For Tia Morrison, the transition from working with young children in a classroom and clinical setting to working with adults living independently has been a fulfilling one.

Morrison, the manager of one of the Hyannis group homes, has worked for LIFE for a year. She has a background in working with children with autism. After graduating from Bridgewater State University, she was a special education assistant in the Yarmouth Public Schools, co-teaching an integrated kindergarten classroom, and also worked as an applied behavioral therapist at Behavioral Connections, which provides applied behavior analysis services to learners ages 21 and younger.

“I always wondered what happens when the kids age out,” said Morrison. “Where do they go?”
When she learned about the services LIFE provides adult learners, she was intrigued.

“LIFE sounded similar to what I was doing, but answered that question of ‘what after?’” said Morrison. “It really sparked my interest.”
Day-to-day, Morrison checks in on her residents and staff during their morning routine, ensuring they make it out the door as organized as possible. She’s also responsible for keeping track of scheduling, including medical appointments, and attending administrative meetings. She often joins her residents for social events and recreational activities, and works with them to develop techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning or working.
“I love it,” said Morrison. “It’s working out so well. I still get to apply my behavior training, but I’m also helping these individuals set goals and work to achieve those goals to live a fulfilled, successful life.”