When people ask why I started Career Connections, my answer always comes back to one thing: purpose. This business was never just about staffing—it was about filling a need that I’ve seen and felt on a deeply personal level.
Before I was a recruiter or a founder, I was a brother, a son, and a human being who grew up around autism. My own family has been impacted by autism in ways that shaped my worldview and values from a young age. I’ve witnessed both the challenges and the beauty that come with neurodiversity, and I’ve seen what happens when people with autism are supported—and when they’re not.
Fresh out of college, my very first job was as a Career Developer. My role focused on helping individuals with autism and other disabilities find meaningful employment through customized employment strategies. I worked one-on-one with individuals, learning about their strengths, goals, and interests, and then partnered with employers to create opportunities that made sense for both sides.
That experience taught me more than any textbook ever could. It showed me what true inclusion looks like—not just as a concept, but as a commitment. I saw firsthand the barriers that people with autism face in the workforce—and also how those barriers could be broken down with empathy, creativity, and follow-through.
It was also my first exposure to the incredible professionals working in ABA and special education: teachers, therapists, RBTs, BCBAs, job coaches, and more. These were the people on the front lines every day, advocating for change, and often burning out in the process due to understaffing and lack of support.
That role sparked something in me. I wanted to do more than just support employment—I wanted to help build the teams that support individuals with autism every day.
Eventually, I moved into a recruiting role at a leading autism services provider, where I was responsible for sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding behavior technicians, clinical supervisors, and other specialists. It was fast-paced, mission-driven work—and it gave me deep insight into both the hiring challenges and the burnout risks that so many organizations face.
I also learned that a traditional recruiting model doesn’t work in this space. ABA providers and schools don’t just need warm bodies—they need people who are licensed, trained, compassionate, and reliable. And job seekers aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they want purpose, mentorship, and a culture that understands what they do.
That gap between what’s needed and what’s offered was where the idea for Career Connections was born.
In 2020, I officially founded Career Connections Recruiting with one goal: to help schools, clinics, and autism programs find the right professionals faster and with more trust.
From the beginning, this wasn’t about volume—it was about fit. Every RBT, BCBA, or special education professional we work with is treated as a person, not a placement. And every client we partner with—whether it’s a school district in the Midwest or an early intervention clinic in California—gets the benefit of a recruiting partner who truly understands the field.
We focus on two key audiences:
Whether we’re filling a hard-to-find clinical role or placing five new behavioral techs in a district that’s just opened a new autism program, we approach each match with intention and respect. This work matters—and we act like it.
There are a lot of recruiting firms out there, and many of them will promise you the world. What makes Career Connections different comes down to three things:
This isn’t just a business to me—it’s personal. I built this agency to make a real difference for individuals with autism and the professionals who support them. Every role we fill helps someone get the care, guidance, or education they deserve.
Today, Career Connections partners with programs across the country—from public school districts to private ABA therapy clinics. We’ve filled thousands of roles since our launch, and we’re just getting started.
If you’re a provider or school looking for ABA professionals who show up ready, qualified, and committed, we’re here to help.
And if you’re a BCBA, RBT, or special education professional looking for your next great opportunity, we’d love to get to know you.
This agency is more than a business. It’s a promise.
And I’m proud of what we’re building—together.
– John Krulock
Founder, Career Connections
