AAMU Senior Builds on Behavioral Health Experience to Advocate for Children and Families

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

For Alabama A&M University senior Psychology major Lanae Perry, the path toward becoming a child neurologist began much closer to home.

Growing up, Perry watched her oldest brother navigate life with autism. That personal experience opened her eyes to the importance of understanding the brain, behavior and child development while also showing her how important it is for children and families to have access to the support they need.

What started as a personal connection soon became a purpose.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Perry is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in human development and family studies. Her passion for working with children began early. By her senior year of high school, she was already working as a preschool teacher.

Her time in the classroom taught her that children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or experiencing.

“Behavior is often a form of communication,” Perry said. “A child may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or what they need, but their behavior can provide important information when someone takes the time to observe, listen and understand.”

That perspective continued to shape Perry’s journey when she arrived at Alabama A&M.

While pursuing her degree, Perry became a member of the Marching Maroon & White Band as a Fabulous Flag while maintaining her commitment to working with children in early childhood education. Balancing academics, campus involvement and professional experiences helped Perry develop the time-management and relationship-building skills she would later carry into the behavioral field.

After completing her freshman year, Perry returned home for the summer and began working at Mitchell’s Place under the direction of Sama Pate. She eventually spent two summers at the organization, an experience that changed the way she viewed early childhood education and applied behavior analysis, or ABA.

At Mitchell’s Place, preschool education and ABA services worked together to provide children with both classroom instruction and individualized developmental support. Students could receive services including occupational, speech, feeding and ABA therapy throughout the school day. Some students also worked alongside registered behavior technician, or RBTs.

For Perry, the experience demonstrated what can happen when education, behavioral services and developmental care come together.

“Children deserve to be seen, heard, understood and properly supported,” Perry said.

Wanting to continue growing in the behavioral field, Perry went on to work with other centers and eventually earned her RBT credential. She gained hands-on experience collecting and interpreting behavioral data, communicating with families and professionals, and providing individualized support to children.

Perry also discovered that many ABA centers offer training and opportunities for employees to work toward becoming RBTs while gaining experience in the field. For her, the credential became much more than another addition to her résumé.

“It gave me the opportunity to work directly with children and see how individualized behavioral support can make a difference in a child’s everyday life,” Perry said.

Her commitment to serving children also extended into the Huntsville community, where Perry volunteered with Mrs. Dee at Little Genius Learning Academy. Drawing on her experience as an RBT, Perry observed behaviors, supported students during daily routines and provided additional attention to children who needed it.

Today, Perry works as a First Class Pre-K teacher in Meridianville, where she continues to observe and analyze children’s behaviors. Each experience has strengthened her interest in the connection between the brain, behavior and development.

“I want to better understand how neurological development can influence a child’s behavior, learning, communication and overall quality of life,” Perry said.

As she enters her senior year at Alabama A&M, Perry continues to develop professionally under the mentorship of two-time AAMU alumna Marvell Wiggins, who has encouraged her to expand her behavioral knowledge while remaining focused on her long-term goals.

Following graduation, Perry plans to pursue behavioral specialist positions, with hopes of working within Huntsville City Schools. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree while continuing to build experience toward her long-term goal of becoming a child neurologist.

Her vision extends beyond a medical career. Perry hopes to one day open a center that combines preschool education with applied behavior analysis services, creating a space where children can learn while receiving behavioral and developmental support.

“I believe the world could benefit from more places like Mitchell’s Place,” Perry said.

As a first-generation college student, Perry understands the importance of representation and opportunity. She hopes her journey can show other young people, particularly Black children, that their goals are within reach while also creating opportunities for children and families to receive the support they need.

For Perry, it all connects back to the experience that first shaped her path: watching her brother navigate life with autism.

What began as a desire to understand his experience has grown into a larger purpose — understanding children, advocating for families and helping create better opportunities for the next generation.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.