“Calais is a place of kindness, respect and compassion and I wanted to immerse myself in this culture of acceptance, peace and academic success.”

These are the words of Jamie Bray, who joined The Calais School as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2020. Her contributions to the achievement, growth and well-being of our students are beyond measure. 

As Calais’ resident BCBA, Ms. Bray works with students to nurture more appropriate behaviors so that they can participate more actively in the classroom and during other school related activities. She describes her job as a “behavior detective” using data and observation to sleuth out the underlying reasons and variables that cause and maintain student behavior. 

Ms. Bray collaborates with the Calais Counseling Team as well as all staff members across educational disciplines to develop support systems for students struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, or academically. Her strategies include the use of assessment tools, behavior plans using positive reinforcement systems, visual supports, and emotional regulation tools.

Specific outcomes vary based on the individual needs of Calais students, but may include results like better communication and social conduct and less harmful and disruptive behavior.

Ms. Bray explains that she was drawn to The Calais School due to the amazing staff and students who strive to continually improve and grow as individuals. She enjoys the daily challenges at Calais that allow her to make meaningful and positive impacts on students and families. When she’s not busy helping students, Ms. Bray makes herself available to faculty and staff, fielding questions and providing guidance where needed. She also regularly shares professional development presentations which provide useful tips, resources and information to further support faculty, staff and students. 

When asked about her experience at Calais, Ms. Bray shared that she feels “so lucky to be in a supportive environment where I continually learn from my amazing colleagues and counseling team.” The feeling is a mutual one as staff enjoy working and learning from her too:

“Ms. Bray is always supportive of the counseling team. She is very knowledgeable concerning behavior and teacher practices,” cites Calais Behavior Specialist Angela Territo.

Ms. Bray exemplifies The Calais School mission by using her compassion, patience, and understanding to drive positive changes in the daily lives of Calais students. She is truly an asset here at Calais and we are grateful to have her on board.