Voice for children.
Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.
Today’s WCW title belongs to longtime South Bay native, Jessica LaBray, who is working as an Applied Behavior Analysis therapist, helping children with autism reduce behaviors like aggression and self-injury.
LaBray, 27, was born and raised in Torrance, CA. In 2007, she graduated from North High school and says it is where she first became interested in psychology.
Upon graduating, she attended Cal State University of Dominguez Hills and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in sociology, in 2012. After taking a year off of school to work and pursue a career in behavioral therapy, she was accepted into Hawaii Pacific University’s school of social work graduate program.
In 2014, she moved to Oahu, Hawaii to attend Hawaii Pacific University and fulfill her dream of living on the islands. Her grandfather worked for Delta airlines for over 40 years so her family was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Hawaii every year for vacation and I was blessed with the opportunity to tag along, visiting so many beautiful places. I fell in love with the islands of Maui and Kauai at a young age and have wanted to live here for as far back as I can remember.
She is currently about half-way through the program in hopes of receiving a master’s degree in social work. She does not recall a specific time where she realized she had an interest in psychology or social work, however, always knew she wanted to be a social worker and work for CPS (Child Protective Services).
Today, LaBray is working in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. She says, “I had some knowledge about it but had only taken one behavior modification course during my undergrad program.” It wasn’t until she saw openings on craigslist that she decided to apply, and once she was given the privilege of working with children that have special needs and learning the field of ABA, she fell in love.
Her current position as an ABA therapist teaches replacement behaviors to children with autism to reduce harmful behaviors like aggression and self-injury. In short, they also teach vocal language, sign language, self-care and independent living skills, and social skills.
She says this is important because these skills can improve their quality of life and open up a wider range of opportunities available to them, as well as lower their risk for incarceration or homelessness as adults. “These kids are my world!” she says.
In five years, she hopes to have her MSW and work with CPS, adoptions, or as a court-appointed child advocate. She says her current job as a behavior therapist is absolutely amazing and the company she currently works for, Easter Seals, has given her the best position she has ever had.
Unfortunately, advancement in her field requires that she becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and since she is already invested in the social work program, she has decided not to pursue that certification quite yet.
Despite loving her major, she says challenges in her study include not having enough time to not only complete assignments, but read and actually learn the material. “Most of the time it feels like I’m just rushing to turn something in or quickly cram for an exam. I work full time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, so I don’t feel like I’m getting my money’s worth of the program, as I can barely make it to class on time.”
Some of the challenges she faces at work include not having enough energy to keep the kids motivated and happy. “It’s hard to keep a big smile or goofy character voice when you’re exhausted from lack of sleep or anxious about a paper that’s due after work. Personally, those are my biggest challenges,” she says.
LaBray feels grateful to have grown up in the South Bay for its diversity. She says, “In all of the cities I have lived in, I have never had to grow up in a place where everyone looked the same. I love that I was exposed to so many different cultures (and food!) at such a young age. I also love the unity and close-knit ties that friends and families maintained over generations.”
She says that almost everyone has each other’s back. “From being students at NHS and losing our dear friend Hyatt, to national tragedies like the shooting at Sandy Hook, the community came together to support one another,” she says.
She misses many of friends, including those from North High. She says she didn’t realize how valuable friendships were until everyone grew up, moved away and had children.
LaBray hopes that one day the academic system will teach unbiased and historically accurate material and to be accessible (not just free) for everyone. She also hopes that teachers will be paid more in the future.
Thank you, Jessica, for continuing to be a wonderful member of the South Bay, even while away pursuing your academic goals to help others.
“I want to be an advocate, or a voice, for children in dangerous situations. I’ve been in a lot of complicated situations involving my own family throughout my life so I think I can bring the understanding and awareness needed in that field.”
-Jessica LaBray