A Passion for People, Purpose, and Progress
Lily Dawson has always been drawn to understanding people. She wants to know what motivates them, what challenges them, and how best to support their growth. Raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts, where she still resides today, Dawson has turned that lifelong curiosity and compassion into a thriving career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
With a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Education from Suffolk University, followed by an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons University, Dawson’s academic journey mirrors her dual passions for understanding human behavior and teaching others. But it was during an undergraduate psychology class when two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) from a local ABA agency visited to share their real-world experiences that Dawson discovered the career path that would change her life.
“I remember thinking, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for,†Dawson recalls. “ABA was the perfect blend of my interests in psychology and education.â€
Before joining the Edinburg Center in 2020, Dawson honed her skills working for Juvo Behavioral Health, providing both in-home and center-based ABA services. But it was at Â鶹ÊÓƵapp where she found a community in addition to a workplace.
Starting as a BCBA for In-Home ABA Services, Dawson took on various roles over the years, including BCBA for ED Boarding and Brief Treatment, and Program Director for the Intensive Community Wrap-Around Team. Today, she serves as the Director of ABA Services, a role she has held with dedication and distinction since stepping into leadership at the center.
When asked about what makes her work meaningful, Dawson said, “This is a hard question! Initially, I fell in love with the job because of the people. I love the individuals we serve, their families, and my coworkers. And I’ve stayed in the field for those very same reasons. Once I began grad school, my passion for the science of behavior became just another reason to love the work that I do. It feels incredibly rewarding to be even a small part of someone’s journey.â€
And Dawson is quick to point out the role her team and workplace culture play in fueling her motivation. “My coworkers keep me inspired every day. Being around like-minded people goes a long way in this field, and the community that this agency has built is like no other.â€
Outside of her professional life, Dawson is equally committed to personal growth and community. An avid reader, she enjoys regular book club meetings with friends, where stories spark conversation and connection. Most recently, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, officially becoming a registered yoga instructor.
Whether in the therapy room, leading a team, or flowing through a yoga sequence, Lily Dawson brings empathy, intellect, and unwavering dedication to everything she does. Her journey is one defined not just by professional achievement, but by a deep and enduring commitment to helping people live fuller, more empowered lives.