Ashley DeSiata

Fred Rogers is credited with saying, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Western Connecticut State University graduate student Ashley DeSiata is the epitome of a helper, and despite some unavoidable health setbacks, she has continued to exhibit that mindset while pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Born and raised in Meriden, DeSiata initially was interested in becoming a paramedic. An autoimmune disorder diagnosis led her to reconsider the rigorous physical demands a career in emergency response would require, and she shifted her sights to psychology. DeSiata received a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from UMASS Amherst in 2020 and began her career as a Behavior Technician working with children with Autism and developmental disabilities at SYNCT Collaborative Therapy in Newington.

There, DeSiata amassed clinical experience with a focus on skill acquisition and supporting positive behavior changes. “I have a strong interest in supporting the Autism community and promoting meaningful and socially significant outcomes for clients and their families,” she said.

Ready for the next step in her career, she started to look into Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs. One of her supervisors at work had graduated from WestConn’s well-respected ABA program, and spoke very highly of it. “I did some research and saw WestConn’s program had won a national award,” DeSiata said. “I was excited to make it into the program so I could become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and have the opportunity to make the greatest impact on my client’s lives. Following graduation, I plan to pursue certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst after obtaining all of my fieldwork experience and look forward to positively impacting the future families and clients I will serve,” she said.

At WestConn, DeSiata has maintained a 3.94 GPA and joined the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. She also engages in activities involving her local fitness community and enjoys participating in and volunteering at community events such as fundraising walks — finding a way to merge her love of fitness with helping others.

Unexpectedly, she experienced a serious medical crisis during her graduate school journey. She began to lose her vision, experienced intense headaches, and dealt with neurological symptoms that were initially difficult to explain. After months of appointments and uncertainty, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with a pituitary condition that required neurosurgery. She underwent major surgery, spent several days in intensive care, and then faced a long and exhausting recovery period.

Her professors in the ABA program, Drs. Stephanie Kuhn, Adam Brewer, and Antonia Giannakakos, were understandably concerned while simultaneously impressed by her resilience.

“Despite significant pain, temporary vision loss, hormonal complications, and restrictions on her ability to work, Ashley remained committed to completing her coursework,” Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos wrote. “Continuing in the program during this time required constant adjustment and perseverance. What stood out to faculty was not only that Ashley continued, but how she did so. She was honest about her limitations, maintained a steady effort, and remained committed to her long-term goals. Even as she continues to undergo medical monitoring and recently learned of a new mass that requires close follow up, Ashley has remained focused on completing her degree and moving forward.”

Given all the challenges she was facing, it would have been understandable if DeSiata had taken a step back, or refrained from going above and beyond to conserve her energy. But, according to her professors, she did exactly the opposite.

“Ashley has demonstrated leadership and service in ways that may not always be visible on paper,” Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos wrote in a letter to WestConn Provost Dr. Stephen Hegedus. “In an online program where formal leadership roles are limited, she consistently supported her peers. She made a point to check in with classmates, organize study efforts, and offer encouragement during stressful points in the semester. These actions helped create a sense of connection and support within her cohort. In her professional role, Ashley has taken on responsibilities that go well beyond her formal position. Although she does not hold an official leadership title, she regularly assists with training, supports colleagues with programming questions, and steps into leadership roles when needed. She has led client social groups, helped onboard new staff, and became someone others naturally turn to for guidance. This has been especially notable given her ongoing health challenges.”

Recognizing that DeSiata was precisely the kind of student the Provost’s Student Award for Academic Achievement and Resiliency was created to celebrate, Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos sent a nomination letter to Provost Dr. Stephen Hegedus. “Ashley has been an outstanding student in the program, but what truly sets her apart is the persistence and determination she has shown while facing circumstances that would have understandably derailed many students,” they wrote. “Ashley’s journey through this program reflects resilience, maturity, and a strong commitment to both learning and service. Her ability to persist through significant medical and personal challenges while continuing to support others makes her highly deserving of this recognition.”

In addition to the unwavering advice and support she received from her professors, DeSiata credits the dedication of her husband, Anthony, who spent every single day with her in the ICU at Yale during her surgery, and the love of her chihuahuas, Peach, Rocky, Buster Brown, and Emma, who herself has a pituitary tumor. “She’s my little tumor twin,” DeSiata quipped. “She’s doing great. We’re both good, and we’ve both healed up.”

DeSiata said her health issues have led her to realize that she’s “stronger than I thought I was and have done things I never thought I could or would.” She added, “It’s never too late to find what will make you feel accomplished. It’s okay to try new things, fail, and get back up after setbacks. It’s about overcoming adversity: you literally just have to keep going.”

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.