When Aja Nixon ’16 graduated from Canisius University in 2016 with a degree in criminal justice and a background in forensic psychology, she fully envisioned a future in those fields.
Little did she know it would lead her to a career helping children.
Today, Nixon lives in Georgia, where she balances life as a mother with a career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her work focuses on helping children with autism and other developmental needs build communication skills, independence and confidence.
When asked whether she imagined working with children with autism after she graduated Nixon says “Honestly no! I had a very different career path in mind and was interested in understanding behavior from a very different perspective.”
She began working as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing direct support to children and helping them develop new skills. It’s here she encountered opportunities she hadn't initially considered.
Discovering how much she enjoyed the work prompted her to pursue a master's degree and continue advancing in the field.
Becoming a BCBA required additional education, fieldwork and preparation for a challenging certification exam. Nixon passed on her second attempt, making the accomplishment especially meaningful. “I had to learn how to keep going after not getting the result I wanted the first time,” she says.
Now certified, she can conduct assessments, develop treatment plans and supervise other professionals. She hopes to continue growing in the field and eventually build a business of her own to serve children and families.
A Foundation That Travels Beyond the Classroom
Nixon sees clear connections between her studies at Canisius and the work she does today. “My education at Canisius gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, observation, research and understanding human behavior,” she explains.
Her approach also reflects the Jesuit value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, that was part of her Canisius education.
“Cura personalis is reflected in my work every day. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not just about reducing behaviors or teaching isolated skills. It is about understanding the individual as a whole person and considering their communication needs, environment, preferences, relationships, strengths and overall quality of life.”
Letting Your Interests Evolve
Looking back, Nixon sees how experiences she couldn't have anticipated as a Canisius student helped shape her professional path.
“I have learned that having a plan is important but being willing to change that plan can be just as important. If I had been completely focused on following the career path I originally imagined, I might have missed an opportunity,” Nixon says.
Her advice for students and recent graduates is to remain open to opportunities they may not have anticipated. “Sometimes the path you did not plan for can lead you exactly where you are supposed to be!”
