Meet Carolina Gaerlan | Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Gaerlan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It’s an ongoing journey. The Applied Behavior Analysis field can be demanding. Working with the special needs population, you are prone to experience what we call compassion fatigue. I have experienced burnout and mental stress from previous roles. As a business owner and behavior analyst, I wear many hats. Not to mention there is also a pressure to meet billable requirements.

I have learned to incorporate mindfulness practices and yoga in my daily life. I try to work smart through developing systems of organization. I avoid perfectionism because it can lead to procrastination. I set boundaries and respect my limitations. Spending time with family and friends is also a priority. I travel occasionally, and the anticipation of going on a trip motivates me to get tasks done.

Work-life balance to me is making sure I’m happy with what I’m doing and taking good care of myself. If my well-being is intact, I can better provide quality service to my clients.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Behavior Motivation is an Applied Behavior Analysis agency that provides behavior therapy for children and adults with special needs. We integrate mindfulness in our practice and focus on the socio-emotional development of our clients. We conduct Functional Behavior Assessments, 1:1 behavior therapy in-home, and participate in regional centers’ Self-Determination Program where we individualize curriculum based on the client’s needs. We also work with families by giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to help their loved ones. We value quality over quantity, as well as make therapy a fun and positive experience.

Running your own business can be risky and challenging, but the clients I’ve worked with inspired me. Their resilience in overcoming their challenges is truly inspiring. I’ve mentioned our line of work can be stressful. Having experienced burnout myself, I want to create a company where our employees are well taken care of. Learning how to be mindful has helped me tremendously, so I want to share this with our clients and employees.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a soft spot for the South Bay. I would take friends and family for a stroll around Redondo Pier where we can have lunch at Kincaid’s, and then Torrance Beach to hangout and catch the sunset. If you’re lucky, you can see dolphins there.

The next day, we’ll have Brunch at Fishbar in Manhattan Beach where I highly recommend the lobster hash and lobster enchiladas. Don’t forget the mimosas! We’ll walk along the beach path and check out the shops. At night, we’ll check out the Comedy and Magic Club at Hermosa Beach. There are plenty of good restaurants around the area.

We can also get our creative juices flowing at either Pinot’s Palette for paint night or Color Me Mine to decorate ceramics. For dinner, I’d take them for some hot pot at Boiling Point. There will be a wait list but it’s worth it!

For an overnight or day trip outside of the city, I’d take them to Santa Ynez for wine tasting at Rideau and Sunstone. Both places are dog-friendly. We’ll go to Solvang for some shopping and danish pastries.

San Diego is also fun! We can spend the day at San Diego Zoo and enjoy nightlife at the Gaslamp District. We’ll visit La Jolla Cove to look at seals, then have Mexican food and shop at Old Town. I’ll also take them to a couple of speakeasies: the Grass Skirt and Captain’s Quarters. If we have an extra night, we’ll have dinner at Little Italy then walk over to a hidden tiki bar called False Idol. I recommend the Ube Bae and Mac Nut Chi Chi. It’s one of San Diego’s best kept secrets!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my family who has always been supportive: My mama Irene, my dad Manny, siblings: Cza, DR, Alek, Eeya and JR. My rock, Ben, who has been amazing at making life more fun. My friends Jack, Saralyn, Gogo, Angel, Franck and Joanna are always by my side even if we’re miles away. I wouldn’t be where I am now if not for my extended family and friends back in the Philippines. Big props also to my business partners and close friends, Bokan and Johnny. Of course, there’s my emotional support fur baby, Waylon! Thank you for all the love and encouragement!

Website: www.behaviormotivation.com

Instagram: @behaviormotivation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinastarr