Every day in ABA brings something new. A breakthrough conversation, a hard-earned milestone, a family finding confidence in a new strategy—these moments are what make the work meaningful for the clinicians supporting children and families every day.
At Maxim Healthcare’s Pomona, California office, Clinical Supervisor II (BCBA) Ivory Killion and Behavior Technician (BT) Victoria Hurtado each play a unique role in that journey. While their responsibilities look different, both are driven by the same goal: helping clients build skills, gain independence, and thrive.
Ivory Killion: A passion for behavior and growth
For Ivory Killion, helping people has always started with curiosity.
“I’ve always been fascinated about why people do the things they do, and I love the science […] of behavior – breaking things down into patterns to find ways to help people build meaningful skills so they can thrive is my jam.”
As a Clinical Supervisor II in Maxim’s Pomona office, Ivory balances multiple responsibilities. Along with overseeing her own caseload, she supports fellow clinicians, mentors newer staff, assists with supervision, conducts audits, and helps prepare team members for success.
Her path with Maxim has been a journey of growth. After starting as a Behavior Technician in 2018, she worked her way through various roles before becoming a BCBA in 2022.
Those experiences, she says, have shaped the clinician she is today.
Life on the road and in the community
Ask Ivory what a typical day looks like, and she’ll quickly tell you there really isn’t one.
“A typical day as a BCBA is like [different] you never know what you’re going to get.”
Her day begins with a drive between sessions, equipped with snacks, music, and what she jokingly calls her “emotional support water bottle.”
From there, every session unfolds differently. One visit may take place at a daycare, helping children build social skills with peers on the playground. Another may involve practicing goals through coloring activities, while a later session could include basketball, water balloons, or coaching parents on skill-building strategies at home.
Between sessions, she is also responding to staff questions, consulting with families, reviewing cases, and collaborating with team members.
For Ivory, that variety is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.
“The days are never completely the same thing and that’s one of my favorite parts about being a BCBA.”
Building partnerships with families
While client progress is a major focus, Ivory believes meaningful outcomes happen when families are actively involved in the process. She approaches therapy with practicality in mind, recommending strategies that can realistically fit into a family’s everyday routine.
Whether she is introducing a new goal or teaching a parent how to implement a strategy, her focus is on collaboration. She models skills, provides feedback, and gradually steps back as parents grow more comfortable using those tools independently.
“It’s like taking the training wheels off a bike,” she explains.
That partnership helps families carry new skills beyond therapy sessions and into daily life.
The moments that make it worthwhile
For Ivory, the most memorable moments aren’t found in reports or data charts—they’re found in the progress clients make over time.
She recalls clients learning to communicate in new ways, building friendships, gaining confidence, and developing coping strategies they can use independently.
“I love realizing my clients are using their skills so consistently and independently that they don’t need us anymore.”
Those milestones serve as a reminder of why she chose this field and why she continues to invest in helping both clients and colleagues grow.
Victoria Hurtado: Creating connections through care
Across the Pomona office, Behavior Technician Victoria Hurtado makes an impact through direct, one-on-one work with clients every day.
A recent graduate of the University of California, Riverside, Victoria holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Social and Behavioral Science and Liberal Studies. She began her ABA career with Maxim and is now approaching four years in the field.
Throughout that time, she has worked alongside many BCBAs, helped train new behavior technicians, and supported many children and families.
One client in particular has been part of her journey since the very beginning.
“I currently work with two clients, one of whom I have been with since I first started at Maxim, which has made it incredibly rewarding to watch their growth over the years.”
Making learning meaningful
Victoria’s day starts at a client’s school before transitioning to in-home services with another client in the afternoon. Throughout each session, she helps clients practice communication, social, academic, and daily living skills while implementing treatment plans developed by the BCBA. What sets her approach apart is the way she incorporates each child’s interests into learning opportunities.
Whether she is creating a Minecraft-themed schedule, playing a favorite soundtrack during activities, or finding silly ways to make a child laugh, Victoria believes engagement starts with connection.
“I take pride in learning about my clients’ interests and sharing those experiences with them because it helps build a genuine connection and trusting relationship.”
Those connections often lead to some of the most meaningful moments in therapy.
When trust becomes progress
One memory stands out for Victoria.
A client she has worked with since her first days at Maxim surprised her by sitting and attending for 15 minutes while watching Jurassic Park—Victoria’s favorite movie. The child remembered how much she enjoyed it and used that shared interest to stay engaged while working toward a goal they had been developing for quite some time.
“Moments like that remind me that strong relationships truly make a difference in learning.”
For Victoria, building trust is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Behavior Technician.
“My favorite part about working directly with my clients is building meaningful relationships and getting to know their unique personalities, interests, and strengths.”
Knowing her clients see therapy as a supportive place where they can learn, grow and express themselves makes every challenge worthwhile.
Growing through mentorship and milestones
Victoria credits much of her professional growth to the mentorship she has received at Maxim, particularly from BCBA Angele Tovar.
Through that guidance, she has strengthened her clinical skills, learned the value of individualized care, and developed greater confidence in collaboration and communication.
Perhaps the biggest lesson has been understanding that progress doesn’t always happen all at once.
“Small, consistent improvements can make an incredible difference in a client’s development, and every milestone is worth celebrating.”
That perspective continues to motivate her each day as she supports clients through new goals, challenges and accomplishments.
One team, shared impact
Although their roles look different, Ivory and Victoria represent the collaborative spirit that drives Maxim Healthcare’s Pomona team.
Ivory helps guide treatment, mentor staff, and support families. Victoria brings those plans to life through meaningful connections and day-to-day skill building with clients. Together, they help create opportunities for children to grow, gain confidence, and become more independent.
And while no two days are ever the same, both agree on what matters most: the relationships they build and the progress they get to witness along the way.
