Press Releases

April 26, 2002
Sharing Her Story: Alum Returns to Give Lecture on Rewarding Work Experience

"Behavioral Analysis From the Eye of the Analyzer" Addresses Challenging Behaviors in Children and Animals

Contact:
Patricia Conway (PR@southampton.liu.edu)
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

After graduating from Southampton College in May 2001, Leslie Hunter landed a summer position as an educator at Sea World in Florida. In the fall, she started an internship at an organization that works with children with behavioral issues. On Tuesday, April 30, she'll be back at Southampton College's Avram Theatre to talk about the joys she receives each day from her job. The talk "Behavior Analysis From the Eye of the Analyzer," scheduled for 6:00 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Hunter, a native of Manchester, VT, earned her B.S. in psychobiology. She is now working full-time as a behavior analyst at Intervention Services, working with children with developmental disabilities in schools and in their homes. She credits Southampton College for giving her a strong background for her chosen career with its applied behavior analysis class, the psychobiology requirements, additional psychology classes, and a cooperative opportunity with Developmental Disabilities Institute.

"I have about 15-20 children whom I see both in school and at home," said Hunter. "Some of my clients have very bad behavioral problems that end up getting them suspended from school. I also have a few clients who have been labeled with a disability, are autistic, or have aggressive behaviors. After implementing behavioral programs for these children and seeing their progress, I find my job all the more rewarding and am encouraged everyday to continue what I am doing."

In the future Hunter plans to attend graduate school to earn a Masters Degree in therapy. She would also like to continue animal training and perhaps work with people and animals together as therapy. "I have many options open, and all are within my field of study," she said.

The seminar is sponsored by the Southampton College Autism Outreach Program. For more information call Professor John Neill at (631)287-8202.