10 Trudeau Truths with ABA Clinician Jasmin Garcia
You know them as the educators, caregivers and leaders who work to keep everything running smoothly so that our clients at the Trudeau Memorial Center can have the best experience possible. But what are they like when they’re off the clock?
Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people who make up the team at Trudeau… 10 questions at a time.
Meet Jasmin Garcia! She’s a BCBA/Clinician in our Children’s Services ABA Clinic, and she’s been making a difference at Trudeau Center for 7 years. From advocating for clients and families side by side, to creating a safe space where every person gets the chance to shine, Jasmin shows up with her whole heart every day.When not supporting Trudeau families, you’ll find her relaxing with her husband and two Shih-poos and prepping for a big new adventure this summer!
10 Trudeau Truths with Jasmin Garcia
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?
I originally wanted to become a speech pathologist because I find the field very intriguing, but then I landed a job as home-based worker for ABA services (something I had never heard of before) and things just took off from there. The process of learning how to work with a variety of neurodivergent individuals who are all special in their own way and helping them build their autonomy in a variety of settings became the foundation of what career path I felt would become the most fulfilling, and that ended up being, becoming a BCBA!
2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
There are many things I find rewarding about my job, the most important being that I am able to assist my clients in building a wide range of skill acquisitions while continuously helping advocate for what their needs are alongside their families. Being able to support my clients and families alike is extremely important to me, as I always make space for our families to be heard and helped in whatever way I can.
3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?
A memorable moment from my time working at Trudeau was the day after I passed my BCBA exam. I entered the clinic and was cheered on by everyone I walked past that day and felt so supported and seen after such a grueling exam so it was really nice to have such an amazing group of people cheering me on and truly happy to see me succeed.
4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?
I wish that people who do not work in this field or with this population understood that we are all human at the end of the day and we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. People with disabilities can be just as capable as any typically developing individual but are rarely given the chance to shine and show their full potential. Working not only at Trudeau but in this field in general gives us workers the opportunity to really make a difference in the outside world’s perspective and allow for individuals with disabilities to have a safe space in this ever-changing society.
5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
On the weekends I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and dogs just relaxing and resetting for the busy week ahead. We are also in full preparation mode for our first born to make his appearance at the end of the summer!
6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.
My favorite movie is toss-up between Forest Gump and White Chicks – polar opposites but I can watch them both a million times.
7. Do you have any pets?
I have 2 Shih-poos – Bruno who is almost 2 and my Gracie girl who just turned 1, I also have a 6-year-old river turtle named Gerald.
8. What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food is a specific Guatemalan dish called a Churrasco – a delish handmade flour tortilla with carne aside (steak), salsa de tomate (tomato sauce) , and coleslaw wrapped inside.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Bali, it has always been a dream destination for me as I thoroughly enjoy traveling to tropical locations. I also have an obsession with elephants so the ultimate goal is to go to Bali to ride and swim with the elephants there.
10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I like to believe I am a jack of all trades. I love using my Cricut or Embroidery machine to make custom items, I love to cook and bake, I am really good at building things, and I can also change a tire on the side of the road if necessary.
