How Raising a Child with Special Needs Shaped My Career Path

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Almost a year ago, I made a decision that would change so much of my life. I knew I wanted to do more, to step into something meaningful, something that would not only challenge me but also allow me to grow. So I applied at Mighty Kidz Services LLC as a Behavior Technician, something I had actually wanted to pursue back in 2020 but never got the chance to fully finish at that time.

Getting hired and beginning this journey opened a door for me in ways I never expected. Over time, I became a Registered Behavior Technician, and that title means so much more to me than just a position. As a mom of a child with autism, I did not step into this field just to have a job. I stepped into it with purpose. I wanted to be able to help other children while also gaining a deeper understanding of my own son and how I could better support him in his everyday life.

Since working in this field, I have learned so much. The knowledge, the experience, and even the small day to day moments have taught me things I will carry forever. So many of the strategies I use at the clinic have found their way into my home. One of the biggest examples is using a timer. I honestly did not think something so simple would work for my son, but it did. That moment reminded me that growth can happen in ways we do not always expect, and sometimes the tools we give to others can also become blessings for our own families.

Being a mother in this field feels like a blessing all by itself. It allows me to connect with my clients and their families on a deeper level because I understand both sides. I understand the professional side, but I also understand the emotional side of being a caregiver; the side that loves deeply and just wants to see a child thrive. There are good days and there are hard days, but every part of it is worth it when you see progress; when you see joy, when you see children learning, growing, and becoming more of who they are.

I am deeply grateful for the guidance of my coworkers and the trust and support of my clients’ families. Working with children has always been my passion, but working with children with special needs is where my heart truly belongs. This is not just what I do. It is who I am becoming, and every child I reach, every family I support, and every lesson I learn is shaping a purpose far bigger than me.

How does your job shape your life? 

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Marissa Evans
Marissa was born in Charleston, South Carolina on Sept, 27, 1986 to James Sweat and the late Tracy Graham. She is the youngest girl of six, two sisters and three brothers. She grew up in Holly Hill, and graduated from Holly Hill Roberts High. Marissa furthered her education at Midlands Technical College, receiving a certificate in Early Childhood Education in 2017 and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018. She has been married for seven years to her husband Terence Evans. Together they have three children (Jaylen, Jada and Ny’Asia Evans). Her oldest and only boy, Jaylen, has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Marissa and her husband are also the founders of the movement #Dontstare which is to raise awareness to how rude staring can be.

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