Student Testimonials

"Capilano is a fantastic place to study. The ABA-A department is impressive, the instructors are excellent and highly enthusiastic and the practicum experience is amazing” 
~ Melissa Campbell, 4th year student, BA in Applied Behaviour Analysis - Autism, 2011

“Being a part of the ABA-A degree program at Capilano University has been an incredible experience. The program offers students a unique experience by providing both classroom instruction and practicum placements. Being a part of this program has allowed me to discover a field I am truly passionate about and plan to continue to pursue in the future. The combination of supportive faculty, classroom instructors and practicum supervisors ensures a positive learning experience. I highly recommend this degree program and encourage all interested students to contact the ABA-A department, whom I know will be more than happy to answer any questions and provide insight into the program. “ 
~ Megan Edmondson, 4th year student, BA in Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism, 2011 

 “I am very happy to a part of the first ABA-A degree program co-hort.  After getting my Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology I chose to apply to the ABA-A program as I have always had a desire to help people and work with children.  This program has given me the opportunity and the skills to help children with autism and their families.  I have found the practicum component of this program especially rewarding as I have seen firsthand how ABA can help to greatly improve the lives of children with autism.“ 
~ Darcie Domes, 4th year student,   BA in Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism, 2011  

"My experience as a student in the Capilano ABA-A degree program has been amazing.  There is no better feeling than knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with Autism. The staff is highly passionate and knowledgeable in the field, which makes for an enriching learning experience." 
~ Kayla Pope, 4th year student, BA in Applied Behaviour Analysis 2011  

"What struck me the most was the instant connection and sense of belonging as soon as I entered the program. Everyone there shares passion for this field. We can relate to each other’s struggles and bask in each other’s success. A success for one person is a success for us all as it benefits the field of ABA and the autism community. I am so lucky and so proud to be a part of this. I fell into ABA and autism and have never looked back. This is where I want to be."   
~ Jackie Taylor, 3rd Year Student

 “After finishing a four year undergraduate degree in Languages and Linguistics, I wasn’t sure where to go next. I wanted to teach but felt more drawn to work one-on-one and really make a difference for an individual child. I then found the ABA-A program and quickly knew it was the perfect program. Two years of classroom work including multiple guest speakers who work locally in the field of ABA and Autism, combined with over 500 hours of practicum was the perfect balance for learning and immersing oneself in the growing field. From the moment I started my work as a behaviour interventionist and with each passing week of classes I felt like I had found a great program that teaches me important, practical knowledge to open the doors to so many possibilities beyond the career as a BCaBA.”  
~ Alison Borden, 3rd Year Student  

“When I entered the ABA-A program at Capilano University I immediately felt inspired, that I was in the right place and that I am learning information and skills which are 100% relevant to my future goals. Additionally, my teachers are professional, knowledgeable and approachable. I feel like they are there for me all the way on my way to becoming a BCaBA which families can trust and depend on. Lastly, another comfort I found in this program was that I am being trained in a scientifically validated therapy method for autism. With many other non-scientifically validated therapy methods being offered to families, I am reassured by the validity of ABA therapy while providing my services to the families I work with.” 
~ Bar Perry, 3rd Year Student  

“I feel so fortunate to have found the ABA program at Capilano University for many reasons. First of all, the program consists of classmates and teachers who share the same interests. Knowing that I share the same goals with the classmates enables me to develop an open relationship in which I can share my concerns and experiences. The instructors are great because they are in the front lines of the field and research. They also provide support and make sure that we are getting a great learning experience at school and in our actual work with children with autism. The program also encourages us to be involved in the community such as attending workshops and forums. These experiences broaden my scope to see the needs of the community and makes my studies at school more meaningful.” 
~ Yoshiko Beauchense, 3rd Year Student  
 

“Degree program at Capilano University it struck me as a unique and interesting option. I was initially drawn to the applied aspect of the program and practicum components. The ability to enter a developing field with a need for trained individuals after completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology was enough to move me to switch my major to psychology immediately. I did not know about ABA before hearing about the program but quickly learned that the design and completeness of the Cap program, including all the coursework and practicum work necessary to be eligible to write the board certified examination for associate behavior analysts, was a huge asset. After beginning the program I have also discovered that the learning experience of being in a small cohort has also been unique and beneficial component of my university career. The program and profession is an excellent fit for people like me who have never been able to choose definitively between science and the humanities, enjoy working with children and teaching, have an interest in a variety of subjects within or related to psychology, like child development, and prefer to work in dynamic and varied jobs."
~ Katy Harwood, 3rd Year student   

“I have a younger sister with Down Syndrome and for years I have volunteered helping children with special needs, and when this program started I realized I could turn my passion into a career.  The program is extremely personal and every class is useful in preparing us for our work in the field of behavior intervention.  The fact that a practicum is included in the program is an added bonus because you can apply your knowledge immediately and effectively and see the results first hand instead of just learning about it in a classroom.  This experience has been wonderful and I actually look forward to going to classes and am eager to learn.” 
~ Chantal Juilfs,   3rd year student 

“I found out about the ABA-A program while I was in my second semester of first year psychology.  I was immediately drawn to it, since it incorporated psychology, and working with children and adults who live with autism or some sort of developmental disorder.  I thought what a great opportunity, I need to do this. It feels like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders, I have finally found what I truly enjoy to do as a career.” 
~ Aleks Samek, 3rd year student   

“Before the program I was on a psychology path.  It ended up leading me to hearing about the development of the ABA-A program and what it is. A light came on and I knew this is where I wanted to go. I still had reservations not exactly knowing what it was that I would be doing but after my first semester I knew inside and out and every which way that this is what I’m all about. As a BI, I make a difference every day I go to work.  I get a chance to see and celebrate every little improvement in the child’s life. I’m looking forward to graduating from the program and further my passion in helping children/people.” 
~ Stefani Lowes, 3rd year student  

Hi!  My name is Rebecca.  I am a third-year student in the ABA program on a part-time basis.  I had been a Capilano student in the late '90's and returned last year with the intention of entering the ABA program.  My experiences within the ABA program at Cap have been incredible.  My class sizes are small (about 15 of us) and the teachers in the program are fantastic.  Most of the classes are taught by two very reputable and knowledgeable Behaviour ConsuItants.  I find that my work as a BI (behaviour interventionist) provides a context for understanding the coursework, and that the course content allows for me to be a more effective BI.  As for the students in the program, I find we inspire and motivate one another.  While we've only been together a few months, we are on a similar journey and share common struggles and experiences. I have two suggestions for students interested in this program.  The first is to get involved in the local autism community by volunteering.  There are several volunteer opportunities out there and these can provide an opportunity to work with a group of kids each with different needs.  The second would be to find employment working as a BI as soon as possible.  This will both give you a better idea of what to expect from the program, and you can begin to work towards the experience needed for certification.   
~ Rebecca Ilg, 3rd year student