Scaling New Heights: Testimonials From The Everest Program

The path to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can be both challenging and rewarding. At Action Behavior Centers, we understand the dedication and effort required to reach the pinnacle of the clinical summit. That’s why we created the ABC Everest Program—a unique, fully-supported pathway that empowers aspiring BCBAs in achieving their career goals. Through a structured, step-by-step approach, the Everest Program offers study resources, unrestricted field hours, and the guidance of experienced clinical supervisors, all within the security of a paid position.

At the heart of the Everest Program is Chasady Zachary, Rising Star Supervision Director, whose role involves connecting with trainees across Action.

“My main priority in this role is to make teammates feel seen in the midst of a challenging journey,” says Chasady. “The study groups help hold teammates accountable and create discussions about exam preparation and ABA principles. Bonus incentives create excitement for our teammates to reach essential milestones in their certification journey.”

As a BCBA herself, Chasady adds, “I could have only dreamed of the opportunities our teammates seeking certification have been offered, but now that dream has become a reality with ABC.”

With the Everest Program, every stage of your journey is fully supported. From the first steps as a Behavior Therapist (BT) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to reaching Rising Star+ status and preparing for the BCBA exam, ABC is committed to helping you climb to the top with visionary leaders like Chasady guiding the way.

Step 1: Therapist
Starting the journey

The journey to BCBA begins with establishing a solid foundation. Therapists at ABC start as Behavior Therapists (BTs) or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), gaining hands-on experience while building core skills in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

• ABC covers 100% of the cost for the RBT training course, the Initial Competency Assessment, and exam fees.
• Partnerships with leading universities provide discounts on both undergraduate and graduate tuition rates, creating affordable pathways for continuing education.
• For teammates already managing educational loans, ABC has partnered with SoFi Financial to help reduce interest rates and monthly payments and even contributes annually to loan repayments.

Erin Neeson
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Palatine, Chicago, Illinois

I started as an RBT at ABC, then advanced through Rising Star, Rising Star+, and eventually became a BCBA! As a supervision student, I explored various ABA companies to see what support programs they offered for students—not just for fieldwork hours, but for the transition to a BCBA role. ABC stood out with its Everest Program, and I’m so glad I chose to pursue my BCBA here. The Everest Program prepared me for both the BCBA exam and the new responsibilities of the role, equipping me with the tools I needed well before I officially became a BCBA. The support from ABC and the Everest Program truly made all the difference.

Cassidy Kiris
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Leander Hero Way, Austin, Texas

I started at ABC as a BT without a clear career path, but I immediately fell in love with the children, their families, and the impact we made every day. That experience inspired me to begin my master’s program, and I joined the Everest Program, where I felt fully supported. My leaders were my biggest rocks, pushing me to grow and preparing me for success. With their help, I completed my hours, finished the BDS modules, and felt confident going into my exam. Thanks to the modules, group supervision, study sessions, and continuous guidance, I passed on my first try. Now, at my new center, I continue to grow every day, and I’m so grateful for the Everest Program and the support it provided.

Step 2: Trainee
Gain field hours & build on your skills

After gaining experience as an RBT, the next step in the Everest journey is becoming a Trainee. This phase allows aspiring BCBAs to build upon their skills with real-world experience while pursuing an ABA-related master’s degree and fieldwork hours.

• Trainees receive ongoing support from their clinical director and Everest Program supervisor, ensuring they have a guiding hand through every step of their journey.
• Fieldwork supervision hours are offered at no cost, and time spent on these hours doesn’t impact wages, which is uncommon in the field.
• Incentive pay is awarded for accumulating unrestricted hours, along with specialty program swag to celebrate milestones.

Maggie Johnson
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
North McKinney, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

I’m so grateful for how well the Everest program prepared me to be a BCBA. Before becoming a Rising Star, I doubted whether I could reach this goal, but with the hands-on experience and guidance I received, I learned so much and became more confident in my clinical judgment. I truly appreciated the support from my center and knowing I had an entire team cheering me on every step of the way.

Caroline Wiley
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois

The Everest Program provided an incredible opportunity to learn alongside my colleagues and prepared me for my role as a BCBA at ABC. At my center, three other Rising Stars were completing the curriculum and studying at the same time! I was so lucky to have friends I could lean on for support, study with, and even attend the BCBA cohort alongside. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Rising Star and to learn through this program!

Step 3: Rising Star
Reach new heights

The Rising Star stage marks an exciting advancement, as teammates are now nearing the final stages of their BCBA preparation. This step brings added recognition, resources, and compensation that reflects the trainee’s dedication and commitment to becoming a BCBA.

• Rising Stars receive 40 paid hours off-schedule each week to focus solely on accumulating the last of their field hours.
• Access to exclusive training and exam prep materials, as well as an all-expenses-paid invitation to the annual ABCaba conference and the ABC Leadership Summit.
• A company laptop to assist in their exam preparation.

Matthew Campbell, RBT
Rising Star+
North Glenview, Chicago, Illinois

I’m currently an RBT/Rising Star+ at North Glenview after spending the first 18 months of my supervision journey in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Everest Program at ABC has been an amazing opportunity, helping me grow in my journey toward BCBA certification. The support provided to everyone in the program truly stands out, and the collaborative study sessions have been a tremendous help!Daisy Flores
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Rainbow Hills, San Antonio, Texas 

The Everest Program gave me the chance to learn valuable aspects of being a behavior analyst at ABC. I received mentorship from experienced leaders, studied alongside my peers, and created meaningful moments with the kids and families. Through Everest, I’ve been able to step into my role as a BCBA with confidence, applying what I’ve learned every day. I’m truly grateful for this experience and how it has supported my growth in this field.

Step 4: Rising Star+
Prepare for the final summit

The final stretch in the Everest journey is Rising Star+, the stage that represents the culmination of years of dedication, study, and practical experience. At this stage, trainees are fully prepared for the BCBA certification exam and can see the summit in sight.

• A pay increase to $30/hour supports trainees as they enter the final stretch of their journey.
• A paid week off is provided for dedicated exam preparation, allowing trainees the time they need to focus on success.
• ABC offers a $5,000 bonus to those who pass the BCBA exam on the first attempt, recognizing their hard work and rewarding their accomplishment.
• Rising Star+ teammates also receive an all-expenses-paid invitation to attend both the ABCaba conference and the ABC Leadership Summit.

Meghan Drewa
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Benbrook, Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas

I joined ABC at Grapevine, Texas, as a Rising Star and it has been a truly wonderful experience. I worked under Clinical Directors Bridget Morgan and Anthony Burns, and I am so thankful for their guidance and support throughout this journey—they have been incredible mentors and taught me so much through the Everest curriculum. Thanks to them, I feel well-prepared as a new BCBA for Initial Treatment Reports, Family Guidance meetings, and leading team meetings. The three weeks off to study was a game changer and played a huge role in helping me pass the BCBA exam on my first attempt. I also connected with other Rising Stars testing around the same time through Chasady’s study groups!

Kennedi Tate
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Paloma Creek Bridge, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

I began my journey at ABC as an RBT, then progressed to a supervisee, Rising Star, Rising Star+, and now BCBA! I’m so grateful for the support I received through the Everest Program—not only in accruing my hours but also in preparing for the BCBA exam. The program allowed me to build hours more quickly and helped me transition into my role as a BCBA with dedicated time off to focus on unrestricted tasks. The study time leading up to my exam made a huge difference, leaving me feeling confident and well-prepared!

Our commitment to aspiring BCBAs

The Everest Program at Action Behavior Centers is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate BCBAs. This journey offers teammates hands-on experience opportunities, comprehensive financial support, and expert guidance at every step of their journey. 

Alayne Santos
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
East Mesa, Phoenix, Arizona

The Everest Program has made a huge difference in my life. I was in my last year of grad school, but my previous workplace didn’t have enough BCBAs to supervise me. I loved it there, but I had to leave to find a place where I could complete my fieldwork hours. Starting my fieldwork at ABC allowed me to put what I learned in school into practice with our children, and it deepened my passion for this field. My supervisors were amazing—they gave me space to grow, taught me how to supervise, and supported me through every step of the process.

Between December 2023 and April 2024, I was juggling a lot: graduating, planning my wedding, and preparing for the BCBA exam. I’m so grateful I had the Everest Program and my supervisors to lean on during those months. Just as I was completing my hours in March, the first-time passer bonus was announced. Although it felt risky, I scheduled my exam for April, right before my wedding, knowing the bonus would really help with wedding expenses. My supervisors were incredibly supportive, even adjusting the schedule to give me a full week to study. When I passed, my center threw a big bubble party to celebrate!

Incredibly, the first-time passer bonus arrived on my wedding day, which felt like the perfect gift. I couldn’t be more thankful to ABC for the opportunities and support they offer. Leaving my last position to start my fieldwork hours at ABC was truly life-changing—one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my career and my life.

Gabrielle Zizzi
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Wylie, Dallas, Texas

When I graduated from my master’s program and started the Everest Program, I had just 250 fieldwork hours left to complete. The program helped both me and my supervisor identify and fill any gaps in my training, ensuring I was fully prepared for my role as a BCBA. Everest was a welcome addition to my supervision experience and gave me the motivation I needed in those final months before my exam.

Trinity Levine
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Bedford, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

I’ve recently been promoted to BCBA at the Bedford location. Being part of the Everest program has really helped me connect with others who have similar goals. The study groups provided a collaborative environment where we uplifted each other, shared ideas, and tackled challenges together. It felt great being a part of a supportive community. The help and resources I've received have made it easier to tackle challenges and achieve things I didn't think I could!

Ready to start your journey? Apply today and take your first step toward reaching the summit with ABC.