Michelle Malnar
ESAP Assistant
Michelle Malnar
ESAP Assistant
What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?
Professionally, I’m passionate about seeing the kids faces light up when they learn something new, and seeing them being able to communicate. Personally, I’m passionate about health and overall wellness!
What would you do even if you didnʼt get paid to do?
I would be a camp counselor working with kids!
What are you surprisingly good at?
Cooking and art
Whatʼs the biggest proof that youʼre good at what you do?
Passion and flexibility are a must and I feel like I have these traits. I love seeing when kids make the connection to what they are learning.
How long have you been working in your field?
I’ve been working with kids in some capacity for over 10 years. I have worked as a social worker teaching social and coping skills to teens and youth for 4 years, as a camp counselor for 3 summers, a registered behavior Technician for 3 years and have been a teacher assistant for 2 years.
What are you complimented on most in your work?
dependability and flexibility
Whatʼs your biggest accomplishment professionally?
Taking on a change in career to increase my skills and attending school while working full time.
How does your education connect to your professional career? What about personally?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My first job I taught social skills and coping skills to kids and teens and had a few clients with Autism. Through that position I realized I had a special connection with these kids, which led me into doing ABA and eventually becoming a teaching assistant. Currently, I’m working toward my BCaBA. Personally, having a brother with Aspergers and then working with a few children as a mental health social worker has inspired me to pursue working with children with Developmental Disabilities.
What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?
I help my clients learn how to interact in a meaningful manner
and help them to live more independent lives.