The Barrett School, a STEM school located in the heart of Destin, exists to meet the needs of families searching for a rigorous educational plan tailored to their child’s specific needs. Understanding that each child learns differently, the instructors and clinical therapists at The Barrett School are trained to identify the ways in which a child will be successful. Staff members then work together to implement those strategies and achieve the student’s primary goal of academic success.
Not only does every instructor have his or her teaching certification, but each therapist is a highly trained member of their field and meets additional requirements to serve in The Colony Clinic, The Barrett School’s in-house therapy center.
Cassandra Megahan, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst
I am passionate about blending the science of Applied Behavior Analysis with compassionate, person-centered care. I believe that behavior change can be most effective when it’s rooted in understanding, empathy, and building strong, supportive relationships.
When you take the time to look closely at a child’s behavior, you start to recognize that the behavior often stems from a gap in a specific skill or need. It could be communication, social skills, or a lack of coping strategies, and once you identify this missing skill, the reason for the behavior becomes clearer. It's incredibly rewarding to witness that shift, both for the child and for everyone involved in the process.
My favorite aspect of working at the Barrett School is the collaboration and the supportive environment.
Carter Mohesky, Registered Behavior Technician
Growing up, my family was friends with a family who had a child with autism. I spent a lot of time around them and went to a lot of fundraisers surrounding autism. One of my high school volleyball coaches was an RBT. She told me about her job and explained to me what it entailed. I grew passionate about behavioral health, and studied to become an RBT.
When working in behavioral health with children, I find that naturalistic teaching helps develop skills the child can use in their everyday life.
My favorite aspect of working at The Barrett School is getting to interact with the amazing children and staff. It has been a great experience, like no other environment that I have worked in before.
Zemiah Goldsmith, Registered Behavior Technician
My desire to help others is what got me interested in behavioral health. I’m drawn to create positive, meaningful impacts in the lives of others.
One of many things I believe is still needed in bringing awareness to behavioral health in children, is that parents play a vital role in supporting the child in applying their newly learned skills. The parent's role in supporting skills taught, such as social or communication skills, outside of the educational environment can help the child understand that the new behavior is expected in other places such as the home or out in public.
My favorite aspect of working at the Barrett School would be engaging with every student and creating relationships with them.
Ashley Lopez, Registered Behavior Technician
My goal is to be a Marriage and Family Therapist, but I love being a Behavioral Therapist. It takes a special person with a special heart to be able to work in this field and I believe I have that. I adore all the kids I work with and they make working in this field a fun experience.
I think teaching families how to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions is a good way to bring awareness to behavioral health in children. I love teaching naturalistic training because I can see the student’s growth in a natural environment.
The staff and the kids are my favorite thing about working at The Barrett School. I genuinely respect my co-workers which makes the work environment enjoyable.