March 20th marks World Behavior Analysis Day, an opportunity to recognize the incredible work of behavior support specialists in shaping student success. At Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB), our behavior specialists play a vital role in fostering independence, building skills, and creating supportive environments for students facing behavioral challenges.
“It’s not about giving them a smaller mountain to climb; it’s about giving them the hand they need to help them get up the same mountain everyone else is climbing,” said Geoff Hopcus, Behavior Support Coordinator. “This statement epitomizes our behavior support team. They are deeply passionate about supporting students and helping to build capacity with staff so students can reach their full potential.”
The Path to Behavior Analysis: Personal Journeys
For many behavior specialists, the journey into the field is deeply personal.
Jarrod McEntarfer, a behavior analyst at E2CCB, initially pursued a career in teaching before shifting his focus to behavior analysis due to his own experiences as a parent.
“One of my three children was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After overcoming many hurdles to obtain support, he was finally able to receive applied behavior analysis services. I was immediately impressed with its success and my child’s progress,” McEntarfer shared. “I continued teaching because I loved it, but becoming a behavior specialist at BOCES allowed me to continue working with students and educators while teaching something that fascinates me—behavior analysis.”
For Brenna Litwinski, the impact of behavior analysis became clear when she witnessed the success of students firsthand.
“Through behavior analysis, I helped one of my students speak their first words. I assisted a family in developing a treatment plan that allowed them to go out into the community when challenging behaviors had previously prevented them from doing so,” Litwinski explained. “There are not enough words to explain the pride I feel in seeing what behavior analysis can do for individuals.”
Mikayla Poniatowski was drawn to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by a desire to create meaningful change.
“As a behavior specialist, I advocate for and implement programs that help kids achieve their full potential,” she said. “ABA is not just about interventions—it’s about contributing to a broader societal shift toward more supportive and inclusive environments.”
Overcoming Challenges, Making a Difference
For Heather Eckstrom, a career in behavior analysis began with an internship in a behavioral classroom, where she discovered a passion for working with students who needed extra support.
“Although the work was challenging, I found it incredibly rewarding,” Eckstrom said. “I am dedicated to helping children grow and achieve their goals despite the challenges posed by behavioral difficulties.”
Brianna Betker’s introduction to ABA came through working as a support aide in a specialized classroom.
“I was intrigued by ABA because I saw how it positively transformed individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” she said. “Unfortunately, ABA is sometimes viewed negatively due to misunderstandings. But in reality, it’s about enhancing individuals’ abilities and helping them navigate the world more successfully.”
Jessica Hovey’s career path took her from substitute teaching to a full-time special education role before she discovered ABA.
“While teaching, I began pursuing certification in behavior analysis. ABA focuses on socially significant outcomes for individuals, which gave me a new perspective on why we implement certain programs in the ways that we do,” Hovey shared. “ABA is client-focused, which is why I love the field.”
A Personal Mission to Help Others
For Melissa Errington, the decision to pursue behavior analysis was inspired by her own child’s journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“My son struggled immensely during the first eight years of his life, enduring misdiagnoses, behavioral challenges, and constant medication changes. Along the way, I met some incredible providers who changed our lives,” she said. “I wanted to do for other children and families what these providers had done for us.”
Learn More About Our Behavior Support Specialists’ Journey Into The Field
