Featured CAS – Marcia Volner

Marcia Volner, CAS

City/State:  Rock Springs, Wyoming

 

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?

Over the years I put a great deal of time and effort into maintaining and increasing my knowledge of autism and techniques for teaching through extra classes, workshops and trainings. Earning my CAS gave me the opportunity to receive recognition for all of my dedication and hard work over the years in one credential that showcases my collected knowledge and skills.

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?

Supervisors were glad to have someone on staff with this credential.

3) What changes need to be made in your work environment?

More acceptance of autism and understanding of the culture of autism.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?

Having peers and parents know that they can come to me to help them come up with strategies for issues they may be having.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

Showing others that meltdowns are a form of communication; that they need to look at the whole situation prior to, during and after the behavior to understand the true meaning of it and determine the best way to help the person having the behavior.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

When I am able to work with staff as a team working in the true best interest of a child.

7) What support, tools/resources, skills or empowerment do you need to be more effective?

Time to train. Today’s work environments are filled with distractions that eat up time for staff. Time that would often be better spent training, and putting that training into use.

8) What strengths or talents do you possess that aren’t being used?

I have retired this year.

9) What demotivates you?

When good intentions go awry. Frequently I hear statements directed toward parents or teachers who are working hard and sacrificing much to benefit the child, statements which are probably meant to be helpful or motivating but which come across as hurtful.

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