The following is an interview with Sharon Alert-Burgess, a Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) based in Queens, New York. We extend our gratitude to her for taking the time to respond to these questions.
Jacques: Where did you pursue your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and what were your majors?
M.S.Ed., East Stroudsburg University (ESU)
B.A. in Psychology, York College (CUNY)
Jacques: How long have you been working in this field, and what led you to choose a career as a BIS?
I entered this field in 1999 shortly after high school graduation. My initial role involved Early Intervention, where I worked with children diagnosed with Autism, implementing ABA therapy. After high school, I was uncertain about my career path and initially wanted to attend an out-of-state university. However, my parents chose a local school, York College, against my preference. When I explored the programs available at York, I found that Psychology offered one of the shortest paths to completion. Consequently, I declared my major as “psychology.”
Following the completion of my undergraduate studies, I continued to work in the mental health field as an Assistant ABA teacher for children with autism. It was during this time that I decided to pursue a Master’s in Special Education. Upon earning my degree in 2009, I accepted a position as a BIS, and the rest is history.
Jacques: Your explanation for selecting your degree is one of the most insightful I’ve come across. What advice do you have for individuals interested in becoming Behavior Intervention Specialists?
Ensure that it genuinely aligns with your interests. Consider interning or working at an organization that serves individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or mental illness to gauge your compatibility with this field. This profession requires patience, creativity, compassion, and a strong capacity for empathy. If you do not thrive in interpersonal interactions, this may not be the suitable career path for you.
Jacques: Your insights truly encapsulate the essence of service. Do you believe there is sufficient awareness of your field among the general public? How would those outside your field describe your profession?
There is an insufficient level of awareness. When most people hear the term “BIS,” they often inquire, “What does that entail?” or “What exactly is your role?” Individuals outside my field typically describe my profession as “working with individuals with disabilities.”
Jacques: What are two common misconceptions people have about the individuals you serve?
- They are often underestimated, with people assuming they lack understanding or communication abilities.
- There is a misconception that they are prone to violent behavior.
Jacques: Do you believe that your field receives adequate funding? What are your reasons for your stance?
No, I don’t believe it receives sufficient funding. My perspective is based on the fact that the compensation for staff in this field is disproportionately low compared to the responsibilities they undertake daily. It appears that many individuals may not fully comprehend the demands and challenges of being a direct care worker and assisting those who are most vulnerable and unable to care for themselves, or they simply may not prioritize it.
Jacques: Sharon Alert-Burgess, it has been a pleasure speaking with you.