Staff Spotlight: Rae Kattnig
At Keystone Achievements, the work we do would not be possible without the dedication and heart of the people who show up every day for our students. The best part of doing these Spotlights is getting to know the heart of Keystone a little better. This month I talked to Rae, an RBT who has been with Keystone for almost a year.
Rae grew up in Pueblo West with her three younger siblings. Her youngest brother was diagnosed with Autism at an early age, so Rae grew up witnessing and participating in her brother’s various therapy sessions. When it was time to choose a major for college, Rae knew she wanted to work with special needs kids and that she loved being a part of her brother’s sessions but wasn’t sure how that translated for her. In college she started studying physical therapy but realized it wasn’t a good fit. After switching majors a couple times, Rae decided to take a hiatus from school while she figured out the right path for her.
During that break, Rae started working as a coach at Kid Strong, a fitness center focused on younger kids. It was there that she was approached by a parent (and Keystone employee) who noticed how good she was at working with kids on the spectrum and recommended that Rae apply for a job at Keystone. And she did. Nearly a year later, Rae has not only found her place at Keystone, but she has also been accepted to Ball State University’s online ABA program to pursue her bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal? Becoming a BCBA.
I asked Rae why she’s chosen to stay in ABA and pursue further education. Without hesitation, she said that it came down to the people: both the students and colleagues. She said “There is so much support in this area, because I think we all know how draining it can be sometimes, and especially if you’re feeling a little bit low. There’s always someone else to pick you back up. I’ve come in on some of my worst days and I leave with a smile because of the support”.
She finds the work she does with students deeply meaningful, describing how each student is unique, special, and filled with potential. Watching them progress—whether in tiny steps or big leaps—is a privilege she never takes for granted. Even on challenging days, she says, she knows she’s making a difference.
In her free time, you can find Rae working on a coloring page or diamond painting while watching a movie from the Scream franchise or binge watching a comfort show. She also enjoys going to concerts, playing games on her Switch (Animal Crossing and Mario Kart Deluxe are her favorites), building Legos, or spending time in nature.
During our conversation, we talked about what people should know before getting into ABA, including what skills or qualities someone needs to work in ABA. According to Rae, an open mind is essential, along with patience, empathy, and the ability to tap into your “inner child.” Some of her best sessions happen when she fully leans into imaginative play with her students. What struck me most was her thoughtful approach to her role: she constantly asks herself what kind of adult she would want or need if she were in her students’ shoes. How can she help them become more independent while still making them feel safe and cared for? She also cautions people considering ABA, while some students are here all day, Keystone is not a daycare. ABA requires very different skills and there is a lot of vocabulary and terms that you need to know.
Rae’s mindset reminds us that the work we do is rooted in connection and the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. We are so grateful to have Rae as part of the Keystone family, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things she’ll accomplish on her journey to becoming a BCBA.