Conference Speakers 2026

Ivy Chong, PhD, BCBA-D

Keynote: Defining and Measuring Meaningful Outcomes in ABA Services for Autism Spectrum Disorders (1 CEU)

Abstract: Many autistic individuals will require continuous healthcare and social services to meet their evolving needs, with lifetime costs estimated at up to $2.4 million (Buescher et al., 2014). While many treatment modalities exist, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is considered the gold standard and remains the only evidence-based practice for treating ASD. As a result, there is increasing discussion around meaningful outcomes associated with ABA services for individuals with ASD. However, there is still no industry consensus on what outcomes should be measured or how to assess meaningful impact. This session will explore two frameworks—ICHOM and BHCOE—that have been developed to drive consensus on the measurement of outcomes. Additionally, the session will provide an overview of key terminology, including a discussion of quality, quality control, and quality assurance. An Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) model will be used as an example to offer practical guidance for measurement in practice. Finally, barriers to implementation and the need for alignment among providers, patients, and payers will be addressed.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain the significance of outcome measurement in ABA services to improve treatment planning.
2. Participants will be able to identify and describe two key frameworks—ICHOM and BHCOE—developed to standardize outcome measurement in ABA therapy.
3. Participants will be able to list common barriers to implementing outcome measurement in ABA.

Biography: Dr. Ivy Chong (she/her) is the Chief Clinical Officer of Little Leaves Behavioral Services and has 28 years’ experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. She received a doctorate from Western Michigan University in Behavior Analysis and a post-doctoral MBA in Healthcare Management, from Florida Institute of Technology. Ivy previously served as Senior Vice President of Children’s Services at May Institute (2017 – 2023), the Director of Autism Services and Training at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment, and Associate Professor in the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts at Florida Institute of Technology (2008 – 2017). Ivy has been an active SME with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) since 2005 and currently serves on the board of directors and is the Treasurer. She lives in Florida with her teenage daughter and husband. Obsessions include Orangetheory, travel, and weekend cruises at least twice per year.

Workshop: Building Resilience Together: Addressing Burnout and Promoting Wellness in ABA Services  (3 CEUs)

Abstract:

Objectives: 

Anika Costa, M.S.Ed, BCBA

Keynote: Humble Behaviorism: Cultivating Cultural Competence and Prosocial Behavior in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 CEU)

Abstract: Developing a professional identity through self-awareness drives behavior change and helps recognize behaviors within our shared culture as behavior analysts. This process is essential for the growth and advancement of our field. Behavior analysts must reflect on their behaviors and values to serve consumers effectively and with humility. This keynote presentation will examine prosocial social and emotional competence (SEC) for behavior analysts and the influence of our collective awareness on forming a professional identity and ethical practice in ABA. Ultimately, we will discuss how behavior analysts can embody these values to provide quality service, implement best practices, and shape the field’s reputation.

Objectives: 

Participants will be able to:

• Define Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Social and Emotional Competence (SEC), and prosocial behavior, and explain their importance to behavior analysts, using examples from their shared culture.
• Use the ACT Matrix to identify behaviors that promote or hinder individual and collective interests, analyzing how these behaviors relate to the four SEL competencies.
• Identify the concept of cultural competence within the field of ABA and propose specific actions or behaviors that behavior analysts can adopt to humbly serve and embody the competencies of being aware of our behavior collectively.

Biography:  Anika Costa is a board-certified behavior analyst and the Founder & Chief Performance Officer of The Operant Teacher, LLC. With over two decades of experience in education, behavior science, and organizational consulting, she specializes in performance improvement, instructional design, and professional development for educators, clinicians, and organizations. Anika has served as a classroom teacher, adjunct faculty member, coach, and consultant, blending practical expertise with evidence-based strategies to build sustainable systems of support. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, she is passionate about translating behavior science into actionable practices that improve learning, leadership, and outcomes.

Workshop: The School Consultant’s Toolkit: From Quick Wins to Lasting Impact (3 CEUs)

Abstract: School consultants often face a dual challenge: gaining buy-in for change while ensuring interventions have lasting impact. This interactive 3-hour workshop equips behavior analysts working in schools with practical strategies to achieve immediate impact while building sustainable systems for long-term success. Drawing from Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), participants will learn to integrate the momentum-building power of Quick Wins with The Behavioral Toolbox® Consulting framework. Through case examples, short activities, and guided reflection, participants will take away strategies to boost engagement, accelerate progress, and align their consulting actions with their professional values. Participants will leave with a toolkit of actionable strategies to strengthen their school consulting effectiveness and produce lasting change.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the five processes in a school consulting system and explain how they collaborate to address performance and behavior challenges, focusing on strategies to maintain consultant effectiveness and ensure values alignment.
2. Use performance diagnostics to determine performance barriers.
3. Identify and prioritize Quick Wins that build momentum and stakeholder buy-in.

Rebecca Womack, MS, LBA, BCBA

Workshop: Integrating AI: Considerations, Safeguards, and Applications for ABA Clinical Use (1.5 Ethics/1.5 Learning CEUs)

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has an undeniable presence within the profession of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Nearly every type of technology now incorporates some form of AI, and opportunities for behavior analysts to integrate these tools into clinical practice are expanding daily. Yet, the selection, adoption, and deployment of AI systems by practitioners have outpaced the development of laws, regulations, and guidelines designed to safeguard their use in healthcare. As a result, ABA organizations and providers must navigate the complexities of AI integration and make informed decisions without industry-specific guidance.

Organizations such as the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) have begun publishing practice parameters to help educate the field. However, providers and professionals must also seek out additional resources to deepen their understanding of the considerations, safeguards, and applications of AI in ABA services.

This workshop will provide an overview of the ways AI can be applied throughout the treatment trajectory of a client’s care. It will also explore clinical and practical considerations for implementation and outline strategies for safeguarding its use with providers, parents, and clients.

Objectives: 

1. Attendees will learn how AI can be applied across the treatment trajectory of ABA services, from assessment through ongoing care and data management.
2.  Attendees will understand key clinical and ethical considerations for integrating AI into ABA practice, including risks, benefits, and limitations.
3.  Attendees will learn strategies and safeguards to ensure responsible use of AI with providers, parents, and clients.

Biography:

Rebecca Womack, MS, LBA, BCBA:

Rebecca has been privileged to serve adults and children using applied behavior analysis (ABA) in settings such as facility-based care, group homes, day centers, clinics, and family homes both across the United States and overseas. In addition to her clinical experience, Rebecca is passionate about ABA service delivery aligning with generally accepted standards of care. With an expertise in applying health care documentation requirements and systems of compliance, she served as the lead author of a chapter on organizational documentation guidelines for ABA services.

Rebecca served as co-chair of the Documentation Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), and the  co-leader for the CASP AI/ML Workgroup, an appointed Subject Matter Expert for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Rebecca also has extensive experience with public policy work. Not only is she an experienced presenter at national conferences, she has also won national awards for her role as an advocate and work to support ABA organizations in delivering quality services.

Rebecca currently serves as the Director of Applied Behavior Analysis for Optum, where she leads initiatives to advance the quality, compliance, and effectiveness of ABA services at scale. In addition to her leadership role, she continues to provide selective consulting through RAW Consulting Solutions, offering education and guidance to ABA organizations and professionals. Across all capacities, her focus remains on making a meaningful impact through effective and efficient services grounded in the science of behavior analysis.

Trevor F. Stokes PhD., BCBA-D, LBA, LCP

Workshop: Parenting Practice: Intersections of Applied Behavior Analysis and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Procedures (3 Learning CEUs)

Abstract:

Parenting support for children with developmental and disruptive behavior disorders is frequently requested and valued by families. Parents are important in the lives of children, and family work often engages parents in the delivery of treatment interventions in their own natural settings. This enhances the efficiency and generalization of treatment to improve behavioral repertoires for children. Applied Behavior Analysis and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy both have recommended and evidence-based procedures for facilitating development and management of challenging behaviors shown by children. There are similarities and differences in the concepts and practice of parenting work usingABA and PCIT. We will consider the principles and practice of ABA and PCIT and the intersections of these procedures in parenting interventions. Examples of my own parenting casework over many decades of clinical practice in homes, schools, hospitals and clinics will be incorporated to provide knowledge about parenting interventions and successful outcomes for children.

Objectives: 

1. Understand the principles and technical practice of Applied Behavior Analysis and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, as they relate to parenting interventions and
2. Understand the intersections and commonalities between ABA and PCIT protocols and procedures in the treatment of children with autism and disruptive behavior
3. Understand parenting consultation and family support for children with ASD in their homes, schools, hospitals and clinics. Engage in treatment planning and problem­ solving utilizing parenting consultation examples presented in the workshop.

Biography:

Trevor F. Stokes PhD., BCBA-D, LBA, LCP:

Dr. Trevor Stokes is the Alvin V. Baird Centennial Chair in Psychology at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is a Professor of Graduate Psychology and Director of the Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center at the JMU Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. Dr. Stokes is a BCBA-D licensed as a Behavior Analyst in Virginia. He has been active in university teaching, clinic supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, and clinical practice for 45 years as a licensed Clinical Psychologist. He began studying with Donald M. Baer as a teenager while an undergraduate student at the University of Western Australia, when Baer was on sabbatical leave. He then travelled to the USA, where he completed his master’s degree and a doctorate in Developmental and Child Psychology at the University of Kansas. Subsequently, he completed an augmentation program to qualify for licensure in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Stokes has held academic appointments at the University of Manitoba, West Virginia University, the University of South Florida, and for the past 17 years at James Madison University. Throughout his career he has remained active in clinical work, including extensive consultation practice with parents in homes, schools, hospitals and clinics. His career scholarship has resulted in over 10,000 citations of his publications noted by Google Scholar. In 2025, he was given the E. Scott Geller Award for Distinguished Service to Applied Behavioral Science at the annual conference of the Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis,