A Passion for Special Education and ABA Therapy for Autism

Hi!!

My name is Courtney Capak (soon to be Courtney Zurovec, as I will be one of those “COVID brides” attempting to get married in the month of September 2020 – fingers crossed and prayers appreciated as we see what happens 🤞🏻🙏🏻). I have a passion for special education and cannot wait to meet your family.

It all started for me as I was applying to college as an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University in the fall of 2011. I thought all I wanted to be in life was a 2nd grade teacher- that was my “end game.” My mom, being an assistant principal (and also with the economy not being the best in 2011) she persuaded me to also “look into becoming certified as a teacher in special education,” you know.. “Just in case” and “to become more marketable” when I wanted to become a teacher (because at the time more teachers were being fired than hired).

*Now, I look back and can’t believe that’s how this all happened.. but it’s the truth*

So, after going though TAMU’s undergraduate program and absolutely falling in love with special education more than I thought possible… I can proudly say I have spent 2 years as an inclusion pre-kindergarten teacher, 2 years as a preschool program for children with disabilities (PPCD) teacher, and then 1 year as a communication, academic, social, learning (CASL) teacher. During those 5 years in the education system, I went back to school and received my Masters in Special Education. I also met the requirements and sat for/passed the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Thinking back to when I first developed a passion for special education, I remember thinking I wanted a career that focused around working with parents. I always knew I wanted to work with children/adolescents with autism but also be able to be a reference or person of direct contact that parents could confide in.

Being with Apara Autism Center, I truly feel like I’m being given that opportunity. I can not wait to get to know more clients and parents in the future, as well as, experience all this field has to offer. 🧩💕