We were lucky to catch up with Dominique Shorter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dominique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I still remember getting the call. A local nonprofit that supports adults with developmental disabilities was hiring, and I had just graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology. At the time, I thought I’d become a marriage counselor. because that’s what you see on TV. I had no idea that this job—working in group homes—a job I didn’t even know existed, was about to change everything.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure it even “fit” my field. So I called my mom, who was in a similar field as a social worker and said, “I don’t even remember applying for this job, I’m not sure if it’s in my field, Should I take it?” She didn’t hesitate and she said, “Girl, that’s your field. You better take that job!”

And so I did. I started as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), helping adults with developmental disabilities with activities of daily living and helping to enhance their quality-of-life. It was my first introduction to a population that is often underserved, overlooked, and underrepresented. And while I didn’t know it then, that role planted the seeds for what would become a 14-year (and counting) journey in this field.

Even though I’m no longer a DSP, I’ve worked in almost every capacity since, from janitorial job coach, to case manager, to BCBA, supervisor, trainer, content creator, and advocate. That first job gave me purpose, forced me to grow up quickly, and built a deeper level of compassionate care. It shifted my perspective, and enhanced my passion. It wasn’t just a stepping stone, it was the foundation

Dominique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into this field wasn’t linear. I hadn’t even heard of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) until I was well into my career as a case manager. At the time, I had a master’s in Psychology and was still convinced I’d become a marriage counselor. But I like to say ABA was my divine career path. As I began learning more about autism and intellectual disabilities through my studies and work, I started seeing the same signs in my own home—with my then three-year-old son.
People often ask me, “Is that why you got into the field?” Not at all. That’s the beauty of it—it was never planned. This unique intersection of personal and professional was, in my eyes, by design. I truly believe God was preparing me not just to be my son’s mother, but also to help dozens of other families walking a similar path.
I took a job fresh out of undergrad supporting adults with developmental disabilities, and that job changed everything. I was introduced to the subspecialty of ABA while juggling life as a young, single mom with a full caseload, grad school, and everything else life was throwing at me. I was in way over my head. I saw classmates dropping out of our program left and right. Only 54% of people pass the BCBA exam on the first try, and at that time, only 4% of BCBAs in the entire field were Black. So to finish the program and pass my exam on the first try—carrying all the baggage I did—I was in complete shock. That may not have been my plan, but it was definitely part of God’s plan.
Now, over 14 years later, I’ve built a career—and a brand—centered on making ABA accessible, ethical, and empowering, especially for Black and Brown families, diverse learners, and aspiring BCBAs. I’ve worked everywhere: in homes, schools, day programs, group homes—and now in boardrooms, on conference stages, and across digital platforms.
I started Supervision University, a practicum and mentorship program for aspiring BCBAs, and I also offer private parent coaching that’s grounded in real life—not just textbook theory. As a content creator, I’ve created thousands of hours of free, educational, and relatable content across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. My goal is always to teach ABA in a way that actually makes sense.
And as a mother of four, I bring lived experience to everything I do. That’s what sets me apart. I’m not just teaching science—I’m living it. And I make it look good.
I specialize in solving real problems, like helping a parent get their child to follow a routine without meltdowns, or equipping professionals with continuing education that makes the field more inclusive and approachable. I help people navigate behavior plans with cultural values and personal dignity in mind. I bring clinical skill, cultural humility, common sense—and a little theater flair (because yes, my younger self wanted to be a movie star!) into every solution I offer.
What I’m most proud of? The messages I get from students. Some who’ve never met me, but binge-watch my videos while studying for their BCBA exam. The ones who comment, “Thank you for showing me I could do it—and for giving me the blueprint. Or I passed my exam on the first try thanks to your videos” When I started, only 4% of BCBAs were Black. That number has climbed to 5%, and I like to think I’ve had a hand in moving that needle through representation, transparency, and authenticity.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: (Quoting Denisha Gingles) I’m learning to bring my whole self to this work. That theater girl who starred in every school play. That proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alumna. That mother. That wife with a knack for fashion and notorious boundary-setting skills (#WorkLifeBalance). I’m here to educate with excellence, advocate with authenticity, and support people on their journey—whether through training, coaching, content, or just being that voice that reminds you, “You’ve got this.”

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

One thousand percent yes! I wouldn’t trade a single experience for anything. Not even the adversities or barriers I’ve faced along the way. Every challenge shaped me, and more importantly, sharpened my purpose.

I believe I was given a unique and impactful gift: the ability to disseminate knowledge in a way that actually connects with people. If I had quit, played it safe, or taken a different path, I wouldn’t have made the undeniable impact I’ve made in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Now, let me be clear, does that mean I’ll practice ABA forever? Probably not. I’m multifaceted, I evolve often, and let’s be real—I get bored easily. But what I do know is that I was in the right place at the right time to help shift the field in a major way. And I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely, does getting fired count?

Because that moment rocked me. It was the first time I’d been fired since I was 16, and I felt like I had hit rock bottom. I was a high-achiever, type-A kind of woman at that point in my life, so getting let go wasn’t just a blow to my career—it hit my confidence hard. But resilience? That’s where it kicked in.

I didn’t have time to sit in that pain for long—I had mouths to feed and a mission that still mattered. So I pivoted. Fast. I reminded myself: I am 1 of 1. Losing that job? I turned it into five new opportunities. I started stretching my certification across multiple environments and realized just how far my skillset could go.

That moment even inspired my second viral YouTube video: “How to Make 6 Streams of Income as a BCBA.” Still to this day, people message me about how that video changed the way they think about working in ABA—how they now see themselves in nontraditional, higher-impact roles. What was meant to take me out of the game actually propelled me way further in.

Since that setback, I’ve become a monetized YouTube partner, an invited speaker, and an all-around force in the field. And listen, I wouldn’t be surprised if my former employer is tired of seeing my face pop up on their algorithm, because I didn’t disappear. I multiplied.

I learned who to trust, when to pivot, and how to move in purpose. And let’s be honest—I’m now making triple what I was before that job let me go… and I gained a story that inspires others to bounce back even stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stbc-llc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dom_thebcbamom?igsh=eDZldHd5OWFjNjRr&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-shorter-taylor-bcba-0a386673?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@domthebcbamom6679
• Other: https://lnk.bio/dshortertaylor/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKuBVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpzDDREeuzhs70mfeZzEfRSkTGorssbf_M7iW2XhEkm3j1GVhMjeY80UZDMTB_aem_yShq5JpwE5EoQ9qbcK_OYQ

Image Credits

Credit Dom the BCBA Mom YouTube channel comments