Olivia Hoft

Growing up in Bethlehem, Connecticut, Olivia Hoft said that when she was in high school she was “remarkably unsure” of what she wanted to do with her life. “I had an interest in Special Education and knew that was something that could bring joy to my daily life, but I also was very interested in ballet,” she explained. “Throughout my youth, I was enrolled in ballet and other areas of dance, and joined The Woodbury Ballet Company when I was 11 years old. I did two summer-intensive programs with the Bolshoi Ballet, achieving a soloist position in the Gala when I was 15 and had my photo featured in a New York Times article.”

It was not surprising that as a Nonnewaug High School senior, Hoft accepted a dance scholarship from the University of Hartford; but, after a semester, realized a career in dance would not allow her to make an impact the way she desired. She transferred to Naugatuck Valley Community College where she continued to engage in the performing arts and took business classes, she said. Ultimately, Hoft received a certificate in dance and in administrative support, as well as an associate degree in General Studies.

NVCC degree in hand, Hoft considered studying Social Work, since helping others was what she wanted to do. “I began substituting in a school, hoping that I would see the impact social workers had on young children to help solidify my decision,” she said. “I took a job in the special education pre-k classroom, which is where I discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This led me, almost immediately, to choose a path toward becoming a behavior analyst. Seeing the impact that I could have on young children through the science of ABA resonated deeply for me as it allowed me to work within special education, assist others in a meaningful way, and tapped into my love for science and working with children.” 

With that goal in mind, Hoft attended SCSU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Mind & Body Wellness, Psychology, and the Social Sciences. “This allowed me to bring together my knowledge of dance with my interest in Psychology and how the social sciences can work collaboratively to assist in better outcomes for individuals,” she said. “I work with the population of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, where often ABA services are not the only services they receive.”

Hoft continued, “Understanding how to work collaboratively with other fields such as SLPs, OTs, PTs, Pediatricians, etc., allows me to work toward better outcomes for my clients. For example, I can collect data on how a new medication is affecting a behavior targeted for reduction or I can add in aspects of a program an OT is doing to assist in access to sensory stimulation during ABA sessions, all of which help me be a better clinician to help with my client’s growth.”

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Hoft enrolled in WestConn’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program. “I knew I would need flexibility in my graduate degree program because I was looking to start having children and was working full time,” she said. “Other programs offered online classes, but had synchronous components, which were more inflexible than I needed. The program at WestConn offered asynchronous learning with people who are actively contributing to the field of ABA, which ultimately led me to select the program.”

It turned out to be an important decision that made a difference in her ability to complete her studies, Hoft said. “I was working full time throughout the entirety of my degree program and became pregnant during the second semester of my master’s program. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis graviderum, extreme sickness lasting day and night throughout my whole pregnancy. The communication I was able to have with my professors and one-on-one meetings allowed for continued success as they were always quick to respond and willing to help in any way they could. Had the classes been synchronous or in person, I may not have been able to complete my degree.” 

Hoft currently works at a clinic in Watertown called Behavior Blocks, where she obtained her required 2,000 supervision hours. Two of her supervisors, Santimer Ventura and Marisa Reifschenider, are also graduates from WestConn’s ABA program. “At the clinic, I am a behavior technician and work directly with clients from age 2-7,” she said. “As a part of my supervision experience, I also work alongside the BCBAs conducting assessments, developing behavior intervention plans, writing reports, creating and implementing programs, teaching behavior technicians how to run the programs, providing parent trainings, and providing trainings for staff.”

Olivia Hoft presents her research at the CTABA Conference in Feb. 2025.

In addition to the flexibility she found at WestConn, Hoft said, “During and after my experience, Dr. Stephanie Kuhn and Dr. Adam Brewer have provided me with expert knowledge and guidance as I navigate a career in ABA. When I finished my degree, I met with Dr. Kuhn to discuss being a woman in this field and what different potential careers could look like. After discussing my interests, she advised me to speak with Dr. Brewer about assisting with research. He immediately accepted me into the Translational Human Operant-Respondent Laboratory (THOR Lab), where we are conducting ongoing research that focuses on the behaviors of approach and avoidance within the context of social situations. This has been crucial in developing my skills, specifically in dissemination, as he finds opportunities for me to present the lab’s ongoing research.”

Because of this, Hoft recently attended the Connecticut Association for Behavior Analysis (CTABA) conference. “I thoroughly enjoy attending the conference since it provides opportunities to network with likeminded individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise,” she said. “This year I felt a sense of growth as I was able to share the lab’s ongoing research with my peers and those who have been in the field for longer than I have. Being able to disseminate what we are doing in the THOR lab and be a part of those sharing their knowledge at CTABA was a great experience that gives me the confidence to continue growing within this field. The third time I have presented the research was at this year’s CTABA annual conference, where I won the award for Exceptional Contribution to Behavior Analytic Research.”

Hoft completed her ABA degree in December 2023, participated in Commencement exercises on Mother’s Day 2024, and passed her board exam at the end of March 2025.

“The degree at WestConn will and has continued to provide me with countless opportunities within the field of ABA,” Hoft said. “As someone who did not take a typical route of college after high school, coming back and finishing a master’s degree at 30 has proven to be possible and successful. After completing my board exam, I will become a behavior analyst, which opens up the door for immense growth. I hope to continue learning alongside my fellow alumni at my current job, as well as through the mentorship provided from the WestConn ABA staff.”

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