impact award winner at healthcare awards 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          10 August 2022

575-526-6682
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REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH
CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM WINS HEALTHCARE AWARDS

Las Cruces, New Mexico – APRENDAMOS is proud to announce that Kevin Tillinghast, a Registered Behavior Technician with Mariposa Autism Service Center, is the recipient of the Impact Award at the annual Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Awards Gala. On Friday, August 5th, healthcare professionals from across the city gathered to celebrate and honor their colleagues who have made significant contributions to their field and community.

The Impact Award recognizes a healthcare professional who has had a direct impact on an individual’s care. This professional may have been the primary caregiver, but often the individual who has the greatest impact is the one who listens with an open heart.

Portion of Kevin’s Nomination

Kevin has dedicated his last year to one particular client who was not able to connect with his outside world or others trying to engage with him. Our client spent his days laying on a mat crying or staring at his fingers. He did not enjoy playing with toys or others; rather he preferred to be alone or throw toys out of his immediate area.  

Thanks to Kevin’s hard work, patience, and perseverance, our client can now play and dance with his classmates, play with puppets, enjoy looking at books, and most importantly, can now recognize his family members and show affection. Our client is also now showing an understanding of those around him when he is spoken to, as well as starting to speak at five years old!

Not a day goes by that the family does not express their gratitude for Kevin and his compassionate way of teaching in helping their child experience life. The impact Kevin has had on our client is not only to his benefit but to his family and surrounding community.

Aprendamos Family of Services and Mariposa Autism Services Center are proud of Kevin’s achievements. “Kevin has been a dynamic and compassionate colleague since he began with Mariposa Autism Service Center as a Registered Behavior Technician. He is an equal balance of charisma and humility with his clients and with his coworkers.

His dedication to his clients and the field of behavior analysis has consistently been recognized by his peers and his supervisors as always going above and beyond to be available when help is needed.

Kevin has recently enrolled in a Master’s program for his continued education in the field and has received an apprenticeship opportunity to gain fieldwork experience towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. We are so proud of all he has done and continues to do, and we are honored to work alongside him.” – Katrina Hille, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Director of Autism Services for Aprendamos Family of Services.

“This award means everything to me. It shows that I am able to make a difference in the community and the clients we serve. I wish I could share this award with all of our staff because I didn’t do this alone. Aprendamos is making a huge impact in the community, and I am honored to represent our company.” – Kevin Tillinghast, Impact Award Recipient, Registered Behavior Technician.

ABOUT APRENDAMOS FAMILY OF SERVICE

Aprendamos Family of Services has provided services to our communities for over 16 years. Six programs make up Aprendamos Family of Services, with over 220 passionate team members working with children and families daily.

Cariño Home Visiting Program provides free home visiting, parent education, and community resources for families with children up to 3 years old. Services are provided throughout Doña Ana and Otero Counties.

The Conscious Fathering Program provides free classes and support for fathers and father figures (grandfathers, uncles, big brothers).

Aprendamos Early Intervention provides free early intervention services for infants and toddlers. Services include speech, occupational, physical therapy, nutrition and nursing support, infant massage, developmental instruction, and service coordination. Services are provided throughout Doña Ana County, and visits are conducted via telehealth or in-person.

Esperanza Children’s Therapy clinics provide speech therapy, occupation, and physical therapy for children ages three to 18 years old. Clinics are in Anthony and Las Cruces, NM. Therapy sessions are conducted via telehealth or in-clinic.

Mariposa Autism Service Center provides ABA or Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children diagnosed with Autism in their home environment or in a clinic setting. Service areas include Doña Ana County, Deming, and Albuquerque Metro.

Alegria Family Counseling provides mental health counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Services are provided via telehealth or in-clinic.

To learn more about Aprendamos Family of Services, visit www.aitkids.com or call 575-526-6682.

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