The Behavior Education Connection

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The Behavior Education Connection dives into the evolving world of behavior analysis in the public schools. Join us as practitioners in the field share insights on topics of interest to other practitioners and those who support them. Created with support from the Virginia Department of Education.

  1. 1d ago

    EP 62- Misinformation and School-Based Practice part 1

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we are talking about how school-based behavior analysts can practice compassionate care, both for themselves and for the teachers they support. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Liza Geonie, sharing insights about misinformation and behavior analysis! References related to this conversation can be downloaded here.    For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speaker: Dr. Liza Bergman-Geonie, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NY, is a behavior analyst, educator, researcher, and consultant with more than 27 years of experience in education and applied behavior analysis. She earned her Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst. Her professional interests include misinformation, digital literacy, verbal behavior, cultural selection, behavioral systems analysis, and the impact of emerging technologies on human behavior. Her doctoral research examined the effects of precommitment strategies and direct instruction on social media information-sharing behavior. Dr. Bergman-Geonie has presented nationally and internationally and has been published in The Behavioral Economics Guide 2026. She is passionate about translating behavioral science into practical applications that help professionals better understand contemporary social, cultural, and technological challenges. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 62- Misinformation and School-Based Practice part 1

  2. Sep 21

    BEST OF THE BEC: EP 52- BCBAs as School Administrators

    Join us this week for a classic episode from the BEC archives! Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we talk about problem solving models, and how they can benefit school teams supporting students and teachers in public school settings. Our guests for this episode are Courtney Wolfson from Fairfax County Public Schools and Jessica Olesevich from Stafford County Public Schools. Both will be sharing their experiences and reflections from serving as building administrators in their respective school divisions. For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speakers: Courtney Wolfson is an Assistant Principal with Fairfax County Public Schools and began her career as a dedicated Autism teacher working with kindergarden through fourth-grade students. She was then an ABA Coach prior to moving into her current administrative role. Jessica Olesevich is an Assistant Principal at Conway Elementary School in south Stafford, VA. She has over 15 years of experience in public education, including teaching, central office support, and school administration. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

  3. Sep 7

    EP 61- Compassionate, Behavior Analytic Care for Teachers

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we are talking about how school-based behavior analysts can practice compassionate care, both for themselves and for the teachers they support. Our guest for this episode is Amanda Steeley, special education teacher with Goochland County Public Schools, and author of Compassionate Care for Teachers: Strategies from Behavior Analysis, coming soon from Routledge. Check out the VAPSBAN Onboarding Modules here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh-MJUtgA84IS7FCFSlBvE-VGWnK2tZF6 For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speakers: Amanda Steeley is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and special education teacher in Goochland, Virginia.She is passionate about utilizing behavior analytic strategies to support wellness and growth for both students and teachers. Mrs. Steeley served as a public-school behavior analyst for Richmond Public Schools (RPS) in Richmond,Virginia, before returning to the classroom to do what she loves most—teach. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 61- Compassionate, Behavior Analytic Care for Teachers

  4. Aug 24

    EP 60- Onboarding for SBBAs

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we are talking onboarding for behavior analysts who may be new to a school, division, or to working in public school settings in general. Our guests for this episode are Andrea Curney from Virginia Beach Public Schools and Alison Kelley from Roanoke County Public Schools. Check out the VAPSBAN Onboarding Modules here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh-MJUtgA84IS7FCFSlBvE-VGWnK2tZF6 For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speakers: Andrea Curney is the Coordinator of Behavior Intervention for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Alison Kelley is a Behavior Analyst for Preschool Programs with Roanoke County Public Schools. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 60- Onboarding for SBBAs

  5. Aug 10

    EP 59- Resource Deep Dive: VAPSBAN White Paper

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we are talking about a resource created by the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network (VAPSBAN), Considerations for School Leadership in Leveraging School-based Behavior Analysis for Systemic Improvement in Public Education.Our guests for this episode are Daniel Irwin from VCU-ACE and Elizabeth Boynton from Stafford County Public Schools! Grab your own copy of the VAPSBAN white paper here: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/hms_fac_pubs/226/ For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speakers: Daniel Irwin is a Training and Technical Assistance Associate with the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Education (VCU-ACE). Elizabeth Boynton is an Applied Behavior Analyst with Stafford County Public Schools. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 59- Resource Deep Dive: VAPSBAN White Paper

  6. Jul 27

    BEST OF THE BEC- EP 38 - Leadership Panel

    Welcome to this best-of episode from the archives of The Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we revisit a fantastic panel discussion with school leaders who are also behavior analysts from across Virginia, and we're glad to have you join the conversation! Our guests for this episode are: Jennifer O'Berry, Virginia Department of Education Courtney Wolfson, Fairfax County Public Schools Jessica Olesevich, Stafford County Public Schools For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home As an added resource, check out the Professional Standards for School-Based Behavior Analysts at https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cdse_pubs/66/ Guest Speakers: Jennifer O’Berry is the Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Assistive Technology Specialist for the Virginia Department of Education. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with over 27 years of experience supporting students with disabilities in both public schools and private day school programs. She is passionate about systems change, staff development, and making evidence-based practices accessible for educators and families. Courtney Wolfson began her career as a dedicated Autism teacher, working with Kindergarten through 4th-grade students. This foundational experience led her to her current role as an ABA coach, where she supports the adults teaching in the Autism programs in utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis teaching techniques, classroom management, curriculum development, and data collection skills. She just completed her Educational Administration and Supervision endorsement, and finds immense joy in leveraging her ABA expertise to lead initiatives that drive impactful program changes, while always prioritizing meaningful instruction and student success. Jessica Olesevich is an Assistant Principal at Conway Elementary School in south Stafford, VA. She has spent over 15 years in public education, from teaching in the classroom, to supporting from central office, to school administration. In each role, she has used the science of human behavior to guide her vision and mission. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

  7. Jul 13

    EP 58- Professional Standards for SBBAs- Version 2.0

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, Selena is flying solo and doing a deep dive into the newest edition of the Professional Standards for School-Based Behavior Analysts! Grab your copy here: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/hms_fac_pubs/222/ For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 58- Professional Standards for SBBAs- Version 2.0

  8. Jun 29

    EP 57 Creating a Network- Kansas Style

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we talk about problem solving models, and how they can benefit school teams supporting students and teachers in public school settings. Our guests for this episode are Dr. Pam Scharping and Nichole Hitchcock, both from TASN ATBS and KAPSBAN in Kansas! For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speakers: Pam Scharping has a PhD from Capella University in Psychology specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a BCBA and LBA in the state of Kansas and currently works for TASN ATBS. Prior to that, she worked at a private residential school for over 20 years in a variety of positions, such as staff trainer, assistant director, and behavior analyst for the school and outpatient services. Her passion is training and coaching educators within the classroom environment. Nichole Hitchcock has been a state trainer with TASN Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports since 2018. She has a dual bachelor’s degree in K-6 general education/K-12 adaptive special education and a master’s degree in curriculum & instruction. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Kansas and has experience in public and private residential schools and alternative schools. She has been a resource teacher, life skills teacher, emotional disturbance teacher, behavior specialist, teacher mentor, and CPI trainer. She is passionate about supporting teams with gaining more positive outcomes for students with complex behavioral needs and building district capacity with implementing evidence-based practices. Host: Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts. Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music

    EP 57 Creating a Network- Kansas Style
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The Behavior Education Connection dives into the evolving world of behavior analysis in the public schools. Join us as practitioners in the field share insights on topics of interest to other practitioners and those who support them. Created with support from the Virginia Department of Education.

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