Meet Kaitlyn Brazeau of Toledo and Columbus, OH!

Today we would like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Brazeau, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinical Director of our Toledo clinic and our recently opened Columbus location. We are so excited to be extending services into the greater Columbus area, and look forward to serving more Ohio communities in the future!

Personal Bio:

Kaitlyn grew up in Sylvania, Ohio and attended undergrad at the University of Toledo where she received a B.A in Psychology. After graduation, Kaitlyn moved to Illinois, where she earned her Master’s in Science with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis at Southern Illinois University. While attending graduate school in Southern Illinois, Kaitlyn gained experience working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various settings as a vocational case manager, and published research focusing on the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help reduce anxiety associated with interviewing skills. Through her experiences in grad school, Kaitlyn knew she wanted to work in the clinical setting where she could work with clients and their families in a one-on-one setting. In June 2016, Kaitlyn moved to Michigan to begin working at Gateway at the Bingham Farms location. Kaitlyn also developed Gateway’s company-wide study group and curriculum aimed to help graduate students prepare for their upcoming board exams. In 2019, Kaitlyn moved back to Ohio to open a new clinic in Toledo. Now in 2021, she is expanding her role to provide services to more families with Gateway’s second Ohio location, in Columbus.

Q&A:

Q: What made you want to go into the field of behavior analysis? Or what was the moment you knew you wanted to go into the field of behavior analysis?
A: When I was in high school I babysat for a family that had a little boy on the spectrum. Over the years, I grew very close with the little boy and his family. I loved watching him learn new skills and conquer his goals. After that experience I knew that I wanted to continue to spend my life working with children and adults on the spectrum.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a BCBA?
A: I joined this field because I love working with individuals on the spectrum. My favorite part of being a BCBA is helping my clients reach their goals and working closely with their family to help them succeed.

Q: What has been your favorite moment or memory in your career so far?
A: I have many favorite memories, each client that I have worked with I have a favorite memory. One of my favorites was when I was working with 2-year-old client who was non-verbal at the time. During one of her sessions in home, we were able to get her to echo “mama” for the first time. After which I called in her mom to observe during the session and she again repeated “mama.” Watching the excitement her mom had when hearing her little girl say “mama” for the first time is my favorite memory.

Q: Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?
A: The biggest influence on my career is working closely with my coworkers. We’re always collaborating with one another which allows us to share our experiences and learn from one another.

Q: If you weren’t a BCBA, what career would you pick?
A: I have known I always wanted to work with children. Specifically, I wanted to have a career in which I help children and families. So, if I wasn’t a BCBA I would have been a school psychologist.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I do not, however, when I was younger, I learned how to ski and jump backwards on my trick skis.

Q: Which character from a book/show/movie do you think most represents you?
A: I’m going to go off of characters from one of my favorite shows, Friends. I would say I am similar to Monica and Phoebe. I am like Monica in that I’m level-headed and find happiness in an orderly environment. I am also like Phoebe in that I’m silly, friendly, and outgoing.

Q: Who was your biggest hero growing up?
A: I would say one of the one person who had a big influence on me was my older sister. She’s 10 years older than me so when I was younger I always wanted to be just like her.

Q: What is a random fact about yourself?
A: I can sign (using ASL) the whole song ‘Barbie girl.’ When I was in college I had to learn the song for my final project in my ASL class and I still remember it to this day

Q: What’s something that made you smile recently?
A: My daughter is 5 months old and is a very happy baby! She makes me smile everyday!

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I love all things pasta so my final meal would be chicken tortellini with garlic bread

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I am very family oriented so most of my free time I spend with my daughter, my husband, and my siblings. My siblings and I get together almost every weekend so that we can see each other and our kids can play with one another. I also enjoy reading, horseback riding, and skiing.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person (real or make-believe) who would it be?
A: I would love to have a meal with Taylor Swift. I have always enjoyed her music and I think it would be a lot of fun sharing a meal with her!