Nicholas Wrotniewski
BCCS, ACAS & M.Ed
Founding Behavior Specialist
| Over the past 15 years working in the behavioral field, across many diverse settings and populations, I chose not to pursue a BCBA and management type position, because my passion lies with having an immediate and direct impact on the success of my students and clients. In 2016, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to become a founding member of a unique, one-of-a-kind nonprofit school in San Mateo, The Burkard School, where there is an experienced behavior specialist and teacher dedicated to each classroom of no more than 10 students. Working with this population of students and having Social Emotional Learning play such an intricate role in student achievement and self-esteem, I found it highly important to stay connected with relevant and evidence-based research. More importantly, research which involves looking through a lens that combines both behavior and social emotional perspectives. IBCCES has allowed me to continue excelling in my field, helping people of all abilities, by providing me with the opportunity to become an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist and Board Certified Cognitive Specialist. These two IBCCES credentials have effectively shaped my approach when working with students and clients who have differentiated behavioral needs, ranging from ADHD to ASD. When working in the field of behavior observation, it is important to identify behaviors that are observable and measurable, which I have found to be an effective approach for most of my career. What I have found to be equally important, is the need to be able to understand the inner workings of the brain and body, when looking to identify effective strategies and solutions to help shape different behavioral outcomes. I have had the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge to effectively train colleagues and clients alike in behavior management strategies, while referring professionals with diversified backgrounds to the programs IBCCES has to offer, getting the opportunity to see a wide-range of positive outcomes for all who pursue any of the credentials available through this amazing institution. |
| Why did you choose your profession? | |
| As much as It appears that I chose this profession, I believe this profession actually chose me. Since the first time I assisted with a special day class at my high school 16 years ago, I knew there was a special connection to the way I felt helping others in need and the way others felt when I helped them. My journey never stopped from that point on and this has been my lifelong passion and career ever since. | |
| What’s your favorite part about what you do? | |
| What I enjoy most about working with children and adults who have differentiated needs, is the fact that I am able to understand what their behavior is communicating, while using creative and individualized strategies and interventions to help them feel comfortable and have their needs met. There is no better feeling than helping someone gain a sense of safety and comfort while gaining a greater understanding of who they are and what makes them unique as an individual. | |
| How has your IBCCES training/credential helped you in your career? | |
| IBCCES provides me with up-to-date and evidence-based research that is both relevant and practical. This allows me to gain new insights about a wide range of topics, while also providing me with refreshers that I can apply daily while working at my private non-profit school for K-8 students and in my private practice too. | |
| How do you use/implement what you learned in the IBCCES certification training? | |
| Through the IBCCES training, I am able to look at behavior through a lens that is both real and connected, while being able to apply differentiated strategies, tools, and interventions that will help the client I am working with and the people connected to their lives, have a better understanding of the specific needs and wants that are important to that client’s life. This type of connection and understanding is imperative to be able to work towards effective outcomes for a wide range of unique needs ranging from ASD to ADHD, which need to be viewed through differentiated lenses. | |
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