Andre Tucker

My “Why” Story – André Tucker

My path to ABA has not been a straight line; it has been a steady collection of experiences, people, and lessons that all pointed me toward the same thing: helping individuals grow in ways that honor who they are.

After earning my associate degree at Virginia Western Community College, I completed my bachelor’s in sociology and anthropology at the University of the District of Columbia. This broader perspective has shaped all my subsequent work.

I went on to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching and spent 12 years in elementary classrooms across multiple grade levels in the DMV Metro area. Teaching showed me how differently children learn, how much potential they carry, and how important it is to meet them with patience, structure, and genuine curiosity. I later taught digital literacy to middle schoolers in Baltimore and worked as a substitute teacher in Roanoke City and County, where I attended IEP meetings as a long‑term sub and supported students with a wide range of needs.

As I taught, I also became a life-long learner, earning my Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, a Graduate Certificate in Sociology from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction: Online Teaching & Learning from Liberty University. Each program gave me a different lens: how people learn, think, grow, and how systems shape their opportunities. These studies eventually led me into higher education as a student success coach and adjunct professor, where I supported adult learners as they navigated their own challenges and transitions.

Earning my QMHP‑T certification revealed my need for more experience working with persons diagnosed with ASD, which led me to pursue ABA studies at ASU and join Intercept Health. I am currently continuing my doctoral studies in curriculum and instruction with a focus on online teaching and learning.

Personality‑wise, I am an INFJ, someone who naturally sees patterns, long‑term outcomes, and the “why” behind behavior. Many of my colleagues think in more structured, detail‑oriented ways, and I value that balance. It is part of what makes a team strong. But it also means that sharing our backgrounds helps us better understand each other’s strengths.

So, my “why” is simple:

I am here because I believe growth is possible for everyone: clients, families, and even us as professionals. I am here because every part of my interdisciplinary background has taught me that people thrive when they are understood, not just instructed. And I am here because ABA allows me to bring together everything I have learned: teaching, sociology, academic coaching, curriculum design, and human development, into meaningful, practical support for the individuals I serve.