Today we’d like to introduce you to Karin Rivetti.
Hi Karin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been passionate about helping others. My education and work experience spans over 30 years from working as a Child Development Specialist to working as a BCBA and Parenting Specialist.
Early on in my career, I worked in mental health with inpatient and outpatient care. By chance, I met a family with a boy with special needs who changed my life. To help him and other children, we created Children at Heart, an early intervention program that paired with the local regional center. This began my life long journey of not only teaching children but also supporting their parents.
From there, I began working as the director of an early education center for a non-public school. I was drawn to search for more effective ways to teach children and help parents. I saw first hand the positive impact Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) had on the students in the classroom and in their homes. It fueled me to learn more about ABA. Applied Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of human behavior. By identifying and understanding factors in the environment that affect human behavior, we are able to systematically apply evidenced-based interventions to improve socially significant behavior and create meaningful change. I wanted to be part of this amazing community of professionals that are making a difference.
This led me to go back to school and complete my masters degree in exceptional student education specializing in ABA, and earning my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. These credentials opened new doors. For nearly 10 years, I worked for an ABA company in the North LA, Ventura County area. As a program director, I worked alongside a wonderful team. We utilized ABA to teach children with Autism valuable, life changing skills. Seeing these children overcome some of their challenges and improve their quality of life has had a tremendous impact on my own life.
One impact was seeing parents face their own set of challenges and hearing their stories. Being a mom, I do understand. When I became a Mom, I began to see the world through a different lens. The parenting journey isn’t always easy. It is filled with triumphs and pitfalls, and it’s ok to ask for help. Many parents may wonder, “Is there help out there for me?” “What if my child doesn’t have a special need diagnosis, but needs support with some challenging behavior?” “What if I am waiting for special education services, and need some assistance while I wait?” Or “What if the existing services I am receiving aren’t enough?” If you ever feel like that, this is where I can help.
In 2022, I founded Thrive Behavior Consulting. I am able to take my life experience, professionally as a BCBA, Child Development Specialist and Certified Parent Trainer and work with parents to strengthen their parenting skills. My approach is positive parenting. I provide parents customized and individual support to implement interventions that work. My goal is to help parents create the kind of change that is meaningful for themselves and their family. As a professional in this field, I feel nothing is more rewarding than to help a family overcome adversity and thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path to where I am today has had many twists and turns. It hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has taught me valuable lessons. One of the more difficult experiences I have faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Things changed not only in our community, but in the world. I saw so many teachers, providers and parents struggle to help their children. Everyone was trying their best, but somehow we all felt like we were falling short in one way or another. However we leaned on each other, worked together, and made it through. It was from this experience and dealing with a life changing event and some personal adversity myself, that I became resolute about my vision for my future. It inspired me to tap into my values which aligned with developing my own business focussed on parent training, and from that, Thrive Behavior Consulting was born.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a parent and a BCBA, I have seen first hand the struggles that parents face. Parenting can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. This is what inspired me to create Thrive Behavior Consulting. I want parents to know that they are not alone. They can get the hands-on training and support they need. Whether a child is neuro-typical in development and doesn’t have a diagnosis, or perhaps is neurodivergent and has a special need, every parent can benefit from guidance and support. I am a parent. I get it. I understand that each family has their own style of parenting. I respect that. It isn’t my goal to change that, but to support families within that framework. This allows me to help them unlock the mystery behind those common questions parents ask – “Why does my child do this?” and “How can I change that?” I have the expertise to help answer those questions, by determining the function of the behavior, then teaching and reinforcing new more appropriate behaviors.
My approach to parent training is to partner with the family with compassion and understanding, and utilize the principles of ABA in my practice. Whether I am assessing a behavior or working through an intervention with the parent, I always consider the parent and child’s perspectives. I meet parents where they are at and we work together as a team to create change. My message to parents is, “Your child matters. You matter.”
Thrive Behavior Consulting offers both services in-person or via Telehealth and are individualized, considering each family’s priorities and needs. Some of the focused services are:
Focus areas:
- Managing challenging behaviors and teaching appropriate replacement behaviors
- Improving listening skills so you aren’t always repeating yourself
- Establishing schedules and routines that will make your busy life easier to manage
- Strengthening sibling and family relationships with more love and less fighting
- Gaining more independence with daily living skills (i.e. morning, bedtime routines)
- Strengthening executive functioning skills so the children can thrive
- Parent self care because you are important too
- Develop child safety skills (Child Safety Program Package)
Child Safety Program Package:
The child safety program package is designed to help parents navigate this difficult conversation with their children.
Have you ever wondered if your child will make the safe choice in a potentially dangerous situation?
Do you wish you could test them to see how they respond?
This program will help you acquire the peace of mind that your child will be able to recognize and avoid these situations.
The Child Safety Program includes:
- Parent Consultation with the parenting specialist
- Individualized Action Plan
- Optional pre-test to see how your child responds in a simulated safety situation
- Four parent/child teaching sessions with the parenting specialist
- Optional post-test to see how your child responds in a simulated safety situation
- Follow-up parent meeting with the parenting specialist
I provide these services with parent input and participation. The teaching material is age appropriate and is taught in a way to educate not scare the child. The primary goal is to work with parents to help them keep their children healthy, happy and safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: thrivebehaviorconsulting.com
Image Credits
Tony Rivetti www.rivettifoto.com @rivettifoto
