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March 7 was Employee Appreciation Day, but we’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Elizabeth Hines, a Behavior Technician for New Story Schools’ Outreach Program.

What is your favorite thing about working here? 

My favorite thing about working at New Story is the relationships and bonds I create with my kids. I love the kiddos I currently work with, and they never fail to make me smile and laugh. I get to celebrate their achievements with them as they grow. 

What keeps you coming to work each day? 

The number one reason I continue coming to work each day is the kids I work with. They are the coolest kids I know and I’m lucky that I get to work with them. Knowing that I get to make a positive difference in their lives, academically and behaviorally, is what motivates me to continue what I’m doing.

How do you make an impact on students’ lives? 

I am able to give my kids a stable routine and safe space to learn and grow. I have a built a solid foundation of trust and rapport with each of my kids. I believe this is an important first step because without trust and rapport, it is hard to collaborate and learn. 

Which one of our BetterTogether values resonates with you most personally and why? 

Supportive resonates with me the most. I encourage and support my students in everything they do. Even the smallest amount of support can make a difference in their lives. Knowing they have someone rooting for them to succeed gives them the confidence to achieve their goals.

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role? 

Currently, I have three kids I work with on a daily basis. I work one-on-one in their homes on academics and behaviors. Each kid requires something different from me, so I have to be able to change and adapt to their specific needs. The one-on-one approach allows me to dedicate all of my attention and time to one kid, which in turn, gives them the opportunity to grow at their own pace. 

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now? 

I have always been interested in behavior and the psychology around it. I joined New Story as a Behavior Technician while I was working on my BA in psychology. I love how hands on and invested New Story is in our kids’ success. As I continue to grow academically with my graduate degree, I hope to grow professionally as well. 

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role? 

My proudest accomplishment throughout my time at New Story has been reducing a certain behavior of one of my kids. This behavior was hindering his academics and day to day activities. With the help of my consultants, we were able to come up with a plan to reduce his behavior. Over time, with continuous repetition and routine, we were able to reduce his behavior by over 80%.  He is now making great strides in his academics and I am so proud of how far he has come. 

What is something about you that not many people know?

Something not many people know about me is that I never wanted to work with kids before I came to New Story. I didn’t know how to communicate or work with kids, so I found myself avoiding interactions with them. I now work with some of the coolest kids I’ve ever met and I couldn’t be happier. Now, my career and educational trajectory has shifted to solely focusing on kids and the work I can do with them. 

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