Marissa Geraghty is a dedicated Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Quest Kids Therapy. Growing up with a sister who had Rett syndrome, she knew from an early age that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
A Commitment to Impact as a BCBA
A summer internship at an Applied Behavior Analysis clinic reinforced this aspiration, leading Marissa to pursue a career as a Behavior Analyst. After obtaining her BCaBA certification, she continued her education and became a BCBA in 2019.
Since then, Marissa has dedicated her career to supporting children with developmental disabilities across clinical, home and school settings. Her experience, ongoing training, and collaboration with occupational and speech therapists enhance her ability to meet families’ diverse needs with effective strategies.
The Importance of Caregiver Training in ABA Therapy
Marissa’s commitment to collaboration includes leading caregiver training sessions that promote consistency and clarity in the ABA process. These sessions reinforce therapy strategies and foster a unified approach to supporting the child’s learning and growth across all environments. Recognizing the vital role of parents, Marissa emphasizes their involvement from the outset of services.
“Data shows that the more parent involvement, the higher the success rates they will have with their child. Plus, when they’re involved in parent training, they will see the progress firsthand and know what to do at home,” Marissa says.
By educating families on the impact of their engagement, she empowers them to take an active role in their child’s development. The ultimate goal is working toward a future where they no longer need a BCBA’s support.
Communication Strategies for Success and Growth
A crucial aspect of this growth is developing communication skills. Without effective communication, children may express frustration through aggressive behaviors, such as yelling, kicking or biting.
“A lot of the time, these behaviors occur when kids can’t communicate what they need,” Marissa says. “I’m very passionate about equipping the client and the family with tools to prevent behaviors and facilitate better communication.”
Whether through an AAC device or verbal prompts, helping children communicate is one of the most rewarding aspects of Marissa’s work. She embraces each challenge as an opportunity to turn obstacles into advantages.
As each day unfolds with new possibilities, Marissa remains devoted to supporting, educating and uplifting every child and family she encounters. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, collaboration and unwavering dedication.
Learn More About Quest’s Therapy Centers
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about how Quest’s Therapy Centers can support families throughout their journeys, click here.