Blogs

March 7 was Employee Appreciation Day, but we’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Malaika Dacelus, a Senior Behavior Therapist at our Rivermont Northern Virginia campus. 

What is your favorite thing about working here?  

I've always had a passion for working with students, but this is my first time in a school setting. Over the past nine months, the most rewarding part has been getting to know the students, working with them, and seeing their progress. Watching how much they’ve grown since my first day, both academically and socially, has been incredible. Many students with autism face challenges with peer interactions, so seeing their social skills improve has been especially encouraging. It reassures me that we’re making a real difference. 

The staff here is amazing. Everyone is welcoming, supportive, and kind. I’ve never had any issues, and the sense of teamwork makes this environment even better. 

I also love the events we put on for students. Today, for example, we had a Valentine's Day dance, which was really sweet. We celebrate different occasions throughout the year, like Christmas and an upcoming St. Patrick’s Day event. These activities help create a well-rounded school experience, making it feel more like a general education setting while still providing the specialized support our students need. 

What keeps you coming to work each day?  

What keeps me coming to work each day are the opportunities I have here. Being recognized is incredibly reinforcing and rewarding. It makes me feel like I’m truly making a difference. I also have goals of becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and the experience I’m gaining here is invaluable. Knowing that I’m doing meaningful work and growing in my role gives me a real sense of accomplishment. What stands out most is how much my efforts are noticed and appreciated. I’ve never been in a job where my hard work is not only recognized but also opens doors for me to advance in my career. That kind of support and encouragement makes all the difference. 

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?  

Sometimes it can be challenging to take on an authoritative role, but I focus on building connections with students first. Getting to know what they like, what they don’t like, and finding ways to engage with them is a key part of that. 

I don’t want them to see me just as someone they have to listen to or someone they’ll get in trouble with. Instead, I want to create a positive relationship where they feel comfortable and supported. That way, our interactions aren’t always about rules or consequences but also about trust and understanding. 

Which one of our Better Together values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)  

I would say inclusive and supportive because I work best in a team. In fact, I am school spirit committee chair, which is a fun opportunity. I naturally gravitate toward leadership roles because I believe in creating an environment where everyone’s ideas are valued. I never want to dismiss anyone’s thoughts or contributions. I encourage open dialogue and collaboration. My goal is to incorporate different perspectives, find common ground, and ensure no one feels left out. 

To me, that’s what inclusivity is all about, making sure everyone has a voice. Support is just as important. Our team is incredible, and everyone plays a role in keeping our school running smoothly. If a classroom needs extra help, there’s always someone willing to step in. 

We all understand that no classroom is easy, and some come with more challenges than others. But here, we step up for each other without hesitation. There’s no back-and-forth or reluctance, just a shared commitment to making sure every student and staff member feels supported. That’s what makes Rivermont so special. 

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

I was just promoted to behavior therapist but I’m still working as a Mental Health Associate (MHA), so my day starts with preparing for the students’ arrival. I set up breakfast, fill water bottles, and make sure everything is in place for the day. Once the students arrive, I help them get settled and use breakfast time to check in, asking about their night or weekend, just having casual conversations that aren’t focused on academics. 

From there, we move into group instruction, where I make a point to give a lot of praise and encouragement. During individual work, I continue reinforcing their efforts with positive feedback. During gym, I participate with them because we all need that movement break. Lately, we’ve been playing dodgeball, which they love. We also incorporate ukeru pads in a fun, positive way to keep the game engaging. 

Lunch is another great opportunity to connect with students. I like that we can sit and eat with them because it gives us time to interact in a more relaxed setting, away from academic pressures. After lunch, we have movement time, sometimes including yoga, before transitioning into the afternoon. 

Toward the end of the day, I run social skills lessons, which I really enjoy. It’s a break from academics but still teaches important life skills, like handling emotions and interacting with others in a positive way. The students look forward to it. They’ll even ask, “Is it time for social skills yet?” 

Throughout the day, I also track data on Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and any behaviors that need monitoring. In my role as a behavior therapist, I take on tasks assigned by the Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or the lead behavior therapist, which helps me gain experience and hours toward my goals. 

I like staying busy, so I take on whatever comes my way. At the end of the day, we clean up, restock as needed, and then head home, ready to do it all again tomorrow. 

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

I started my undergraduate studies as a psychology major, originally wanting to become a child psychologist. However, during my first year, I moved away from home, and the transition was overwhelming. I felt homesick, and psychology started to feel like too much at the time. I knew I needed a change, so I switched my major to sociology with the idea of becoming a social worker. 

After graduating, I took a gap year because I realized social work wasn’t truly what I wanted to do, it was more of a backup plan when I changed majors. During that year, I worked in a group home with individuals with developmental disabilities, and that experience sparked my interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 

I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, but I knew a long-term career in a group home setting wasn’t the right fit for me. While exploring career options during my gap year, I came across ABA and immediately thought, “this is exactly what I’ve been looking for.” That realization led me to start my master’s program in ABA. At that point, I moved from New York and began working in another group home. One of my coworkers there also worked at the Rivermont Northern Virginia campus, and as we talked about my career goals, she encouraged me to apply. I took her advice, got the job, and from day one, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be. 

Compared to my experiences in psychology and sociology, this path feels right. I feel happier, more fulfilled, and more confident in my career choice. Rivermont has given me invaluable experience and knowledge, and I’m learning so much from the BCBAs and behavior therapists here. I’m truly grateful for the journey that brought me here, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. 

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

It means a lot to me when a student who struggles with social interactions connects with me, works well with me, and genuinely enjoys their day. Seeing them feel happy and successful makes me feel truly special. 

What is something about you that not many people know?     

I was a cheerleader in high school and later joined a dance team in college, where I served as co-president alongside my best friend. It was one of my favorite hobbies, and I had so much fun being part of it. 

I really miss dancing. It’s something I don’t have much time for anymore, which is tough. I hope that one day I’ll be able to get back into it because it was such a big part of my life.