Last week, I shared the exciting news that I had accepted a new position as a Clinical Supervisor with one of LA’s leading ABA providers. Thank you to everyone who reached out with kind messages and words of encouragement—it truly meant a lot.
This week marked the beginning of that journey, and rather than jumping straight into the field, I spent the week immersed in training. I quickly realized that this organization is committed to setting its clinicians up for success through comprehensive preparation and high clinical standards.
Our training covered a wide range of topics, including clinical programming, skill acquisition, behavior reduction procedures, data-based decision making, documentation, caregiver collaboration, and maintaining treatment integrity. It was evident from day one that every aspect of the training was thoughtfully designed to ensure clinicians are confident, ethical, and equipped to deliver high-quality services.
Now if you’re wondering what a Clinical Supervisor does in an ABA setting, some of the responsibilities include training and mentoring a team of Behavior therapists, developing and updating skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans, reviewing client data, monitoring treatment progress, and helping ensure programs are implemented consistently and effectively. The role also involves collaborating with individuals and members of the clinical team to support meaningful, socially significant outcomes for each client.
I have to say, I’m incredibly excited to be joining such a thorough, supportive, and knowledgeable team. The emphasis on collaboration and clinical excellence has only reinforced that I made the right decision. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be heading into the field in about a week, and I can’t wait to begin working directly with clients, supporting families, and continuing to grow as a clinician.
Meanwhile in the Classroom: Motivating Operations and Environmental Variables
Graduate school continues to complement what I’m learning professionally.
This week in my ABA coursework at UMass Global, we explored Motivating Operations (MOs) and Environmental Variables, two concepts that play a critical role in understanding why behavior occurs.
Motivating operations temporarily alter the value of a reinforcer or punisher while also influencing the likelihood of behaviors that have historically produced those consequences. Learning to distinguish between establishing operations, which increase the effectiveness of a reinforcer, and abolishing operations, which decrease it, has given me a deeper appreciation for how motivation shapes behavior from moment to moment.
We also examined environmental variables and the powerful influence that antecedent conditions can have on behavior. It’s another reminder that behavior doesn’t occur in isolation. Understanding the context surrounding behavior often provides the key to developing interventions that are both effective and socially meaningful.
One of the things I enjoy most about this graduate program is seeing the direct connection between theory and practice. Concepts I discuss in class are already appearing in training scenarios and clinical discussions, making the learning process incredibly rewarding.
A Summer Filled with Soccer
Outside of ABA, like millions of people around the world, I enjoyed following the FIFA Club World Cup even though I must admit, I’m not exactly a die hard fan. As someone who spent some of their childhood in Europe, soccer has always been a sport I couldn’t completely ignore, and it has been exciting to watch clubs from different continents compete on such a global stage.
Two players that captured my attention were Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Haaland’s incredible physical presence, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic make him one of the most dominant strikers in world football. Every time he stepped onto the pitch, you got the sense that he’s capable of changing the game with a single opportunity.
Mbappé, on the other hand, continued to showcase why he is regarded as one of the most exciting players of his generation. His blistering pace, technical ability, and confidence in one-on-one situations made him a constant threat. He also made history by surpassing Lionel Messi to become the all-time leading scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history, reaching 22 career goals on the tournament’s biggest stage. What an incredible feat! Beyond his talent, I admire the composure and leadership he brings on the biggest stages.
Congratulations to Spain on being crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions. It was a fantastic tournament filled with unforgettable moments, emerging stars, and world-class performances!
What’s Happening Next Week
As I prepare to begin working in the field in the upcoming week, I find myself feeling both excited and grateful. Between graduate school and this new role, every week presents another opportunity to learn something new, refine my clinical skills, and become a better practitioner.
Thank you for following along on this journey. I look forward to sharing more about my experiences as a Clinical.
Until next week, keep learning, keep growing, and remember that every meaningful behavior change starts with understanding the variables that influence it!
With respect,
Rose Ally
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