For Sadie Zawisza, Curry College isn’t just a place where she earned her degree. It’s where she found her purpose.
As a first-year student, Sadie discovered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while at a career fair—a pivotal moment that shifted the direction of her life. “I left that event with more than just pamphlets; I left with a calling. It led to a job that sparked a deep passion and eventually shaped my entire career path.”
Sadie is a caregiver and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Boston Behavioral Learning Center, helping individuals improve behaviors and develop life skills. She often works with children with developmental challenges, an opportunity that she says is more than just work.
“There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping someone realize their potential—and helping their family see it too. Whether it’s a child learning to communicate for the first time or a parent discovering new ways to connect with their child, those are the moments that make the hard days worth it. Every day, I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger: helping families feel empowered, hopeful, and supported. It’s not just work; it’s a purpose.”
Her work in ABA quickly became a calling rooted in deep, personal connection, and one that led her to become something she never planned for—a published author.
One of the most profound relationships she formed was with Ethan, a non-speaking boy with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, whose presence left a notable mark on her life. Through their time together, she discovered the true meaning of communication, empathy, and unconditional love. After his tragic and untimely passing, she channeled her experience with him into writing "E Man," a book that honors Ethan’s legacy and shares the power of connection that transcends words.
Grieving deeply and unsure of how to move forward in a field that had become so personal to her, Sadie was at an impasse. Then, she met Miles.
“Miles’ parents reached out to me after they read E Man, the book I wrote in Ethan’s memory," she said. "From our first meeting, I felt something shift. Miles has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, like Ethan, and although they are different children with different personalities, the bond I felt with Miles was immediate and profound. He became my best friend, and working with him reignited my passion and reminded me why I chose this path.”
Sadie recently authored, illustrated, and published her first children’s book titled, “Miles’ Eyes,” a heartwarming tale about friendship, acceptance, and the magic that happens when we open our hearts to see the world―and each other―in a new light. Created from a place of love and acceptance, this story is a celebration of the kind of friendship that doesn’t need words—a story that honors Ethan’s legacy while shining a light on the beautiful and unique way that Miles connects with the world.
“I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of what connection truly means. That friendship, love, and communication don’t always look the way we expect them to. For children, I want them to see that differences are beautiful. For adults, I hope it’s a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and be open to the forms of communication that come from the heart—not just the mouth.”
Reflecting on how her education prepared her for the challenges and rewards of working with individuals with disabilities, Sadie expressed her appreciation for the space Curry gave her to merge academics with real-life experience.
“I had the unique opportunity to complete an independent study that aligned with my work in ABA, as well as an internship directly through my job. Dr. Mia Khera was a major influence—she believed in my path and helped me carve out a space for it academically. Her support allowed me to turn fieldwork into a deeply meaningful educational experience.”