At Quest, Inc., we are proud to recognize the incredible contributions of Jennifer (Jen) Simon, one of our senior Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) at Quest Kids Therapy (QKT), as she celebrates 20 years with the organization.
A Passion for Teaching Children and Future BCBAs
Jen’s passion for working with children started long before she joined Quest. With an undergraduate degree in elementary education, Jen always knew she wanted to work with kids. She had no experience working with children with developmental disabilities until she started classes under a mentor at Quest.
As a master’s degree holder in public administration, Jen brought unique skills to QKT that helped us excel in our services. Over the years, she wore many hats, from scheduling and payroll to grant writing and insurance. However, her passion lies in teaching.
“It’s gratifying to see that my contribution to the field is helping to create these BCBAs, and I hope to train them well and teach them the intangibles they can’t get in the classroom,” she says.
Her teachings include working with parents and kids, managing staff, understanding insurance and treatment plans, and other vital skills that help BCBAs assist children.
Improving Social, Communication and Behavior Skills
Her dedication and expertise have helped countless children improve their social, communication and behavior skills. Not only has she been a mentor to our team members, but she has also been a constant support to the families we serve. One of Jen’s stories is about a little boy who has been with her since he was two.
“When he started therapy, he was nonverbal and had many tantrums,” she shares. “To see him make it through a day without any meltdowns or behavioral problems is a success.”
Jen has worked closely with his family over the years and cherishes the relationships she has developed with other families she serves. Parents often turn to Jen for the proper steps to ensure their children succeed. As a professional who can advise them, she recognizes her great responsibility to earn the trust of parents and caregivers.
She understands that caring for children is a 24/7 commitment, and sometimes, parents of children with developmental or behavioral challenges need much-needed respite care. That is why she stresses the importance of young BCBAs developing empathy for parents and understanding what it takes to implement QKT programs.
Helping the Clients We Serve
At Quest Kids Therapy, our goal is to help kids decrease the support they need and become as independent as possible. We are grateful to have Jen on our team. Her passion, dedication and expertise have helped shape our mission and improve the lives of countless children.
“I’m proud of making it 20 years in this field in one place,” Jen says. “Quest has been a good place to do that, and I’m grateful to contribute to the field one BCBA at a time.”
