Name
Megan Genovese
Age
38
Company/Organization
LOGAN Autism Learning Center
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
LOGAN provides services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities so that they and their families may achieve their desired quality of life. Our location offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Skills, and Family Support and Therapy. ABA is a science that helps us to understand why people do what they do, and then by using positive reinforcement, teaches them new and helpful skills. We break down big goals into small steps, celebrate every success, and use data to make sure it’s really working for them. We focus on improving communication skills, social skills, daily living skills, play and leisure skills, school readiness skills, and decreasing challenging behaviors.
Education
Master of Arts: Psychology: Behavior Analysis – Western Michigan University Bachelor of Arts: Multidisciplinary Studies – Siena Heights University Associate of Applied Science: Early Childhood Education – Lake Michigan College
Accomplishments
I’d say my biggest accomplishment is being mom to my two daughters. They are my whole world. Aside from them, being a mom while working full time and going to school full time for my Master’s Degree is pretty high on the list too. Also, although it isn’t my personal accomplishment, it has been quite the privilege to be a part of the growth at LOGAN in Southwest Michigan. When I began working here in 2013, we only served ten clients locally and were operating out of the basement of a church. As of today, we serve more than 175 families. Our main location is now a remodeled school with six classrooms, and we now have a classroom at Lake Michigan College as well.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I’ve progressed in this field because of the supervisors I’ve had along the way. I hope to inspire and encourage more young people to go into a field of helping others.
Current City
St. Joseph
Place You Were Born
St. Joseph
What was your first job?
I started babysitting when I was 10. I have always loved working with kids.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
This one is a toss up. In my last semester of graduate school, when I wasn’t sure I was going to make it, my professor told me to “just keep swimming”. As cliche’ as that advice may sound, I have thought back on that often when challenging situations arise as a good reminder to just keep pushing forward, even if it’s just one small movement at a time. My other favorite is one I hear often from a supervisor at work who often says, “you will never look back and regret being too kind”. It’s a great daily reminder that all things you do should be done with kindness.
Who inspires you most?
My parents have always inspired me. My dad has always set the bar high for what hard work looks like, and my mom has a fantastic way of making everyone feel special. Both things I hope to achieve every day.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
Although my occupation requires me to be outgoing, I am actually very much an introvert.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
Spending time with my family, baking, cooking, camping, and vacationing.
What book are you reading now?
Autism Out Loud and an ever changing selection of books chosen by my toddler daily.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Anything that involves helping children.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I’m motivated by the kiddos that I work with. They all work so hard every day. I want to do my part to help make sure that the community continues to grow and support individuals of all abilities, in all of their surroundings.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
Oh this one is tough. Probably to be able to teleport. There are so many places I would love to visit around the world, it would be much more convenient to instantly send myself there and back.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
Lots of love, kindness, and acceptance.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
It was quite the surprise to see I was nominated, and a great honor. Looking at groups from previous years, there have been some incredible individuals chosen. I feel very privileged to be a part of one of those groups full of people working to help strengthen our community.
