About Me

I was born in Astoria, Queens and grew up in South Setauket, about halfway out on Long Island. I lived there until I was 20 and then moved upstate to Buffalo, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

I relocated to Phoenix, AZ in 1999 with a job transfer from Lerner New York. After spending much time in retail, I switched to insurance and financial services in 2003 when I took a job with USAA. During my 5 1/2 years there, I earned my Master's Degree in Global Management from University of Phoenix (Dec '06- May '08).

In January 2009, 4 months after Joey's diagnosis, I left USAA. By June of that year, I officially changed fields by getting my first job providing habilitation and respite services. In January 2010, I entered into Arizona State University's new Autism/Special Education program (we were the 2nd group to enter the program). Shortly after, I began my 1st clinical job at the BISTA Center as an ABA Therapist. In March 2011, I finished my program and practicum and graduated in May with a Master's Degree in Special Education and a Graduate Certificate in the BCBA course sequence. Also during May, I got the job as Program Manager/HBM Consultant with H.O.P.E. Group. I can honestly say I love my job.

I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in May 2013.

I reside in the NW Valley of Phoenix with my loving husband, and of course, my wonderful son, Joey. I am also fortunate to have my Mom & Dad close by (less than 2 miles away) and my brother and his family also down the road (about 5 miles).

Before I became a mother, I enjoyed dancing. I started at the age of 6 and by the time I entered my teen years, I was in a dance company that participated in many local and national competitions. I attended the Long Island High School of the Arts for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade and continued dancing for fun in my 20's. Pregnancy didn't slow me down and I performed in a show at 22 weeks pregnant. Life has since slowed me down but I'd love to pick up dancing again in the near future for fun and to share my love of dance with the special kids I get to work with everyday.

You can follow me on Twitter @joeyshope.