On a Date

podcast

Feb 28

with Carolyn “Behaviorshorty” Smith

Carolyn is a white woman with long straight brown hair, smiling widely

Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep34

Feb 28, 2024

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Spotify | Apple

Have you ever caught yourself analyzing a date’s behavior?

Do you ever take yourself out on solo dates?

During today’s meal— I speak with a behavior analyst who has combined ABA and dating, about what she wishes she knew when she started in the field, how she practices self care, and her worst first date.

Amuse-Bouche
- What’s your worst first date?
Appetizers
- How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
- What made you want to combine ABA and dating?
- How did that lead you to advocating for yourself and recognizing red flags with ABA companies?
Palate Cleanser
- What is your go-to date meal?
Entrees
- What’s something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
- What’s something people are surprised to find out about you?
Dessert
- How do you practice self-care?
- What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Excerpts from the Episode

(*Paraphrased highlights)

When I went back into the dating scene after eight and a half years, it was fascinating. I was on dating apps and didn’t know what the hell I was doing.
I wondered why these dating apps reinforce so many bad behaviors. I had my behaviorshorty account and I just documented horrible dates. I would screenshot Hinge profiles, block names, and then analyze the crap out of them— and people loved it.
Keep going. It's going to get better.
I was so burnt out my first three months as a BCBA, I literally had a countdown to tell me how many days I had left until I could switch to independent contractor. I wasn’t getting support, I was miserable, and I'm like, did I choose the wrong field? No honey, you did not choose the wrong field. You just chose the wrong company.
When that three months was up, I became an independent contractor and went to work for another company. I was very happy with them for six years.
I'm big on work life balance. Spending time with my family and friends is really important for me. The other day I had a cancellation so instead of just working, I went to see my mom. My niece was over and I got to play with them.
I also like to have date nights for myself—- Sip some wine, watch a movie or some trashy reality tv, or go for a walk along the beach. Being a survivor of domestic violence where I was in an environment where my life was so controlled, and now I have this freedom, I want to enjoy myself. I want to try to figure out who I am, find my voice, and just enjoy my own company.
I love working with young adults and helping them maintain employment. I love seeing the data and seeing how much progress my clients are making. I love supervising and training. I love seeing those moments when your client says their first word or they pee on the potty for the first time.
It’s so exciting! Every day is different. I don't know what I'm gonna get, but I know I'm gonna end really happy.

ABOUT Carolyn

Carolyn Smith, MS, BCBA, LBA

Carolyn Smith is a Connecticut based behavior analyst. She is the owner of Behaviorshorty LLC and the Director of Supervision with Lotus Behavioral Services in Hartford, where she leads the remote supervision program for graduate students. Carolyn also provides ABA services and consultations to group homes, day programs, adults, and families throughout the state of Connecticut.

Carolyn started her ABA journey in 2013, where she worked in a clinic in Fort Lauderdale. During this time, she received extensive training in functional analyses, toilet training, severe self injury and aggressive behaviors. After passing the exam in 2015, Carolyn worked with several in-home agencies as a behavior analyst, providing services to families throughout south Florida, before moving back to her hometown in Connecticut in the summer of 2021.

Carolyn launched Behaviorshorty in the summer of 2022, where she provides remote supervision and mentorship to those pursuing certification. On the Behaviorshorty Instagram and TikTok pages, you can find Carolyn disseminating ABA and analyzing dating behaviors. Outside of ABA, you can find Carolyn in the kitchen, building forts with her nieces, and creating a dance floor wherever she goes.

CONNECT with Carolyn