We Are Who We Staff: Helping Kids Here and at Home
At iDEAL Hire, we often say “We Are Who We Staff.” Usually, that refers to our clinical backgrounds as RBTs, BCBAs, and Educators. But for several members of our team, that connection goes even deeper. They aren’t just professionals in the autism community, they are parents and caregivers navigating the journey of neurodiversity every single day.
To close out Autism Awareness Month, we’re sitting down with Alana O’Neal, Jayne Flores, and Virginia Rojas. These three women bring a level of empathy and urgency to our mission that can’t be taught, it’s lived. From AAC milestones to the reality of “social battery” exhaustion, they share what it’s really like in all stages of a diagnosis and how that fuels their work at iDEAL Hire.
1. How has being a parent or caregiver in the autism community shaped your perspective on the work we do here?
Alana:
“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the massive need for support in schools. Currently, no state recognizes RBTs through Professional Standards Commissions, which means many students who need specialized behavioral support are instead supported by paraprofessionals. Working here allows me to bridge that gap and ensure a higher level of care for both students and staff.”
Jayne:
“My work is driven by a sense of urgency and empathy. As a former special educator and a parent to a teen with Autism and ADHD, I believe that placing the right person in a student’s life is the catalyst for their long-term success.”
Virginia:
“Being part of this community is what led me to iDEAL Hire. I’ve had the opportunity to see incredible education professionals in action, while also recognizing where schools still need support. I’m passionate about helping bridge that gap.”
2. What is one thing you wish every provider or staff member understood about the “home side” of a diagnosis?
Alana:
“Families are simply seeking as much support as possible. Many of us are navigating complex needs while trying to create a supportive environment at home. We may not always feel fully equipped, but we are committed to ensuring our children receive the resources they need.”
Jayne:
“I wish they understood that by the end of the day, our social batteries and memory are often running on empty. When we can’t get to every “homework” task, it isn’t for a lack of heart, it’s because we’re prioritizing the simple, beautiful goal of just connecting and feeling safe together.”
Virginia:
“That we are a team and should work together.”
3. What is a recent milestone (big or small) that brought your family joy?
Alana:
“My son has recently begun using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to support his speech development, as he is 5 years old and currently nonverbal. While he has always found ways to express his needs, we have already seen meaningful progress in a very short time with the use of this device. It has been incredibly encouraging to see it not only support his communication, but also begin to foster spoken language. For our family, this is a significant and exciting milestone in his journey.”
Jayne:
“A recent milestone that brought our family immense joy was my son turning 13. Reaching the teenage years is a huge deal, and it coincided with us securing a new IEP specifically designed to support his transition into adulthood. For us, this wasn’t just paperwork, it was a roadmap to help him grow with the right tools and independence. Seeing that support click into place as he hits this milestone has been incredibly rewarding!”
Virginia:
“My son is off to college next year!”
4. If you could go back to the day of your child’s diagnosis and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Alana:
“Avoid comparing his progress to others. Autism is a spectrum for a reason, and every child develops at their own pace. Showing up every day and advocating for your child is enough!”
Jayne:
“To the parent I was on diagnosis day: Breathe. This diagnosis is a chapter, not the whole book. It will inform a new direction for your lives, one paved with more grace, more grit, and a perspective that makes every milestone feel like a miracle.”
Virginia:
“Learn as much as you can so you can be your child’s strongest advocate. You are a valued member of the IEP team, and your voice matters.”
5. How does your personal journey help you connect with the clients or contractors you talk to every day?
Alana:
“My personal journey allows me to connect with both clients and contractors on a deeper level, giving me a unique understanding of not only the needs of the students we serve, but also the challenges faced by those supporting them. As a parent of a child with autism, I’m able to share real-life experiences; the obstacles as well as the meaningful milestones that others in this field can often relate to. This work is not always easy, and it can sometimes feel as though the effort put in each day goes unrecognized. Being able to connect on that level provides an important outlet for support, and allows me to offer encouragement, understanding, and reassurance when it’s needed most.”
Jayne:
“My personal journey allows me to speak their language with a level of true solidarity that can’t be taught in a classroom. As a special education teacher, a neurodivergent adult, and a parent, I don’t just sympathize with the clients and contractors I talk to, I’ve lived their experiences. Whether we are discussing the urgency of a student’s needs or the exhaustion of the home side, there is an instant trust that forms because they know I’m right there in the trenches with them. I understand the nuances of the struggle and the joy of the wins, which helps us move past the professional surface and get straight to the heart of what matters.”
Virginia:
“Our phrase ‘We are who we staff’ truly resonates with me. Having been on the other side, I understand how hard schools work to fill these roles and meet the needs of all their students.”
6. Is there anything else you’d like to share, include, or mention about your experiences?
Alana:
“The journey of a parent supporting a child with disabilities can be especially challenging due to the uncertainty. The unknowns of both the present and the future. That uncertainty can feel overwhelming at times. Working with iDEAL Hire Education has given me a sense of reassurance, knowing that our focus is always on supporting students first, while also serving educators and districts in need. It brings a level of peace to know that every RBT we place is helping to fill a critical gap and make a meaningful, lasting impact in a student’s life.
If there is one takeaway I hope to share, it is a greater awareness of the growing need for support within our schools. By embracing partnerships with agencies like iDEAL Hire Education, we can continue to expand access to the resources and services students need to succeed. Together, we can make a meaningful impact let’s keep working collaboratively to support our students and school communities.”
Jayne:
“I love being part of iDEAL Hire because of their intentional choice to hire people who truly live the mission. It gives us a genuine chance to make an impact fueled by love and empathy rather than just compliance. I truly value having the support to be brave, to adapt, to pivot, and to try new things, knowing that we are all working together to create a world where people can truly thrive.”
Virginia:
“The iDEAL core value that resonates most with me is Impacting Lives. Through my work, I help schools provide the services students need, making a meaningful difference in their daily lives.”
Impacting Lives Together
The iDEAL Hire mission is fueled by the belief that every student deserves the right support to thrive. Whether it is through Alana’s focus on RBT support, Jayne’s advocacy for fulfilling lives, or Virginia’s passion for bridging school gaps, our team is proof that when the work is personal, the impact is greater.
Thank you for joining us this Autism Awareness Month as we celebrate our team, our families, and the incredible students we serve.
