I have been working in this field for nearly 20 years and had the privilege of starting my career working in schools that provided education for children from the ages of 5 to 19 years. It was within these schools that I first experienced the incredible, quality of life improving, skills that could be taught when teaching using a person-centred approach, grounded in the science of behaviour. I completed my MEd through Nicholls State University, Louisiana, and qualified as a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst in 2012.

Following 12 years within the education system I moved to work in adult social care and supported individuals living within their own homes. This was an eye-opening experience for me, and it has contributed to my passion to improve the transition for autistic individuals from those childhood provisions to adult social care provisions. I was privileged in the last few years to support individuals to move from secure hospital settings into their own homes, develop skills and engage in opportunities otherwise unavailable to them.  

Across these 20 years it has been amazing to play a small part in the growing understanding of Positive Behaviour Support and I am passionate about supporting the implementation of a PBS framework across contexts. Throughout this period, I have also become a parent myself and have three lively children to keep me busy. When I have time for relaxing, I am a big musical theatre fan and love the seaside: so, will either be in my kitchen belting out top tunes (badly) or on the beach! 

Katie Lyon | Associate Director