Current Position: Board Certified Behavior Analyst at First Children Services
Story Last Updated: Summer 2024
For Bailey McLaughlin, her post-high school plans almost didn’t include college. But she found herself at Gwynedd Mercy University studying Psychology after her AP Psychology teacher encouraged her to further her education in the field.
“GMercyU was the only college I applied to,” recalled Bailey, who was initially unsure if college was the right choice for her. “I am so happy with that decision. Now, I’m currently in a graduate program, and I am constantly comparing my undergraduate experience to my graduate experience. I prefer the academic environment at GMercyU. My experience as an undergraduate was unbeatable.”
The Warminster native got involved on campus right away and found a home in the Psychology and Social Services Association. Not only did she get to interact with other students with similar career goals, Bailey also helped with the organization’s annual fundraisers and events to give back to local and national charities.
Bailey didn’t only form close bonds with her classmates, there were multiple professors who left a lasting impact on her personal and professional life. She credits Dr. Becky Gullan, Dr. Wade Luquet, and Professor Janice Nuss for shaping her career goals.
They provided students with an open classroom to discuss complex topics. Additionally, they encourage students to further investigate their career paths. I tremendously value their input and apply the lessons to my current work every day.
Following her graduation in May 2020, Bailey decided to pursue her Master’s in Psychology. Her initial goal was to become a school psychologist but discovered her passion for direct services working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
I love working as a registered behavior technician. I provide behavioral support to individuals with behavioral, emotional, and social issues, primarily those with children diagnosed with autism.
Following the completion of her master’s program in August 2021, Bailey plans to apply her new skills as a licensed behavioral specialist, while continuing her education to become a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA). Her ultimate goal is to teach others about the efficacy of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) within various settings.
“GMercyU provides a comfortable environment for self-expression and self-exploration. People from all over the world come to GMercyU for education, and I learned a lot about other cultures. I believe the GMercyU community has more to offer than many other schools, and you need to experience it firsthand to understand.”
