Behavior University: Behavior Technician Conference

THANKS AGAIN TO OUR SPONSORS

MISSION

The Behavior Technician Conference: It Starts with Us empowers behavior technicians, students, and professionals in related roles with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful connections to drive excellence in service delivery. Through dynamic discussions, engaging panels, and networking opportunities, we foster an inclusive and collaborative space where participants can share experiences, refine their skills, and engage in open, judgment-free dialogues.

Our mission is to cultivate a supportive global community where every individual feels valued, inspired, and equipped to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. By promoting growth, collaboration, and advocacy, we aim to prepare the next generation of leaders and set the foundation for a thriving and inclusive future in the field of ABA—because it truly starts with us.

VISION

To establish The Behavior Technician Conference as a cornerstone event that revolutionizes the professional journey of those working in behavior technician roles, studying the field, or contributing in similar capacities, fostering a global community rooted in support, empowerment, and excellence.

We envision a future where professionals and students are equipped with innovative tools, confident voices, and strong networks that elevate their contributions to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. By creating an enduring space for collaboration, shared learning, and professional growth, we aim to inspire participants to become trailblazers in service delivery and catalysts for positive change in their communities. Together, we strive for a thriving, inclusive field where every professional is celebrated and empowered to lead with purpose and impact.

MEET THE PRESENTERS

Jerval Johnson BCBA

Bobbi Rogers

Bobbi Rogers is the Director of Community Outreach at Proud Moments Therapy. She is the founder of Families FIRST which is a nonprofit agency that has provided support and services for families of children with Autism for 20 years. She developed and led a crisis intervention program for 15 years. She is a board member of the NY State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) and co-chair of NYSABA Parent, Family and Advocate. She is the co-creator of the Harmony in the Home Project, which provides intensive support for Autistic children and their families. She has created multiple new programs that have been helping families and Autistic individuals since 2006. Bobbi has been an invited speaker at multiple Autism and ABA conferences. She is a national advocate for compassionate support options for Autistic children and families. She lives in Central NY with her three children and husband. She is the proud parent of a 23-year-old Autistic young adult.

Fizza Fatima RBT

Mikayla Brown RBT

Casey Loughrey BCBA

Taylor Hill RBT

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Taylor has been making a meaningful impact in the field of ABA since 2019. Passionate about helping others, he finds joy in working closely with his patients and building strong connections with the families he serves. Outside of work, Taylor is all about balance—whether he’s shooting hoops, diving into a good mystery novel, vibing to music, or enjoying movie dates with his wife. Dedicated, compassionate, and always striving to make a difference—Taylor embodies what it means to lead with heart in ABA! #ABATherapy #BehaviorAnalysis #MeetTheTeam #HoustonABA

Isaia Knight RBT

I’m Isaia Knight. I've been a RBT for almost 5 years now. Getting into ABA was never my original plan but now it would be hard seeing myself doing anything else. While in this field I've gotten the opportunity to work in multiple settings and collaborate with a few different professions. I enjoy being a part of the ABA field because it allows a space for collaboration from individuals in different professions as well as parents to help one client/child thrive in many different aspects of life.

Jacquelyn Williams RBT

Yuveyongeh Sangnyuy RBT, IBT

Noor Syed Ph.D., BCBA-D

Dr. Noor Syed (she/they) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as the founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State University. Recently, she supported the launch of and coordinated a Masters of Science in ABA, in which a core tenet is affirming, responsive practice. Dr. Syed has also been named the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy with CAARES, whose primary initiative is to help SUNY Empire become a fully inclusive and supportive college for those who identify as neurodiverse through a multi-tiered system of support framework. The university was designated an Autistic Supportive™ institution in 2022. In addition, Dr. Syed is the director of Anderson Center International, an organization dedicated to providing training in evidenced-based strategies for scholars from under-resourced areas globally and is President of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. She is an Adjunct Doctoral Advisor in ABA with Endicott College, and is a certified general and special education teacher. Dr. Syed serves on the ABA Ethics Hotline and on the Scientific Council with the Organization for Autism Research. She received her undergraduate degree in behavior analysis under Dr. Raymond G. Romanczyk in the Institute of Child Development at Binghamton University and completed her PhD in ABA with Dr. R. Douglas Greer at Teachers College, Columbia University. Noor identifies as Brown, Muslim, Pakistani, Filipino, and Cisgender Female. She also identifies as an individual with intersectional identities, some of which carry privilege and others that have been marginalized. Noor is neurodivergent.

Dana Meller MA, BCBA, CEO, Founder, Entrepreneur

Dana Meller, MA, BCBA® is the founder of Pass the Big ABA Exam (PTB), a pioneer in interactive BCBA®/BCaBA® exam prep. A board-certified behavior analyst and former Broadway performer (notably in the iconic role of Éponine in Les Misérables), Dana merged those two passions into a successful formula for exam prep that blends her signature humor with university-level ABA curriculum.

Since founding Pass the Big ABA Exam in 2012, Dana has emerged as a leading authority in ABA exam prep. As the creator and author of the revered PTB ABA Study Manual, Dana is regarded as an industry thought leader and an advocate for underrepresented communities in ABA. A frequent speaker on topics ranging from entrepreneurship and professionalism to diversity and inclusion, Dana is a mentor to countless students who have succeeded in passing the big ABA exam with the aid of PTB.

Dana is a proud graduate of New York University, where she received her master's in educational psychology, and currently serves on the board of the Latino Association for Behavior Analysis (LABA). She also started Broadway for Autism, an organization dedicated to creating access and inclusivity in arts education for individuals on the autism spectrum, spanning the arts-related professions. She remains an active member of the Musical Theatre Guild, Actors’ Equity, and the Screen Actors Guild. In her spare time, she continues to dabble in the performing arts in the Los Angeles area where she resides with her longtime partner, Mark, and their beloved Yorkie, Jack.

Bobby Newman Ph.D, 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. Along with parents and advocates Bobbi Rogers and Leanne Morphet, he co-hosts "Covid Conversations," a weekly podcast examining the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on people with developmental disabilities.

Erik Jacobson Ph. D.

Dr. Erik Jacobson (Dr. J) is the Chief Clinical Officer at Upstate Caring Partners. In that role, he oversees a professionally diverse Clinical Department of 90+ staff. He is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist. He received his doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Over the past 25+ years, Erik has provided a range of assessment, diagnostic, and treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults with varying degrees of developmental and co-occuring psychiatric disabilities through outpatient, residential, and school settings. Over the past several years, Erik has overseen the behavior analytic transformation of Upstate Cerebral Palsy’s Clinical Department. This transformation has included innovative training, assessment and treatment practices, research, and employment of the most Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Behavior Technicians in center-based programming in Upstate New York.