Alumna Alison Karnes developed a passion for helping others as a young girl. She thought everyone was wired that way until she had her first career-oriented interview.

The company's CEO surprised her by asking, "Do you want to change the world?" She laughed and said, "Doesn't everybody?" He smiled and assured her: "No, they do not."

"I have often revisited that moment," Karnes said. "It reminds me that the work I do each day can make an impact, no matter the obstacle or how small the task."

She's now the director of clinical services and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Arkansas' SageWay Behavioral Health. Therapists primarily work with children diagnosed with autism, using applied behavior analytic (ABA) therapy. They help clients with various skills like communication, independent living, play and leisure, and working through dysregulated behaviors. "We do most of our work in an individualized, play-based setting, making learning and practicing new skills fun," Karnes said.

She feels fortunate to be working with clinicians who are dedicated to enhancing their clients' experiences in the world. "From dance parties in the playroom to trick-or-treating, singing silly songs and more, our practitioners go above and beyond to make sure our clients are having fun while they're learning. I love getting to be part of that," she said.

This year, Karnes was named president of the Arkansas Association for Behavior Analysis after being on the board for three. She helps plan the organization's annual conference, collaborates with other practitioners to promote high-quality standards of care and coordinates continuing education opportunities for members and the behavior analytic community in Arkansas. 

At SageWay, Karnes also oversees the clinic's supervision program for graduate students training to become behavior analysts. It feels like a full-circle moment. Alison graduated from the U of A twice. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2009, then received a master's in counseling psychology from Adler University. She returned to the U of A in 2011, earning a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in behavior analysis and autism.

Mentoring college students has prompted a new dream. Karnes would like to teach in higher education down the road.

"The longer I am in this field, I grow more passionate about teaching future behavior analysts," she said. "One day, I hope to have the opportunity to do so."

To read more Dean's Spotlight stories and other COEHP community news, visit the College's online magazine, the Colleague. The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. Visit the College's webiste for more information about Special Education degrees.