Invited Keynote Presenter:
Louis Hagopian, PhD

About
Dr. Louis Hagopian is director of Neurobehavioral Programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with severe behavioral dysfunction. These programs seek to integrate the activities of clinical service, research, training, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Hagopian holds the rank of professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a licensed psychologist. He has consulted with the federal government, state agencies, disability service organizations, professional organizations for guidance on matters related to persons with autism and intellectual disabilities. This work includes the development of legislation supporting applied behavior analysis, position statements, best practice guidelines, and expert consultation. Dr. Hagopian's research has been continuously supported through several research grants from the National Institutes of Health. His research crosses disciplines, and has been published in 30 different journals covering topics including functional analysis and treatment of severe behavior disorders, the classification and treatment of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior, and methods for examining the generality of clinical procedures.

Title: A Behavior Analytic Model of Anxiety in Autism and its Clinical Implications

Click here for references

Friday December 6th 9:00am-10:40am Keynote (2 BACB CE's)

Abstract: Children with ASD and related conditions are at increased risk for displaying avoidant and anxious behavior. Determining the presence of anxiety in minimally verbal children is challenging given their limited ability to self-report, coupled with the overlapping features of anxiety and ASD. A functional definition of anxiety is provided, distinguishing anxious avoidance (avoidant behavior associated with traditional indicators of anxiety, such as fearful affect) and simple avoidance (avoidance of non-preferred situations in the absence of indicators of anxiety). Multi-method, multi-modal behavioral assessment strategies are needed to discriminate between simple and anxious avoidance and identify the controlling variables of child avoidant behavior. Graduated exposure and related interventions demonstrated to be effective with neurotypical children are applicable – though minimally verbal children participation in cognitive components of therapies may be limited. The same conceptual model is extended to understanding caregiver behavior and experiences of anxiety around the challenges of dealing with severe problem behavior.

Invited Presenters:

Monica Howard, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Dr. Howard began her career at The ELIJA School in 2006 when she started as one of ELIJA’s first instructors. She quickly rose to the top as one of the most talented and dedicated ELIJA staff members. Monica’s BCBA supervision was under Dr. Bridget Taylor, BCBA-D. She received her Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the prestigious Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center under the supervision of Keith D. Allen, PhD, BCBA-D. She completed a 6-month internship in the Severe Behavior Department as well as a 6-month internship in the Early Intervention department under the supervision of Michael Kelley, PhD, BCBA-D and Wayne Fisher, PhD, BCBA-D, some of the top names in the field. Monica also received two years of training in the Behavioral Pediatric Psychology department at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. Monica has experience with consulting to home programming, clinic-based programming, school-based programming, and outreach programming.

Title: "Emphasizing Clinically Relevant Features of a Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior"

Friday December 6th, 11:00am-12:15 (1.5 BACB CE's)

Abstract: (Josh Jessel & Monica Howard present) The functional analysis is an empirically validated tool used to identify environmental variables contributing to problem behavior to improve treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, clinicians overwhelmingly report the sparse use of the functional analysis because of time constraints and safety concerns. The interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA) was developed in 2014 as a practical functional assessment model with the intention of addressing the reported concerns from clinicians. We conducted Study 1 to determine the level of severity observed when conducting the IISCA for three children diagnosed with autism. We found that, although some of the severe topographies (e.g., aggression, SIB) were likely to be observed during the functional analysis, the majority of instances of problem behavior were likely to be precursors (e.g., loud vocalizations, stomping). Study 2 included 9 consecutive cases of individuals diagnosed with autism and the IISCA was conducted with each participant using 3-min sessions to determine if the entire analysis could be as brief as 15 min. All IISCAs were differentiated and successfully informed the subsequent skill-based treatments that eliminated problem behavior. These results suggest that analytic efficiency and safety can be improved by using the practical functional assessment model.

Title: "Getting Unstuck: The Impact of Creativity and Collaboration in Developing Effective and Meaningful Treatments"

Friday December 6th 3:25pm-4:40pm (1.5 BACB CE's)

Abstract: Relationship-building skills of behavior analysts working with individuals with autism has been a recent focus in the ABA field (Taylor, LeBlanc, & Nosik, 2018; LeBlanc, Taylor, & Marchese, 2019) with the premise that if we are unable to develop strong relationships with caregivers and develop socially valid interventions, their commitment to treatment will be compromised and impede generality. In this presentation, the value of collaboration in developing effective treatments with caregivers will be discussed. The limitations of traditional approaches to treating toileting, noncompliance, and avoidance of hair washing will be illustrated across school-aged individuals with autism. Discussion points will include the role of collaboration in developing relationships with caregivers, the value of creativity when designing interventions, the impact of inventive, outside the box treatment approaches in systematically changing behavior, and the importance of prioritizing caregiver buy-in when designing interventions for individuals with autism.

 

Joshua Jessel PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Joshua Jessel completed his master’s degree at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he also worked with children with severe problem behavior as a clinical specialist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute on the neurobehavioral inpatient unit. He went on to earn his doctoral degree under the mentorship of Dr. Gregory Hanley at Western New England University with his primary research focusing on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with autism. Dr. Jessel continued to extend this line of research as a postdoctoral fellow at a clinic in Fort Worth, Texas where he oversaw nearly 100 children with autism admitted to an outpatient program. Dr. Jessel has currently published over 15 articles in multiple peer-reviewed journals including the flagship journal, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, where he is serving on the editorial board. He has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at four universities and he is currently an assistant professor at Queens College.

Title: When is a Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior Necessary? A Perspective on Pragmatic Boundaries

Saturday December 7th 9:00-Noon Workshop (3.5 BACB/CE Ethics Credits)

Abstract: Functional analyses are often recommend as a tool for clinicians to use to identify the environmental causes of problem behavior to better inform subsequent treatment. However, there are very little guidelines for determining what topographies of problem behavior or specific contexts implicate the need of a functional analysis. Without these guidelines, practitioners may find themselves in ethically obscure scenarios balancing an understanding of problem behavior and the safety of their learner. This workshop defines the general pragmatic boundaries for conducting functional analyses and provides specific examples of when functional analyses should or should not be conducted. In addition, recommendations are provided for alternatives to the functional analysis when applicable and addresses safety concerns.

3-5 learning objectives:

· Attendees will be able to determine when to conduct a functional analyses

· Attendees will know how to improve the safety and efficiency of the functional analysis

· Attendees will be able to conduct a practical and safe functional analysis model

 

Suzanne Letso, BCBA

Suzanne Letso is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Milestones Behavioral Services. She currently serves as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, as the founding President of the Behavior Analyst Leadership Council, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Autism Service Providers, on the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts’ advisory board, and is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Marrakech, Inc. Letso has participated in the establishment of a number of other service organizations and autism-related initiatives. She is a registered lobbyist for the Connecticut General Assembly and has worked as an advocate on a number of legislative issues within the states of Connecticut and Alaska. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, the parent of a son with autism, and the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts’ 2016 Jerry Shook Award recipient.

Title: Leadership, Management & “Power” Afternoon Keynote Friday December 6th 1:15-2:05 (1 BACB, CE)

The provision of behavior analytic services has changed dramatically over the last twenty years. The cornerstone of our success remains our reliance on empirically validated behavior change procedures, yet possessing sound clinical expertise alone does not ensure our individual or collective success. This presentation will discuss the intersection of leadership, management and power. Strategies we can utilize to drive our own professional development, and that of our employees will be outlined; and how that development process drives organizational initiatives and advancement of our profession will be discussed.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe at least 3 leadership styles and which is the point of best fit for ABA providers..
2. Explain the difference between leadership, management and power.
3. Delineate at least 3 systemic variables that are currently impacting the provision of ABA in the US.

Carol Fiorile PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Carol holds a PhD from Teachers College Columbia University and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral level since May 2001. She is a a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, Certified Special Education Teacher, General Education Teacher, and holds her SAS Credential as a School Administrator.

Carol has worked with students with developmental deficits and disabilities for more than 25 years, primarily with students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Presently she works as a Full-time Assistant Professor at Long Island University, Post Campus, teaching both graduate and psychology courses for the BCBA/LBA track. Previously, Carol worked for 11 years as an Adjunct Professor at City University of New York at Queens College. Carol provides Educational Consultation and Programming services to school districts in the Metropolitan New York City area in several capacities, including training staff in the implementation of the principles and strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to educational programming, as well as conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments/Analyses and developing Behavior Treatment Plans. Carol works directly with parents of children with disabilities, providing staff training to home programmers and Parent Counseling.

Carol has presented at behavior analysis conferences in the United States and Europe, and has several publications. She speaks fluent Italian, and has traveled extensively in Europe.

Topic 1: Connected Theories and Practical Applications Friday December 6th 3:25-4:40pm (1.5 BACB, CE's)

The relationship between Naming Theory (Horne & Lowe, 1995), Stimulus Equivalence (Murray Sidman), and Relational Frame Theory (Stephen Hayes), and Instructional Application.

Topic 2: Working as a Consultant, Assessment of the Implementation of One of the Seven Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis: Graphic Analysis

Practical review of Decision Analysis procedures when reviewing graphs, determining when to implement phase changes and modified/alternative interventions.

New York State Advocacy Update- NYS ABA Licensure Law, Insurance and Medicaid updates

Presented by Judith Ursitti & Deb Napolitano PhD, BCBA-D/LBA

Title:

The implementation of coverage of ABA under NY Medicaid and the critical role of the NY behavior analyst community.

Powerpoint click here

Autism Speaks Powerpoint Click here

Deb Napolitano PhD, BCBA-D/LBA

Dr. Deborah Napolitano joined the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) faculty at Daemen College as an Assistant Professor in October of 2018. Debbi previously was on faculty as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine where she still retains a Courtesy Clinical Associate Professor appointment. Debbi also continues to work with Hillside Family of Agencies supporting the behavioral programming in the Developmental Disabilities Department. Debbi obtained her Ph.D. in Developmental and Child Psychology/Behavior Analysis from the University of Kansas in 2000.

Debbi is widely published in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavior analysis, with peer reviewed research publications in some of the field’s premier journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Debbi also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Mental Health Research in Developmental Disabilities. Debbi’s research interests are in the areas of rigid and repetitive behavior in individuals with autism, drug and behavior interactions, applications of behavior analysis in child welfare, and the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior of persons with IDD. Her clinical interests are also in these areas, with additional focus on interprofessional collaboration and the interface between behavior therapy (e.g., Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ABA for individuals with dual diagnosis of IDD and brain health concerns.

Debbi has spent a great deal of her career advocating for individuals with IDD, their families, and for the profession of Behavior Analysis. She currently serves on the Developmental Disabilities of Western New York/East (DDAWNY/East) family legislative committee and also serves on the Leadership Council for the National Council for Severe Autism. Debbi also serves on the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) legislative committee and is the secretary for the Severe Challenging Behavior Special Interest Group of the International Association on the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) Debbi also has previously served as President of NYSABA and on the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) Board of Directors for the previous six years.

Presentation:

• Current status of the bills to remove the scope restriction on behavior analysis in NY
• Reasons why everyone should care about the removal of the scope restriction and make this a priority
• Plan moving forward of the legislative committee
• How persons can help

 

Jason Harris, Deb Thivierge, Matt Weick & Nicole Levine (ELIJA Transitional Programs and Services)

"What happens to ABA treatment when the school bus stops coming?" Friday December 6th, 11:00-12:15am (1.5 BACB, CE's)

Over 30 years of peer reviewed research demonstrates the efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the reduction and remediation of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when appropriate treatment is implemented at an early age. However, more research is needed on the efficacy of ABA throughout a lifespan for those who continuously receive services from an early age through adulthood. Transitioning from school-age intensive ABA instruction into a community-based, post-secondary ABA program can present certain opportunities as well as challenges. Ensuring that individuals have a quality program as adults involves generalizing acquired skills, increasing functional communication, and decreasing challenging behaviors in less restrictive settings. This talk will explore some of the current issues that professionals, individuals with ASD, and their families face, including identification of necessary prerequisites to ensure success and ways to support individuals as they continue to acquire skills for independence despite limited funding and resources. We will present the ELIJA TPS progressive treatment model from the perspective of a BCBA/LBA, a parent, self-directed staff members, and a young adult with an ASD.

Jason Craig Harris

Jason is a 21 year-old, young adult working as a farm intern at the ELIJA Farm. He is currently exploring career options through diverse coursework at LIU and hopes to establish a major in the near future. Jason has given multiple presentations and is the star of a YouTube video -viewed nearly 5000 times- that discuss his personal educational journey and the role applied behavior analysis has played and continues to play in his transition to adulthood. Jason's passion is flight and he hopes to one day work in the airline industry.
 

Debora Thivierge, BCaBA, CBAA

Debora received her BA in Sociology from Hofstra University and is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. She serves as the Executive Director and Founder of The ELIJA School, Founder of The ELIJA Foundation, the ELIJA Farm, and ELIJA’s Transition Program and Services (TPS). Debora has volunteered her time to numerous Autism groups such as Nassau County’s Department of Health Early Intervention Coordinating Council, New York State Association of Behavior Analysis, Nassau County Autism Coalition run by the County Executive and served as a board member of The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) for 5 years. She was appointed to the New York State Licensure Board for Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014 and served until 2018, when she stepped down to advocate for the advancement of the field in ABA. For the past 18 years, she has been providing advocacy to families and conducted training workshops to promote evidence based instruction for families and educators who have been touched by Autism. She has a 21-year-old son with Autism.

Matthew Weick, BCBA/LBA

Nicole Levine- Self Directed Support Staff through OPWDD

Nicole has been a member of  ELIJA TPS for a year an•https://youtu.be/tagEctWX4BQd a half working as a self hired staff. Nicole has a BA in child, youth, and community education from Curry College and is currently in the process of receiving her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Long Island University. When she's not working or going to school full time, she loves to go shopping, exercise, and spend time with family.

Videos to watch: Connecting the Dots ELIJA Farm

Jason Harris The Voice of Autism 1

Jason Harris The Voice of Autism 2

 

Bobby Newman, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Bobby Newman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York and Tennessee, and Licensed Psychologist. Affectionately known as the Dark Overlord of ABA, Bobby is the first author on thirteen books regarding behavior therapy, the philosophy of behaviorism, the autism spectrum disorders, utopian literature, and fitness. He has published over two dozen articles in professional journals, as well as numerous popular magazine articles and has hosted two series of radio call-in shows. Bobby is the Past-President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. A popular speaker, Bobby also provides direct treatment, staff training and consultation around the world, and has been honored for this work by several parents and professional groups. He is the Executive Director of Clinical Services for Proud Moments. Bobby is also a certified personal trainer, obstacle course racer and marathoner and is an Ambassador for the Great Sportsmanship Programme. Bobby teaches non-violent crisis intervention philosophy and techniques for agencies and families. Bobby was a final four finalist for the 2016 For Those Who Would Humanitarian Award.

Title: Cultural Competency, It's Not Just for Clients: Cultural Competency and BCBA Supervision

Saturday December 7th 1:00-4:00pm Workshop (3.5 BACB/CE Supervision Credits)

Abstract: The BACB Ethics Guidelines inform us that cultural competency, understanding that behavioral norms and expectations will differ across cultures, is an essential aspect of a good behavior analyst. While we often consider cultural competency only in the context of clinical work, it is no less valid when considering supervision of BCBAs. This talk will explore some common issues in behavioral expectations across cultures and what it might mean for BCBA supervision.

Table Vendors:

Achieve Beyond
Applied Behavioral Interventions
Blue Sea Education
Different Roads to Learning
Genser Cona Elder Law
Daemen College
ELIJA Farm
ELIJA School
ELIJA TPS
Eden II Programs
Helping Hands Children Services
Judge Rotenberg Educational Center
LIDC
Long Island University
MGABA
MKSA
Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism
New York Therapy Placement Services
Proud Moments
St. Josephs College
SASI
Thivierge & Rothberg, P.C.

 

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Gerald Lachter Scholarship Fund: This fund exists to honor the memory of Dr. Gerald Lachter, our dear friend and colleague. Each year at LIBAC, one promising individual will receive a grant to help further his or her education in Behavior Analysis at LIU Post or Queens College. Please consider making a donation to the fund.

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The ELIJA Foundation is an approved provider of BACB Type II CE credits. BACB® Provider OP-07-0143

Pricing

*Member pricing only applies to current members of The ELIJA Foundation. Memberships purchased within 60 days of LIBAC do not qualify.

	Early Bird Registration (until 10/13/; ELIJA & NYSABA membership accepted)	Open Registration (10/14-11/15; ELIJA & NYSABA membership accepted)	Late Registration (11/16-12/5; ELIJA membership accepted)	Walk in Registration (ELIJA membership accepted)
1 Day non-member	$135	$160	$185	$215
1 Day member	$110	$110	$110	$110
2 Day non-member	$235	$285	$310	$340
2 Day member	$185	$185	$185	$185

 

 

LIBAC Pre-Pay discount BACB CE's Fri & Sat: 14 credits $110 (normally $140) Fri or Sat: $60 (normally $70)

(YOU MUST DROP OFF YOUR SIGNED FORMS AT REGISTRATION DESK AT THE END OF THE CONFERENCE AND CEU CERTIFICATE WILL BE MAILED TO YOU)

• Attendees belonging to school districts that will be paying the registration fee should contact ELIJA at 516-216-5270 directly to register.
• To be eligible for member pricing, attendees must be a member of The ELIJA Foundation at least 60 days prior to conference date, or a member of NYSABA. NYSABA Member pricing expires on November 15.
• Organizations who register 10 people or more will receive a 10% discount. Payment must be made under one purchase order to receive the group discount. Please call ELIJA at 516-216-5270 to register with a group discount.

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Sponsorships

Continuous Reinforcer - $10,000
Logo Displayed Alongside LIBAC, Logo Displayed on promotional giveaway, Signage Displayed During Conference, Verbal Recognition During Conference, Outside Back Cover Ad, Logo & Link on ELIJA Website, Listing in ELIJA Newsletter, Vendor Table (Fri & Sat), Conference Registration for 14 People.

Primary Reinforcer - $7,500

Logo Displayed Alongside LIBAC, Signage Displayed During Conference, Verbal Recognition During Conference, Inside Front Cover Ad, Logo & Link on ELIJA Website, Listing in ELIJA Newsletter, Vendor Table (Fri Only), Conference Registration for 10 People

Conditioned Reinforcer (Professional Networking Event & Poster Session) - $5,000
Signage Displayed During Conference, Full Page Ad, Logo & Link on ELIJA Website, Listing in ELIJA Newsletter, Vendor Table (Friday Only), Conference Registration for 4 People

Premack Reinforcer - $2,500
Signage Displayed at Lunch and During Conference, Full Page Ad, Logo on ELIJA Website, Listing in ELIJA Newsletter, Vendor Table (Fri Only), Conference Registration for 2 People

Generalized Reinforcer - $1,000
Signage Displayed at Lunch and During Conference, Full Page Ad, Logo on ELIJA Website, Listing in ELIJA Newsletter, Vendor Table (Fri Only)

Conference Program

• Inside Front Cover - $1,000  
• Inside Back Cover - $750 
• Full-Page - $500
• Half-Page - $250
• Quarter Page - $125

Tote Bag Insert Option ($300 per inserted item) - Send us your brochures, flyers, pens, etc. We will make sure that your goodies are in every attendees bag. Please provide us with 300 of each item you want inserted.

Sponsorship Registration deadline is November 15.

Vendor Tables for Friday, December 6th Only

Vendor: $525; Non Profit: $325. Includes one 6-foot table with tablecloth and two chairs, plus one conference registration. Vendor

Table Registration deadline is November 15.

Friday, December 6th, 2019

• 7:30am-8:45am - Registration and Continental Breakfast
• 8:45am-9:00am - Welcome
• 9:00am-10:40am- Morning Keynote- Dr. Louis Hagopian ( 2 BCBA CE's)
• 11:00am-12:15pm- Morning Breakout Sessions A&B  - (1.5 BCBA CE's)
  • Session A- Dr. Joshua Jessel & Dr. Monica Howard
  • Session B- Deb Thivierge, Matt Weick & Jason Harris
• 12:15pm-1:15pm- Luncheon and Gerald Lachter Scholarship Recipient Presentation
• 1:15pm-2:05pm- Afternoon Keynote- Suzanne Letso ( 1 BCBA CE)
• 2:15pm-3:05pm- Jusith Ursitti & Dr. Deb Napolitano (1 BCBA CE)
• 3:25pm-4:40pm- Afternoon Breakout Sessions A&B (1.5 BCBA CE's)
  • Session A- Dr. Carol Fiorile
  • Session B- Dr. Monica Howard

Saturday, December 7th, 2019

• 8:30am-9:00am- Registration and Continental Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm- Morning Workshop- Dr. Joshua Jessel (Ethics CE's)
• 12:00pm-1:00pm- Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00pm-4:00pm- Afternoon Workshop- Dr. Bobby Newman (Supervision CE's)

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Vendors

To be announced!

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Hotel: Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553. Please call 516-794-3800 or 800-228-9290 to make your hotel reservations by November 8th. ELIJA has reserved a block of rooms from November 29th-November 30th

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Your LIBAC Committee:

Debora Thivierge, BCaBA, CBAA
deb@elija.org
Debora received her BA in Sociology from Hofstra University and is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. She serves as the Executive Director and Founder of The ELIJA School, Founder of The ELIJA Foundation,  the ELIJA Farm, and ELIJA's Transition Program and Services (TPS). Debora has volunteered her time to numerous Autism groups such as Nassau County’s Department of Health Early Intervention Coordinating Council, New York State Association of Behavior Analysis, Nassau County Autism Coalition run by the County Executive and served as a board member of The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) for 5 years. She was appointed to the New York State Licensure Board for Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014 and served until 2018, when she stepped down to advocate for the advancement of the field in ABA. For the past 18 years, she has been providing advocacy to families and conducted training workshops to promote evidence based instruction for families and educators who have been touched by Autism. She has an 21 year old son with Autism.

Bobby Newman, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Bobby Newman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Psychologist. Affectionately known as the Dark Overlord of ABA, Bobby is the first author of ten books regarding behavior therapy, the philosophy of behaviorism, the autism spectrum disorders, and utopian literature. He has published over two dozen articles in professional journals, as well as numerous popular magazine articles and has hosted two series of radio call-in shows. Bobby is the Past-President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. A popular speaker, Bobby also provides direct treatment, staff training and consultation around the world, and has been honored for this work by several parents and professional groups. He is the director of Room to Grow. Bobby teaches non-violent crisis intervention philosophy and techniques for agencies and families.

JoAnn Scanlon, MS, BCBA, LBA
JoAnn received her BS in Business Administration from SUNY Albany and her MS in Special Education from Adelphi University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst. JoAnn is the co-owner and Executive Director of MKSA LLC, an agency that provides services to children with autism and other developmental delays. She has worked in this field for the last 20 years as a therapist, consultant and administrator. JoAnn is currently an adjunct professor at Adelphi University’s Early Childhood Special Education Program. She has been an active member of both the Nassau County and the Suffolk County Early Intervention (LEICC) Committee on Autism for 16 years and chairs the Suffolk committee. She has presented numerous presentations and workshop for parents and professionals; school districts and the Departments of Health. JoAnn serves on the Board of Directors of the ELIJA School. She volunteers her time to various organizations in support of children with special needs, and professional organizations striving to improve the quality services provided to those children. She is also the parent of an adult son with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Karen Mulcahy-Walsh, MS Ed, BCBA, LBA
Karen Mulcahy-Walsh, MS.Ed, BCBA is a NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst and currently Executive Director at LIDC, a consulting and service provision agency on Long Island. She completed her Masters of Science in Education from Dowling College as well as receiving a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Technology. As an educator for over 20 years, Karen has devoted her career to working with children with autism. She works continuously with school districts to develop and provide appropriate programming for students with autism. In addition to working with LIDC, Ms. Walsh is an adjunct lecturer at St. Joseph’s college and educational program consultant to the multimedia firm of Launch Into Learning, LLC.