Posted on March 20, 2025 by Katelyn Juarez
Roberta Carrillo’s ’23 journey from Mexico to UTSA and back to establish her independent BCBA practice in Monterrey, Mexico.
Roberta Carrillo
Roberta Carrillo’s ’23 days are a whirlwind of activity as she moves between the homes of the eight children she serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). With a sharp eye for detail, a wealth of specialized knowledge, and a genuine warmth that helps put her young clients at ease, Carrillo adapts to each child’s needs. In one home she observes a child’s behavior, carefully taking notes; in another, she guides a child through skill-building exercises, offering encouragement and praise along the way.
Her passion for helping children with autism and developmental disabilities has taken her on an inspiring journey from her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico, to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and back again. As one of less than 10 BCBAs in Mexico, Carrillo is making a profound impact on the lives of the families she serves through her independent practice.
Professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis work predominately with individuals who have autism and developmental disabilities, using the science of human behavior to increase quality of life in areas such as communication, behavior and social skills.
Carrillo’s path to becoming a BCBA began during her studies in School Psychology at the Universidad de Monterrey. Seeking hands-on experience, she found an opportunity at the Bloom Children’s Center, an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy clinic in her hometown. “I didn’t even know what ABA was,” Carrillo recalls, “but I was just so amazed by the growth of the kids. I need to look more into this.”
Intrigued by the transformative power of ABA, Carrillo set out to research the field and the steps required to become a BCBA. However, she quickly discovered a significant challenge – there was no ABA program in Mexico. Undeterred, Carrillo turned her sights to the United States, where ABA therapy is more widely recognized and accessible.
After carefully evaluating various universities to pursue a master’s degree in ABA, Carrillo found her perfect fit at UTSA. “I need a university that was going to support me as an international student,” she explains. “UTSA had a comprehensive program and strong support system, which was crucial for my success.”
At UTSA, Carrillo thrived not only in her coursework but also through the opportunities provided by the university’s clinic and research initiatives. Serving as a graduate research assistant under Marie Kirkpatrick, assistant professor in the UTSA Department of Educational Psychology, she received a scholarship that helped fund her studies. Carrillo was able to contribute to projects like Project PLAAY, an early behavioral intervention ABA program, while waiting for her work permit to be approved. “The support I received from the faculty, especially Dr. Leslie Neely and Dr. Marie Kirkpatrick, was invaluable,” Carrillo said. “Dr. Hannah MacNaul provided me with a lot of experience working with children and teens with challenging and severe challenging behavior, and she helped me feel more confident when working with these clients.”
Upon graduating, Carrillo was offered a job as a special research associate at UTSA, where she spent a year helping to train special education teachers and organize community outreach programs. However, her heart was set on returning to Monterrey to make a difference in her home country.
“In Mexico, ABA therapy is not as well-known or accessible as it is in the U.S.,” Carrillo explains. “Parents often try multiple therapies before finding ABA, and it can be a real challenge for them to navigate the system.” Determined to change that, Carrillo embarked on her next chapter as an independent BCBA, providing in-home therapy to families in Monterrey.
Carrillo’s work is not without its challenges. Starting with new clients can be nerve-wracking, and finding the right assistant to support her growing caseload has proven difficult. But the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. “The most fulfilling moments are when I see the kids making progress and the parents feeling so happy,” she says. “Seeing a child try something new or make a friend – that’s what makes it all worth it.”
One of Carrillo’s most cherished experiences was her involvements in Camp Durango, a free summer day camp organized by UTSA for children and youth with autism and for their siblings. “It was amazing to see the kids playing and learning together, and the parents were just so grateful,” she recalls. “I still miss it so much.”
As Carrillo continues to build her independent practice, she remains connected to UTSA through social media and communication with her former professors and colleagues. “They were such an integral part of my journey, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities they provided,” she says.
In her personal life, Carrillo is a self-proclaimed “hobby enthusiast” with a passion for boxing that helps her manage the stresses of her work. “I’m always trying new things, but I struggle to stick with them,” she laughs. “But boxing has been a great outlet for me.”
Looking back on her path, Carrillo offers a piece of advice to her younger self: “Don’t stress too much about the future. Enjoy the present and let things unfold naturally.”
— Katelyn Juarez
