Here is our new EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT column. Meet Alexander Roman, one of our dedicated Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) with the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services team. Alex works closely with children diagnosed with autism, helping them achieve their developmental and behavioral goals with compassion and enthusiasm. When he’s not supporting kiddos in reaching their goals, Alex can be found on the mat training, competing, and coaching in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the years, he has earned medals ranging from bronze to gold across multiple weight classes and skill levels, a true testament to his discipline and passion both inside and outside of work!

Edited for clarity.

How did you first hear about UCP and the opportunity for an RBT position with us?

I first heard about the RBT position through a close friend who was already working in the field and spoke highly of the organization. I had actually known about UCP for years, my uncle had been a client through another department, so I was already familiar with the mission and the impact the organization has on families.

Before joining UCP, I spent several years working in residential care with children, which gave me a strong foundation and passion for helping individuals with unique needs. After taking a break from the field to have my son, I worked in sales for nearly two years. While it was a steady job, I realized how much I missed the meaningful, hands-on work that comes from helping others grow and succeed. That realization led me to take the leap back into the field, and I’m grateful I did. Being part of UCP has allowed me to reconnect with the purpose and fulfillment that initially drew me to this work.

What does a “typical day” look like for you—if there even is such a thing?

It’s hard to describe a “typical” day because no two are exactly the same, but there is a rhythm to my week. Each day has its own routine, and that consistency is important—not just for me, but for the kiddos I work with, since structure is a key part of how they learn. Most mornings start around 8AM, heading to my first client’s home or daycare. From there, I spend about an hour and a half to two hours with each child, moving between homes and daycares throughout the day. During sessions, we work on a wide range of goals depending on each child’s needs—anything from identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers to practicing matching, sorting, and copying movements or drawings. No matter the specific task, I always focus on building a positive and trusting relationship first. That connection allows us to make real progress in areas like communication, social interaction, and functional play.

How has this job shaped the way you see the world or think about communication or behavior?

Working in a field that focuses deeply on the reasons behind behavior has completely changed how I see the world and interact with others. This job has taught me to step back and view behavior through a lens of understanding rather than judgment. Every action has a purpose or a message behind it, even if it’s not immediately clear. When we view people this way—recognizing that everyone has a reason for behaving as they do—it allows us to approach situations with more empathy and patience. I’ve found that this perspective doesn’t just help in my sessions with kiddos, but also in everyday life. It has made me a better listener, a more thoughtful communicator, and someone who strives to respond with understanding instead of reacting out of frustration.

How do you celebrate successes—big or small—with your kiddos?

Over the years, I’ve learned that every success—no matter the size—deserves to be celebrated. Small accomplishments are often just as meaningful as big breakthroughs because they reflect effort, progress, and perseverance. I celebrate each child’s achievements with the same enthusiasm, whether they’ve answered ten questions correctly or just two. What matters most is that they tried, they learned, and they grew from the experience. Recognizing those small victories builds confidence and excitement, which creates momentum for even greater success. Everyone loves to feel proud of what they’ve accomplished, and when we take time to celebrate the effort as much as the outcome, it encourages our kiddos to keep pushing forward.

What keeps you motivated on challenging days?

On challenging days, much of my motivation comes from thinking about my own son at home. I ask myself, How would I want his RBT to approach their work if they were coming to my home? How would I want him to be cared for if he needed support? Every parent shares the same hope—to have their child cared for by someone who truly has a heart for the work and is fully committed, even on tough days. Even when my energy feels low, I remind myself that smile, focus, and sincere effort can make a real difference. Every child deserves the best care in every setting, and keeping that perspective helps me show up with intention, patience, and dedication, no matter the circumstances.

“Recognizing those small victories builds confidence and excitement, which creates momentum for even greater success.”

Alexander Roman, RBT