What is the DMV ABBA? It’s a new organization in the DC, MD, VA area. See Executive Director, Christy Evanko’s interview with their president, Kiyana Baker.
Christy: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Kiyana: My name is Kiyana Baker and I am the President of DMV ABBA. I have been in the field of ABA since 2016. I attended Delaware State University and obtained a bachelor’s of science and attended Russell Sage College and received my masters. I currently reside in Silver Spring Maryland where I work supervising in-home ABA programs.
Christy: What is the DMV ABBA?
Kiyana: DMV Association of Black Behavior Analysts (DMV ABBA) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that serves the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia Metropolitan area. We provide a safe space for individuals who identify as Black/African American practitioners in the Applied Behavior Analysis field. We aim to support Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) , Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), behavior technicians (BTs), parents and caregivers. We provide mentorship, advocacy, member relations, and community service.
Christy: Did you start the organization? What was the background?
Kiyana: I began the organization back in 2023, It began when a small group of African American ABA practitioners began having monthly social gatherings in the DMV area, and I noticed there was a need to have an official organization that represents and empowers African American ABA practitioners in the field. I then began an interest committee and from there we formed this organization to what it is today.
Christy: Who can become a member and how do they do that?
Kiyana: Anyone who aligns with our mission and vision can become members of DMV ABBA. They can sign up on our website at dmvabba.org
Christy: Can you tell us what is on the horizon for the group?
Kiyana: On April 27, 2024 we are having a mixer welcoming our new members and prospective members in Washington DC. We are also hosting a CEU event on April 29, 2024 with further details to come. To stay up to date with all our events follow us on instagram a@dmvabba