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Birth
Age: 0
Developmental Stage: Newborn
I was born March 16, 1990 in Metairie, Louisiana. I lived with both of my parents who were married. -
Birth of Younger Sister
Age: 18 months
Developmental Stage: Infancy
Microsystem
My younger sister, Elizabeth, was born when my parents and I lived in Metairie. Her birth affected me on the Microsystem level by changing me from a single child to a sister. This affected our family dynamics, including split attention between our parents. This change also meant I had a sibling to share in experiences with. This has played a huge roll in my life because my sister and I are very close now and involved in each other's lives. -
College
Age: 18-23
Developmental Stage: Young Adult
I moved from Texas to Georgia to attend college at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). This was my first time living away from my parents. On the Micro level I experienced many changes by being far from my family. I was also in a long term relationship throughout my time at SCAD. On the Exosystem level I had new experiences and changed my major multiple times. I knew by the end of my senior year that I was going to shift away from design. -
Parent's Divorce
Age: 21
Developmental Stage: Young Adult
My parents began a separation in 2010 and were divorced in 2011. This affected me on the Exosystem level. At this age I did not live with my parents and alot occurred with the divorce that I was not involved in. Both of my parents moved to different states. There was a lot of animosity between them, especially related to money following their divorce. I really struggled with their divorce. My dad and I had a difficult relationship for years afterward. -
Left Therapeutic Riding Program
Age: 24
Developmental Stage: Young Adult/ Emerging Adulthood
After I moved to Savannah I volunteered at a therapeutic riding program which became part of my Microsystem. I had become a riding instructor and the Program Manager. I was close with the CEO but my relationship with her became strained. She became very combative and controlling. This was the most difficult professional situation I had had to manage. I learned about professionalism and how/when to stand up for myself. -
Opened Equine Therapy Program
Age: 25
Developmental Stage: Emerging Adult
After leaving the therapeutic riding program I was involved with a group of friends and I opened a new program that provided Equine Facilitated Therapy. On the Macrosystem level this was a new experience for me. I learned how to establish and run a non-profit. To create a non-profit program there are government rules, regulations, and documents to follow and complete. -
BCaBA
Age: 27
Developmental Stage: Emerging Adult
In 2017 I sat for my board exam and became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). This role was very impactful for me and played a big part in me being where I am now. I have learned so much from the clients I have worked with. On the Macrosystem level this was the first time I was involved with billing insurance and understand how challenging it could be for some people and families to gain much needed resources. -
Birth of First Child
Age: 28
Developmental Stage: Emerging Adult
In 2018 my son, Axel was born. When I first found out I was pregnant with him I also found out the type of insurance I had did not cover prenatal care. This is a macrosystem issue and had a big impact on my life. After doing a lot of research I found that giving birth at a birth center with midwives was the most affordable option without insurance. This ended up being a wonderful experience for me, however the financial impact was stressful. -
Birth of Second Child
Age: 31
Developmental Stage: Emerging Adult
The birth of my second child brought big changes to my Microsystem. Having a second child affected the dynamics of my family and how much time I have for the relationships within my family. The time I spend with my older child is different. He has really struggled which has been difficult for the rest of us who are impacted by his behavior. My sister is also living with us to help with all of the changes after having another child. -
Present
I am now 32 years old and live with my family. I live with my husband, two children, younger sister, cat, and dog. I am working as a BCaBA and attending ASU.