My name is Hanna Roen, and I am a Senior Clinical Supervisor in the Comprehensive Behavioral Program (CBP). I began my journey at SARRC as an intern in August 2010, as part of my master’s degree program, and was officially hired as a behavior therapist in January 2011.
What drew you to SARRC?
My first experience with SARRC was when a family member participated in the JumpStart program. It was amazing to see the impact the program could have in such a short time, including hearing their first words! This experience motivated me to become involved with SARRC so I could help make a difference in the lives of other children and families.
Can you tell us a little about your job as a Senior Clinical Supervisor in CBP? What are some of your responsibilities?
One aspect I enjoy about my role as a Senior Clinical Supervisor is the variety it offers throughout the week. A key responsibility is managing my own caseload of clients, which includes directly supervising a team of therapists.
I collaborate with caregivers, provide supervision during client treatment sessions, and lead both individual and group supervision meetings with my staff. Additionally, I supervise two Clinical Supervisors and an Associate Clinical Supervisor, which allows me to offer mentorship and support to other BCBAs as they continue to grow and develop in their roles.
What is a skill you’ve gained or grown since working at SARRC?
Leadership is the most important skill I’ve developed while working at SARRC. It’s one of our core values, and there are many internal resources available to team members in this area.
SARRC has supported me by offering leadership workshops for supervisors, providing annual professional development funds, and encouraging involvement in our state-wide professional organization, the Arizona Association of Behavior Analysis (AzABA). These experiences have helped me grow as a leader both within and outside of SARRC, including the opportunity to serve as President of AzABA starting in January 2025.
What are the top three skills someone in your position should have/learn to be successful?
The top three skills I’ve developed are collaboration, creativity, and flexibility.
In CBP, we have the opportunity to work with clients, families, teachers, community members, and other therapy providers throughout the week. It’s essential to collaborate as a team and consider everyone’s perspectives to design the most effective interventions to support our clients in all areas of life.
Creativity also plays a key role, whether it’s finding new ways to teach skills based on clients’ motivations or planning fun team-building events for our therapists.
Finally, flexibility is crucial because of the variety of responsibilities this role entails. I might start the day with one plan, but by the end, I may have completed a completely different one based on what was needed to best support my clients and team!
Is there an achievement or contribution you’re most proud of?
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to supervise trainees going through fieldwork supervision toward becoming a BCBA. Helping trainees gain hands-on experience and grow in their clinical knowledge is something I really value. It’s also so exciting when they pass their BCBA exam since this is a culmination of years of hard work!
What is the biggest thing you have learned in your position at SARRC?
One thing I’ve had to improve in this position is delegation. Since I supervise behavior therapists and supervisors at different stages of their careers, it’s important for me to identify the right growth opportunities for the right people at the right time. It takes extra time on the front end to assess this, but in the long run, I’ve seen the benefits for everyone on the team.
Tell us about one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve encountered at SARRC.
One of the parts I love most about CBP is the opportunity to work long-term with clients and see their progress from the beginning to the end of services. It is incredibly rewarding when a client graduates from comprehensive services due to their progress.
Many of my favorite memories are from attending a client’s final treatment session and celebrating this exciting milestone with our clients and their families.
Best advice for someone who wants to have a job like yours?
Practically speaking, completing a master’s degree and studying diligently for the BCBA exam are essential. Additionally, it’s important to remain open to every learning opportunity that comes your way and to rely on the built-in support system of the incredible BCBAs on the SARRC team.