previous training – this challenges us as psychology researchers to think in new ways!
- What do you study at UW?
I am pursuing a Ph.D. in special education, with an emphasis in early childhood education and applied behavior analysis. I like to think of myself as a “developmental behaviorist” because I think that captures the combination pretty well!
- How is it that you’ve joined the lab and what motivated you to do so?
It was important to me to take advantage of as many resources and opportunities as possible during my time in school. I also wanted to connect with other disciplines doing autism research to round out my training. I was interested in the READi Lab’s work since my work prior to grad school was with young children with or at risk for autism and their families, and my research interests include timely autism identification and intervention. So, it felt like there was a lot of overlap! I figured it couldn’t hurt to reach out and see if there was an opportunity to get involved. I was lucky that Wendy and Lisa responded and have since invited me to contribute to various projects.
- You worked previously as an early intervention provider. Too cool! What was the best part of your position?
I loved working with caregivers and daycare providers! The work I did prior to EI was focused on providing direct intervention to children with autism, which I also love. But coaching and collaborating with caregivers and daycare providers was probably my favorite part of being in EI – followed very closely by being around infants and toddlers most of the day because of course, that’s a highlight!
- What is the status of your relationship with spreadsheets?
We’re on speaking terms 🙂
- Have you picked up any new hobbies during the COVID-19 quarantine?
My husband bikes a lot and I finally started joining him on bike rides as a way to spend more time outside. To illustrate what type of a biker I am, I should share that I recently biked up a hill for the first time – historically, I would get off bikes to walk them uphill… gears were a new concept for me.
- Two truths and a lie! (Scroll down to see Alice’s fib!)
I have climbed to the top of Mt. Rainier.
I became stranded in Italy for a week due to an Icelandic volcano eruption.
I have been in 3 operas.
** I have not climbed to the top of Mt. Rainier.
I should also probably clarify that the opera roles were non-singing parts… I was an extra!