Meet Tatiana Spikes, ABA Program Graduate 

When Tatiana Spikes decided to pursue a master’s degree at Empire State University, it felt like the natural next step in her budding behavior analysis career. Still, the Denver resident had her concerns about what a graduate program would be like.  

“I was always kind of terrified that it would be this harsh, straightforward ‘We’re not here to be your friend’ kind of deal. But it was the complete opposite, which was amazing,” she says. “If I could put it into words, it’d be like having a giant hug the entire time.”  

It’s with that support that Spikes has just completed her master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Spikes, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, says she chose SUNY Empire’s ABA program after the institution “kept popping up everywhere” in her grad school research. The university was also recommended to her by a coworker.  

“The number one thing that really sold me was the fact that SUNY Empire had such an affirmative and inclusive message,” she says. “That was really important to me especially because, one, [my husband is in the] military, so I move around all the time. And two, I have ADHD. It was good to know that people who are teaching me also understand me and can accommodate.”  

While enrolled, Spikes juggled her classes alongside a full-time position as a registered behavior technician—a job she’s held for the last five years. She also contended with medical issues, which occasionally impacted her schoolwork. Through it all, though, Spikes stayed the course with an assist from faculty.  

“Just being able to communicate with my professors and them being so kind and caring made all the difference,” she says.  

Now that her grad program is behind her, Spikes is focusing on completing the hours required to sit for the board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam. She’s also reflecting on her time at SUNY Empire and offers future students this piece of advice:   

“Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace, communicate, and remember that everyone’s rooting for you,” Spikes says. “Nobody wants you to fall behind; they want you to do as best as you can.”