WEDGEWOOD CHRISTIAN SERVICES

Candee Lake | PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, LLP
Director of the Autism Center for Child Development
https://www.wedgwood.org/

When did your organization join MiBAP?
Wedgwood was part of the founding of MiBAP in the Spring of 2019

How long have you worked in the field?
More than 20 years

How has membership with MiBAP benefited your organization? Resources, networking, events, etc.?
Membership in MiBAP has benefitted our organization in many ways. The connections we’ve made with other providers have been invaluable, not to mention the face time we’ve had with MDHHS, the governor, legislators, and other key stakeholders who impact service delivery in ABA.

How has membership with MiBAP benefited you personally?
I’ve met many like-minded professionals in similar roles and now have a network of colleagues to whom I can reach out whenever a tricky situation arises. I’ve also helped craft legislation and lobbied to have bills passed that benefit consumers of the services we provide. MiBAP keeps me up-to-date on everything happening in the state that affects ABA service provision and provides guidance on how to respond to make the biggest impact.

Are you a MiBAP Board member and/or committee member? If so, what is your position?
Yes! I’ve been a member of the Board of Directors since MiBAP’s inception in 2019 and served as President of MiBAP for two years.

What do you find most rewarding about the work you do?
It’s hard to identify just one rewarding aspect of the work I do. I love to see the progress the children make in therapy, as well as the looks of delight and pride on their parents’ faces when they exhibit skills that they were unsure they would ever have. I also love to hear how staff are affected by having a warm, positive work environment characterized by empathy and teamwork.