Conversations with Kathia Garcia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathia Garcia.

Hi Kathia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I, Kathia Garcia have been born and raised in Phoenix Arizona. I come from a divorced blended family. I am the second youngest out of 6. I began working at the age of 16 at a movie theatre, and also started attending EVIT (east valley institute of technology) where I originally went to attend their medical assistants two year program then learned they had a new behavioral health program and decided to change programs. I attended and graduated from Evit’s behavioral, social and mental health program as a Junior in high school in the year of 2018. During the time I was attending the Behavioral health program an aunt reached out to my family and informed us that my cousin had been diagnosed with autism, that’s when I began to want to know more. After graduating high school in May of 2019, I began my search for a job as a behavioral technician. I started working in ABA at the age of 18, I have always loved kids so it gave me and made me feel like I had a big purpose. Being a behavior technician from a young age prepared me to be a great mother. I got pregnant at the age of 19 and had my son at age 20, pregnancy can be a scary thing within itself. Later on in my pregnancy I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome at 35 weeks, and was rushed to the hospital for an emergency C-section, thankfully my son and I both survived, he was in the NICU for a few weeks before being able to come home, as a single mom at the time I had to mature and prepare for the future. Ironically my son was diagnosed with autism in 2023. Being an RBT with 2 years of experience under my belt, I was able to catch it very early on and was able to work with him from home with the help of my parents at the time, I was able to teach and educate them about the autism spectrum. In the year 2024 I began a new career path in the financial service industry and now at the age of 24, I still work as an RBT part time with Infinite Therapy services located in Chandler Arizona and also work as a life insurance agent with Primerica located in Goodyear Arizona. One thing about me that anyone can tell you is that I am caring, and I love and care for my community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I apologize in advance if my wording isn’t the best but I would say it has definitely not been a smooth road leading up to where I am today. I have worked with special needs children for a little over 5 years, I work after school hours, I work as a life insurance agent in the mornings and night, and work as a mom 24/7. I got pregnant with my son at the age of 19 and was a single mom at the age of 20 raising a premature baby so that alone was challenging. With that being said I faced many objections and rejection. For example, A family whom I had worked with for about a year had fired me from working with their special needs child due to the fact that I was carrying a life and unmarried, I had been told I looked too young to be in the fields I work in and underestimated Along my journey of motherhood I may not have had a partner but I sure did have a village. After having an emergency C-section at 35 weeks due to hellp syndrome, about a week after I had returned to the hospital for a second emergency surgery for a gallbladder removal. I had to endure a lot of physical and mental pain to be where I am today. I suffered from major depression before, during and after my pregnancy. I have endured the loss of a pregnancy recently. A lesson I learned along the way, was if I never forgave the individuals who I had resentment towards and moved on, I was never going to grow as a person and unlock the next version of myself due to being so stuck in the past. Now that I am older, more mature and a mother who works to provide, helps her community, and just tries to become a better version of herself day after day I can say that I ultimately just want to become an inspiration to others and continue to keep sharing my story. Let me know if you need anything else, thank you!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work as an RBT (registered behavior technician) part time where I work with special needs. Some of my duties include providing one-on-one interventions, data collection, reducing problem behaviors, teaching individuals learn new skills through various techniques, etc. I also work as a life insurance agent where I get to educate families all across the valley and United States about financial literacy. I also get the privilege of assisting with any policy changes or renewals, building relationships with families analyzing and helping them determine their financial needs.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned along my journey is that nobody is going to come and save you from your situation. Whether the situation is physical, financial, or mental, you have to work hard to overcome any and every obstacle in your life to reach greatness and the happiness you deserve and I learned you can’t do that without God by your side.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Kat.garciaaa7
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathia.garcia.1253?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
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