The Behavior Trap

By Alan Lowe

The Behavior Trap podcast with Alan Lowe is an interview-based show that emphasizes discussions with ambitious Behavior Analyst and current practitioners that have contributed to the field of Behavioral Analysis. The podcast includes topics such as how one got into the field of Behavioral Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Verbal Behavior, Functional Analysis, Translational Research, and much more!

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8. Sarah Hudgens, M.S. Ed., BCBA, COBA - Ohio

The Behavior TrapFeb 03, 2020

00:00

42:18

25. Alyssa Schlachter, MA, BCBA & Kaitlyn Diller, MA, BCBA - Sprouting Behavior

Holy Schmoly! Episode 25 is finally here, and we got ourselves a good one! I got to speak with Alyssa Schlachter and Kaitlyn Diller from Sprouting Behavior for today's episode. This was exciting as we talked about contract work, being an FBI agent, and the struggles we all face as BCBA's.

You can find out more about them at @sprouting_behavior on Instagram.

See Ya!

Aug 24, 202201:08:57

24. Victoria Handy, B.S - Masters Student

It is finally here! Season 2 is officially live, with a new revamped look! Autism is much more than a puzzle piece. A puzzle piece can not define autism, but it can be expressed as a rainbow hand. This field is about moving forward, promises, and experiencing new beginnings. The hand represents us all. They say when you've met one individual with autism, you've met one individual with autism. It's true! We're in this together to change the world. Now let's get to the first episode of Season 2!

Episode 24 is live! Victoria describes herself as an AWESOME AUTISTIC! She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Tougaloo in Tougaloo, MS. She is six months from receiving her Master's in ABA from Capella. She is also an autistic mom. She is working towards her dream of becoming a BCBA. She hopes to inspire others with her gift. Be sure to check her out on her Instagram @viccorley.

See Ya!

Dec 27, 202137:54

23. Paige Lemen, PhD Student - Tennessee

Hey everyone! Episode 23 is live! On today's episode I got to speak with Paige Lemen. Paige recently graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Neurobiology from the University of Cincinnati and currently is a PhD student in the Biomedical Sciences program at UT in Memphis. She is currently studying neuroscience and genetics behind social isolation and addiction.

You can find more out about Paige at @PaigeLemen on Instagram.

See Ya!

Sep 26, 202057:32

22. Sean Inderbitzen, APSW - Wisconsin

Hey everyone! Episode 22 is live! On Today's episode I got the opportunity to interview Sean Inderbitzen.

Sean is a Behavioral Health Therapist for Northlakes Community Clinic, and lives with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has a caseload of 25% of his patients that live with ASD and varying comorbid psychiatric conditions. Prior to being a mental health clinician, he was a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist for Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for 3 years. He was also appointed by Governor Walker to the Statewide Independent Living Council of Wisconsin. He is an incoming Member to the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and provides training on Motivational Interviewing, ASD and Employment, ASD and Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions. If interested in a consult please email him at Seabindie@me.com

Jul 16, 202046:52

21. Maria Helton, PhD, Psy.S., BCBA, COBA, NCSP - Ohio

Hey everyone! Episode 21 is live! On today's episode I had the opportunity to speak with Maria Helton. Maria is a behavior specialist who works in public schools supporting teachers with classroom management as well as incorporating behavioral and social emotional learning strategies into their daily teaching. She has a background is both school psychology as well as behavior analysis as uses both skill sets to support teachers as well as students to maximize success. Maria loves seeing students succeed and watching them learn new skills and wouldn't trade her job for the world.

To learn more about Maria you can find her on Instagram. @TeachingBehaviorTogether

You can also check her out podcast. The Teaching Behavior Together Podcast.

Be sure to check out The Behavior Trap Podcast Instagram for the most up to date information.

See Ya!

May 28, 202026:55

20. Jeffery Tyler Artis., M.Ed., BCBA, LBA - Mississippi

Holy Guacamole! Episode 20 is live! On today's episode I got the opportunity to speak with Tyler Artis. Tyler is a BCBA working out of Jackson, Mississippi with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Spectrum Academy, and is also is a part of the Rogue ABA team working as a question writer. Tyler developed a passion for ABA during his time as an RBT working with children on the spectrum through in-clinic, community, and in-home services. Tyler earned his Master of Education with an emphasis in ABA from The University of Cincinnati and shortly after graduation passed his Board Certification exam on his first attempt. Supervision, teaching, parent training, 1-on-1 therapy, and tutoring are where Tyler feels the most at home in the ABA world. A self-proclaimed Hip-Hop Head, Videogame Lover, Plant Dad, Workout Enthusiast, and Obstacle Race Runner are multiple things mixed together to make up Tyler.

Don't forget, you can follow The Behavior Trap Podcast on Instagram. @TheBehaviorTrap

See Ya!

May 13, 202045:38

19. Laura Aleszczyk, M.A., BCBA - New Jersey

Hey everyone! Episode 19 is live! On today's episode I got to speak with Laura Aleszczk.

Laura Aleszczyk earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She then went on to obtain her Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement from Rowan University, and a Graduate Certificate in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology. Laura is originally from Delran, NJ, and currently lives near Ocean City, NJ, where you can usually find her on the beach, paddleboarding, or reading a good book. She is currently working as a full time Special Education teacher in a BD self-contained classroom, and part time as a BCBA providing in-home ABA services. Laura is passionate about advocating for her students and clients to help them succeed. You can follow her on her classroom page @schoolwithscrap and the new company page she is helping build, @amazing_transformations_llc

Apr 30, 202030:52

18. Nandi Nelson, LCSW, BCBA - New Jersey

Hey Everyone! Episode 18 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is Live!! On today's episode I got to speak with Nandi Nelson.
Nandi Nelson, LCSW, BCBA is the Founder and Clinical Director of Social Behavior Learning Solutions, Nandi Nelson is on a mission to create awareness around autism and help parents and practitioners overcome any barriers that they may face. A thoughtful trailblazer, empathetic entrepreneur, and strong advocate for individuals and families affected by autism and other intellectual disabilities, she possesses a strong desire to help others, offering hope despite their challenging circumstances.
Before becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Behavior Analyst—a rare combination in her industry—and starting a company specializing in in-home ABA therapy, she developed an interest early on in exploring incarceration and its impact on parent-child relationships, an area close to her heart and her own life experience. While doing graduate fieldwork she reached a pivotal moment, discovering a new found passion and career direction focused on children with autism and developmental issues and helping them cope and understand the world around them. Naturally, this would evolve to include parents and guardians, providing them with professional guidance and the essential tools for handling stressful situations and practicing self-care.
Today, she taps into her extensive expertise to empower and educate others around the world. An inspiring speaker, she is often sought-after to share her uplifting messages of possibility and progress, as well as, providing professional dissemination of applied behavior analysis.
Her book, “Jake’s Adventures: A trip to summer camp,” teaches young children about acceptance and understanding of their peers with Autism Spectrum Disorder which is being distributed worldwide.
Nandi has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a Minor in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Learn more about Nandi Nelson
Youtube and Instagram @NandiNelson
www.NandiNelson.com

Apr 13, 202001:09:11

17. John Molinaro, M.Ed, BCBA - Toronto

Hey Everyone! Episode 17 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is live! On today's episode I got to speak with John Molinaro. John is a BCBA working out of Toronto Ontario and the founder of “Colours of the Spectrum ABA. For the last 4 years, John has been providing one-to-one behavioural therapy to families who have received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. John’s method of practice includes conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA), assessing developmental milestones, designing and implementing individualized service plans, and providing parent/caregiver coaching and education. John’s primary form of intervention is a play and evidence-based therapy known as Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). PRT is based on the foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis, which is the leading form of intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Find more about John at coloursofthespectrumaba.com and instagram @papajohnnyappleseed!
Find more about The Behavior Trap Podcast
Instagram: @TheBehaviorTrap
See Ya!

Apr 05, 202036:51

16. Laura Torres, M.S, BCBA - Florida

Hey everyone! Episode 16 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is Live! On Today's episode I interviewed Laura Torres. Laura Torres is from Venezuela and moved to the US in 2004. She graduated from the University of Central Florida where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She also obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. She’s a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as of Feb 2019 and is currently working with children who are diagnosed with ASD providing direct behavioral therapy both at school and at home settings. You can follow her @yourbehavioralguide to find out more !
Don't forget to hit that 5-star button and leave a rating and follow The Behavior Trap on
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Mar 31, 202045:46

13. Lani Lawson, M.Ed., BCBA - Illinois

Hey everyone! Episode 13 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is live. On today's podcast I got to interview Lani Lawson. Lani Lawson taught in an elementary self contained classroom for five years. Her greatest ambition was to achieve a lifetime as a classroom teacher. However in noticing the lack of information on effective practices available to educators, she committed to learning more until she could provide that support to schools. She has worked with students in a severe behavior unit, who engage in some of the most challenging behavior. That experience along with her own personal high-trauma childhood taught that every single student no matter the challenges can be successful. After years as a practicing school consult BCBA, she developed the Teach.Train.Thrive Curriculum for teachers that gives them exactly what they need to be optimistic in the classroom. Over the course of her career, she has worked with hundreds of educators. She works in schools regularly, as well as leading a team of BCBAs who provide support to educators. Her goal is to provide support that cultivates confident, happy teachers. She loves football and baseball and lives with her husband in the suburbs in Illinois! They have a pit mix named Boss and love weightlifting!

Mar 23, 202048:34

15. Michele Shilvock, M.Ed, BCBA - British Columbia

Hey Everyone! Episode 15 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is live. On this episode I got to speak with Michele Shilvock from British Columbia. Michele has a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master's in Special Education. Michele spent the early years of her career working with families of children with a wide variety of developmental and physical needs, providing 1:1 and small group support. Over time her career has shifted towards servicing families whose children were on the spectrum or who were experiencing behavior challenges. Michele spent 7 years as a clinical director for a not profit Autism agency, overseeing an integrated preschool, social skills groups and home-based EIBI programs. Recently, Michele has returned to private practice and joined a pediatric practice where she is part of an integral team supporting families who are experiencing challenging behaviors in the home and school settings. Michele has been in the field of autism and family behavior support for over 22 years. Finally, Michele provided community based training and education, school consultation and has been a speaker throughout BC.

Find Michele Shilvock

Instagram: @Micheleshilvockconsulting
Website: MicheleShilvock.com

Find The Behavior Trap Podcast

Instagram: @TheBehaviorTrap
Youtube: The Behavior Trap Podcast

See Ya!

Mar 23, 202036:14

14. Eden Simmons, M.A, BCBA, LPC - Texas

Hey everyone! Episode 14 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is live. On today's episode I got to speak with Eden Simmons.

Eden is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Professional Counselor from Midland TX. She currently works as a Mental Health Counselor at Odessa College providing individual counseling, crisis support, and mental health training across the campuses. Eden got her start in ABA back in 2014 after working with a client with Autism during her counseling practicum. Her career goal is to have a private counseling practice and to bridge the gap between the counseling and behavior analytic disciplines. In her free time, Eden enjoys spending time with family, running, and trying out new recipes!

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology-Baylor University 2008-2012
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology- Midwestern State University 2012-2014
Graduate Certification in Behavior Analysis- The University of North Texas-2015-2016
Current job: Licensed Professional Counselor- Odessa College

Find Eden Simmons

Instagram: edensimmonscounseling
Facebook: Eden Simmons Counseling

Find The Behavior Trap Podcast

Instagram: @TheBehaviorTrap
Youtube: The Behavior Trap Podcast

Mar 23, 202042:51

12. Salena Schilling, M.A., BCBA - Illinois

Hey everyone! Episode 12 of The Behavior Trap Podcast is live. On todays episode I got to speak with Salena Schilling Salena Schilling is a Chicago-based Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She completed a Dual Counseling Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Salena finds these modalities beneficial in the therapeutic relationship. Salena has experience working with a diverse population, and is currently focused on providing behavioral services to adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Salena has been in the field of Behavioral Science since 2010. Salena is currently an active participant in the following: IL Association for Behavior Analysis, ABAI, OBM, and the Dissemination of Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group. Outside of her work life, she is an avid traveler, reader and listens to an array of podcasts, including but not limited to the following: Ted Talks Daily, Keep It, Pod Save America, Arm Chair Expert, Do The Thing, This American Life, The Big Picture, The Rewatchable, and Binge Mode.
To find out more about Salena you can find her at these links.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/salena_schilling_bcba/
Twitter: twitter.com/BehaviorSD
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sssbehavior1/

To find out more about The Behavior Trap

Instagram: The Behavior Trap
Youtube: The Behavior Trap

Looking forward to talking to more everyday behavior analyst.

SEEEE YA!!!!!!!

Mar 17, 202042:20

11. Courtney Bilton, M.A., BCBA - Toronto

Hey everyone! Episode 11 is live! On todays epsidode I got to interview Courtney Bilton. Courtney became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in February 2014. She lives near Toronto, Canada and completed her Master of Arts in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University (St. Catharines, Canada). Courtney first learned about ABA in 2008 when she was hired by a provincially funded autism services provider to deliver one-to-one intensive behavioural intervention to children diagnosed with ASD. She immediately fell in love with the field of ABA and has been delivering ABA-based services to children and youth with developmental disabilities ever since (with a 1-year break in 2009 to be a nanny in Belgium and travel Europe, and 12-month maternity leaves in 2017 and 2019 after having each of her kids). For the past 5 years, Courtney has supported students with ASD and their educators as the students transition from in-centre/in-home ABA services to full-time school. Tune in to learn more about Courtney!
You can check out more about Courtney Bilton on Instagram: @BiltonBehaviour
Don't forget you follow The Behavior Trap Podcast on Youtube and Instagram @TheBehaviorTrap
See Ya!

Mar 09, 202045:30

10. Shane Spiker, PhD, BCBA - Florida

Shane Spiker is a BCBA in Ormond Beach, Florida. Shane received his MS of Psychology in 2012 from the University of Phoenix. In May 2019, he graduated with his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration on instructional design from Walden University. He has been immersed in the field of ABA for 10 years, with the majority of his experience with adults with autism and other disabilities. Shane specializes working with teens and adults with dangerous problem behavior, sexual behavior as well as medically complex individuals.
Primarily, Shane serves as the Director of Training and Dissemination at PBS, Corp. Currently, Shane is serving as the Vice President of the Sexual Behavior: Research and Practice SIG through ABAI. He has written and published several articles related to behavior analysis and practice. Additionally, he serves as a co-instructor at Florida Institute of Technology and Arizona State University, where he teaches graduate level coursework.
To learn more about Shane you can check him out on Instragram @Drshanetspiker, as well as his podcast Why We Do What We Do @wwdwwdpodcast.
Don't forget YOU can be on The Behavior Trap Podcast as well. Send an email to Thebehaviortrappodcast@gmail.com and we can make something happen!
I'm looking forward to talking to more everyday behavior analyst!
See Ya!

Feb 17, 202043:45

9. Megan Mackellar, M.S, RBT - Florida

Hey Everyone! On Episode 9 of The Behavior Trap Podcast I had the opportunity to talk to Megan Mackellar. Megan is currently a Senior 1 Animal Trainer at SeaWorld Orlando and an RBT with Life Skills Behavioral Services. She has been working in the behavior service delivery field for 20 years. This has given her experience with athletes, students, children with ASD and behavioral struggles, horses, pets, exotic reptiles, birds of prey, sharks, otters, penguins, pinnipeds, small mammals, pilot whales, and killer whales. She received her B.Sc. from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a major in marine biology, minor in chemistry, and concentrated in animal behavior research. There she studied the behavior of snails, freshwater muscles, and even jellyfish! The program sent her to the Dominican Republic for four months where she studied and observed Humpback whales. Megan’s senior research study questioned the correlation between the disposition compared to the learning curve and retention rates in canines.
She is a recent graduate from Purdue Global University with a M.Sc. specializing in ABA. Megan took a different path for her thesis and addressed an opportunity for the expansion of ABA within zoos, specifically with marine mammals. Her research established and operationally defined a socially significant behavior with killer whales, used a condensed functional analysis, and paired Behavior Skills Training with Discrete Trial Training. Many might feel that animal behavior studies should automatically be considered basic research, Megan’s study adds to the growing number of investigations demonstrating that applied animal behavior fits firmly within the seven dimensions of ABA.
Megan’s goals are to help bring awareness and address the current gap in knowledge of ABA technology within zoos, support the generalization of established behavior treatments within zoological facilities, increase the understanding and ABA technology within zoos, and demonstrate how the science of ABA can be used to operationally define, assess, and quantify animal welfare.
Tune In to learn more about Megan!
See Ya!

Feb 10, 202053:52

8. Sarah Hudgens, M.S. Ed., BCBA, COBA - Ohio

Hey Everyone! On Episode 8 of The Behavior Trap Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak to Sarah Hudgens. Sarah Hudgens received her Bachelors in Special Education from the University of Dayton. Sarah received her Masters in Special Education: Severe Disabilities and Autism from Florida University, and finally Sarah received her Masters in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology. Sarah is originally from St. Louis and is a die-hard Cards fan! She currently resides in Dayton, Ohio with her husband and 2 fur babies (Australian Shepherds Odie and Keeva). Sarah currently works full time as a special education teacher and part time as a BCBA in a private clinic. Sarah has taught elementary for 11 years, middle school for 1 year, and currently this is her first year at high school. She is currently on the district's behavior support team, and is a tutor for StudyNotes ABA. Sarah has a strong passion for helping others learn about ABA and use ABA principles and strategies in their classroom and try to spread all things ABA through her instagram page @Teacch.love.aba.

Fun Facts: Sarah is a competitive Irish dancer at the champion level!

Feb 03, 202042:18

7. Helen Fiteni, M.S., BCBA - California

Hey Everyone! On Episode 7 of The Behavior Trap Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak to Helen Fiteni. Helen found her way into Applied Behavior Analysis in 2003, when she began working at a preschool for children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Helen's love of working at this school led to her continuing her studies so she could excel in the field. Helen earned her Master's degree with a dual certification in Elementary and Special Education with an emphasis in child development from Long Island University, New York. Helen received her certification in Behavior Analysis in 2008.
Helen's current expertise includes early intervention, school consultation, parent training, and developing behavior management support programs, as well as overseeing staff and all agency operations!
Also, if YOU want to be ON The Behavior Trap podcast, then email me at TheBehaviorTrapPodcast@gmail.com, and we will see what we can do! I believe every Behavior Analyst has a story and is making a difference, and I want to hear it!
Follow me on
Instagram: @TheBehaviorTrap
Youtube: The Behavior Trap

See Ya!

Jan 27, 202038:29

6. Lynsie Boelsche, M.A., BCBA - Florida

Hey Everyone! On Episode 6 of The Behavior Trap podcast, I had the opportunity to speak to Lynsie Boelsche. Lynsie currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida. She completed her graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of South Florida's online program. She has been in the field for almost four years now.
If you are enjoying the podcast, be sure to subscribe and give the podcast a review! The reviews can go a long way!
Also, if you want to be ON the podcast, then email me at TheBehaviorTrapPodcast@gmail.com, and we will see what we can do. :D
Follow Me on
Instagram: @TheBehaviorTrap
Youtube: The Behavior Trap Podcast
See Ya!

Jan 22, 202025:04

5. Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA - Vancouver

Hey Everyone! On Episode 5 we got to talk to Nicole Shallow. Nicole is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, as of March 2019. She recently completed her 1500 hours of supervised hours and received a Masters in Special Education – Concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Nicole is a Category A - Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) in British Columbia as well as a member of the BC-ABA board, where she is the student representative.

Nicole has worked within the autism community for 7 years in a variety of positions, from one on one intervention, support team member for Canucks Autism Network swim program, and volunteer for SUPA society. Nicole has gained experience working with senior behavior analysts to implement natural environment teaching, developing play-based programming, collaborating with schools and other professionals, providing parent support and training of support staff.

Recently, Nicole's private practice has become more focused on empowering families to be a part of developing and implementing practical solutions to help improve overall quality of life. Within the scope of applied behavior analysis, Nicole is most interested in sleep coaching, and providing families with the tools to support their child towards the goal of independent and healthy sleep.

You can find what Nicole is up to at her practice at http://www.coastalridgeaba.ca/ and Instagram @YourbehaviourGal

See Ya!

Jan 17, 202036:33

4. Vanessa Montano, M.A., BCBA - New York City

Episode 4: In this episode of The Behavior Trap Podcast, I had the special opportunity to talk to Vanessa Montano. Lisa has been in the field for 7 years now and just recently became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Jan 12, 202027:59

2. Lisa Zenit, M.S., BCBA, LBA - Connecticut

Episode 2: In the episode of The Behavior Trap Podcast, I had the special opportunity to get to speak with Lisa Zenit. Lisa Zenit has been in the field of Special Education for 14 years now. Lisa recently became a BCBA in May of 2018. You'll have to tune in to learn more about her!

Jan 10, 202037:27

3. Meaghan Bracchitta, M.Ed., BCBA - New Jersey

Episode 3: In this episode of The Behavior Trap Podcast I got the opportunity to speak with Meaghan Bracchita. Meaghan currently resides in Northern New Jersey, approximately 45 minutes away from New York City. Meaghan has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 5 years now, and has worked in the field for just under 10. Meaghan is currently the only BCBA in her school district. Tune in to find out more!

Jan 10, 202034:43

1. Don’t Fall For The Trap

A short introductory episode about the podcast. This short episode includes details, format, and what to expect!

Jan 04, 202002:13