Cooperant Learning Podcast

Cooperant Learning

Interviews with behavior analysts, researchers, and practitioners exploring where the field of ABA is headed. From adult services and education to organizational behavior management, health, and basic research, Cooperant Learning Podcast dives into the science, ethics, and future of behavior analysis.

  1. MAY 15

    Cooperant Learning Presents: Behavior Business Roundtable | Episode 2: Training, Reality, and the Ethics Gap

    Behavior Business Roundtable Episode 2! Kristen @upskillaba and Taylor @ebbandflowaba join Steve Sparks to discuss BCBA education, the impact of workplace policies, and how to better prepare behavior analysts for real challenges in the field when the line between ethics and policy blurs. Our panel discusses mentorship, ethical dilemmas, and systemic issues affecting the field.

    53 min

  2. MAY 13

    Cooperant Learning | Brain Injury and Behavior Analysis | Christina Peters and Chris Schaub

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Brain Injury and Behavior Analysis | Christina Peters and Chris Schaub CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary: This episode we explored the complex world of traumatic brain injury (TBI), featuring insights from experts and behavior analysts Christina Peters and Christopher Schaub. We discussed symptoms, behavioral challenges, and treatment strategies for TBI from a behavioral lens, emphasizing the importance of understanding the inside story of each individual’s injury and recovery process. This episode explores the integration of behavior analysis in brain injury rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of medical, behavioral, and activity stability. Christina Peters and Chris Schaub share insights on interdisciplinary teamwork, community reintegration, and the future of research in this vital field. Guests Dr. Christina Peters has dedicated her career to the dissemination of behavior science across the laboratory, clinic, and classroom. She holds a Master’s in Special Education from Temple University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. While at the University of Nevada, Reno Christina worked with a team that used mice as subjects to explore the relationship between behavior and various physiological conditions through interdisciplinary collaborations with experts in biomedicine, pharmacology and reproductive endocrinology. This work has been published in a wide variety of journals including: The Psychological Record, Behavioral Processes, Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis and Human Reproduction.  In the clinical domain Christina has experience working with individuals in post-acute neurorehabilitation settings treating those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. Christina has co-authored publications on the application of behavior analysis towards the treatment of brain injuries including a chapter for the Essential Brain Injury Guide 4th and 5th eds. Which is the textbook used to train Certified Brain Injury Specialists through the Brain Injury Association of America. Christina currently serves as the chair for ABAIs Brain Injury Special Interest Group Research Sub-Committee. In the classroom, Christina is dedicated to advancing high-quality, online graduate training to reach students who are limited by geography or finances. Currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, she serves as the Director of a newly launched online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis—a program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Chris Schaub has worked in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation since 1995, focused on neurobehavioral programming for individuals with all levels of impairment. After earning his Master’s degree from Temple University- under the mentorship of Phil Hineline and Saul Axelrod- he spent 20 years as the BCBA within an interdisciplinary team, working in an intensive, neurobehavioral setting for adults with acquired brain injuries. Following his organization’s expansion, Chris transitioned into the role of national behavior analyst for Collage Rehabilitation Partners. In this capacity, he provides consultation to their BCBAs and interdisciplinary teams within their neurorehabilitation programs nationwide. A dedicated contributor to the field, Chris regularly presents at professional conferences in both Brain Injury and Behavior Analysis, and publishes on the application of behavior analysis in brain injury rehabilitation; notably, he co-authored the Neurobehavioral Complications chapter in the most recent editions of the Essential Brain Injury Guide. As part of a broader commitment to the ABA and ABI communities, Chris has supervised ABA students and BCBAs in brain injury rehabilitation for over two decades, served as a brain injury subject matter expert for the BACB, and is currently the president of the Brain Injury Special Interest Group within ABAI. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania, teaching graduate courses on the experimental analysis of behavior and acquired brain injury. Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    1h 20m

  3. MAY 7

    Cooperant Learning | Assessing Social Validity in Functional Analysis | Michael Kranak & Isaac Melanson

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Assessing Social Validity in Functional Analysis | Michael Kranak & Isaac Melanson CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary In this episode our guests navigate the research on social validity and functional analysis in behavior analytic research while discussing their paper "A concise review of social validity assessments during functional analyses of challenging behavior."  Research: Stephens MJ, Wessel MA, Melanson IJ, Kranak MP. A concise review of social validity assessments during functional analyses of challenging behavior. J Appl Behav Anal. 2025 Oct Autumn (Fall);58(4):896-905. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70031. Epub 2025 Oct 1. PMID: 41032242; PMCID: PMC12654957. Guests Michael Kranak, PhD, BCBA-D is an Associate Professor and the Director of Research for the Center for Autism at Oakland University. His research interests primarily include relapse of problem behavior, supervision best practices, and protection of the profession of behavior analysis. Dr. Kranak has accrued nearly $2 million in extramural funding to support his research and clinical endeavors, including from the NIH. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, working out, cooking, golfing; and is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.  Dr. Isaac Melanson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D). His research and clinical work focus on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of challenging behavior, the evaluation of safe and valid functional assessment methods, and the study of preference and choice patterns among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr #bcba #bcaba #registeredbehaviortechnician #rbt #appliedbehavioranalysis #behaviorscience #aba #behavioranalysis #schedulesofreinforcement #bcbasofinstagram #bcbasoftiktok

    50 min

  4. MAY 6

    Cooperant Learning Presents: Behavior Business Roundtable | Episode 1: The Quality Crisis in ABA

    Cooperant Learning Presents: Behavior Business Roundtable | Episode 1: The Quality Crisis in ABA What does ‘quality’ in ABA really mean? Let’s unpack this critical conversation. In our first episode of the Behavior Business Roundtable, we dive deep into the ongoing Quality Crisis in ABA.  Kristen Byra @upskillaba, Steve Sparks @thedocanalyzesanything and Taylor Barker @ebbandflowaba join Cooperant Miniseries "Behavior Business Roundtable" to discuss quality from a behavior analytic business owner perspective. Let’s keep this conversation going. What does quality mean to you in your practice?

    1h 14m

  5. MAR 23

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | From Dose to Data: Tracking Behavioral Change with Precision | Alison Cox

    Cooperant Learning Podcast |  From Dose to Data: Tracking Behavioral Change with Precision  | Alison Cox   Quick note: We ran into some tech issues, so this episode is audio-only.   CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!   Summary: Dr. Alison Cox returns to discuss the complexities of psychotropic medication use for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics include medication effects, monitoring strategies, the case for single case designs in med effect evaluation and research gaps, emphasizing the importance of systematic assessment and collaboration. Guests (from brocku.ca) Alison Cox is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Disability Studies. She completed her doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cox is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst at the doctoral level and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ont). She has over 15 years of experience working in the field of Behaviour Analysis. Throughout her research and clinical work, Dr. Cox has developed specific expertise in assessing and treating severe challenging behaviour in individuals with dual diagnosis, supporting skill acquisition in individuals with dual diagnosis, and supervising early intensive behavioural intervention programs.  Survey Opportunity! Drake and Brock University researchers are enacting this project to gain perspective on the status of board certified behavior analysts’ (BCBA) general understanding of psychotropic medication’s potential effects on behavior; how they have gained that understanding, and if that understanding influences their practice with regard to how psychotropic medication effects are considered during the delivery of behavioral services (e.g., reduce challenging behavior, enhance skill acquisition). If you are board-certified and interested in participating, click this link: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B1U5KVDoDbIwgS Research Cox AD, Pritchard D, Penney H, Eiri L, Dyer TJ. Demonstrating an Analyses of Clinical Data Evaluating Psychotropic Medication Reductions and the ACHIEVE! Program in Adolescents with Severe Problem Behavior. Perspect Behav Sci. 2021 Feb 12;45(1):125-151. doi: 10.1007/s40614-020-00279-3. PMID: 35342870; PMCID: PMC8894527. Cox AD, Virues-Ortega J. Long-term functional stability of problem behavior exposed to psychotropic medications. J Appl Behav Anal. 2022 Feb;55(1):214-229. doi: 10.1002/jaba.873. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34329500. Cox, A. D., Davis, S., & Feldman, M. (2022). Medication training for behavior analysts.Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 22(1), 130–142. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000240 Song M, Rubin BS, Ha JW, Ware RS, Doan TN, Harley D. Use of psychotropic medications in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2023 May;57(5):661-674. doi: 10.1177/00048674221149864. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36700564. Stellato, S., Cox, A.D., Thillainathan, T. et al. Psychotropic Medication Adjustment Patterns in Treatment Literature Featuring Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behavior. J Dev Phys Disabil (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-025-10027-7 Valdovinos MG, Roberts C, Kennedy CH. Functional analysis of tardive dyskinesia: implications for assessment and treatment. J Appl Behav Anal. 2005 Summer;38(2):239-42. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2005.53-04. PMID: 16033170; PMCID: PMC1226159.   Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com   Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    1h 12m

  6. MAR 12

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavior Analysis in Residential Care | Nick Christensen

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavior Analysis in Residential Care | Nick Christensen CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary: Today we talked with Nick Christensen, a BCBA and the clinical lead at HOMES Residential Care, a BCBA-owned and operated adult foster care home service in Michigan. Nick walks us through opportunities and challenges in group homes and adult foster care homes including treatment integrity, restrictive practices, staff training, and systemic changes to promote least restrictive environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:19 The Evolution of Homes Residential Care 09:11 Nick's Role and Responsibilities 12:05 Consultative Role vs. Direct Care 18:18 Handling Challenging Behaviors 21:10 Discussion on Restrictive Practices 22:13 Crisis Intervention Strategies 23:59 Combating the Normalization of Restrictive Practices 25:01 Data-Driven Decision Making 27:08 Ethics in Behavior Analysis 29:15 Creating Positive Environments 31:09 Staff Training and Retention 33:11 Behavior Analytic Approaches in Staffing 35:07 Organizational Behavior Management 37:07 Challenges in the Adult Service System 49:36 Redesigning the Adult Service System Guests Nick is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst and the President of Clinical Services at HOMES Residential Care. He grew up in Middleville, MI and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2017. In May of 2020, Nick earned his Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and passed the BCBA exam in September of that year. Nick has experience providing in-home ABA therapy to children with autism, and has also provided these services in a clinical setting. Prior to becoming certified and licensed, Nick served as a behavior technician for Sparks Behavioral Services for nearly three years, where he trained, implemented, and monitored behavior treatment plans of adults who live in specialized residences Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    55 min

  7. MAR 5

    Cooperant Learning | Precision Teaching and Measurement of Private Events | Jared Van & Rick Kubina

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Precision Teaching and Measurement of Private Events | Jared Van & Rick Kubina  CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary: In this episode we invited Jared Van and Rick Kubina to explore the challenge with measurement of private events within a behavior analytic framework. Topics we touch on include the history of private events within Skinner's radical behaviorism, a literature review of private events and precision teaching methods (from Van & Kubina, 2026) and implications for future research.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:36 Introducing the Guests and Their Backgrounds 03:09 Exploring Private Events in Behavior Analysis 11:15 The Role of Neuroscience in Understanding Private Events 16:46 Self-Reporting vs. Self-Counting in Data Collection 22:32 Measuring Inner Behavior and Responses 24:43 Understanding Inner Behavior Interventions 26:29 The Importance of Addressing Inner Behaviors 29:59 Exploring Anxiety and Depression in Behavior Analysis 32:25 Measuring Private Events and Social Validity 36:21 The Role of Self-Reporting in Behavior Change 40:23 Interventions for Positive Self-Talk 43:09 Integrating Interventions in Educational Settings 46:25 Future Directions in Research on Inner Behavior 50:27 Expanding Research for Diverse Populations Resources Measuring Change in Private Events: A Review of Precision Teaching Interventions for Inner Behavior - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42822-025-00241-5 Jared Van's Website and Standard Acceleration Chart - https://www.jaredvan.com/ PrecisionX - https://precisionx.centralreach.com/ Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    1 hr

  8. FEB 24

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Mand Modality Preference Assessments | Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Mand Modality Preference Assessments | Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero CEUs  Cooperant Learning is a project of Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004), an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to episodes by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero help us explore Mand Modality Preference Assessments (MMPAs) in the context of functional communication training. We get into the definition and application of MMPAs, the research behind caregiver versus child preferences, and the implications of autonomy and self-determination in communication. The guests share insights from their research, discuss the challenges of implementing these assessments, and highlight future research directions of their lab in the field of behavior analysis. Guests Cynthia Livingston, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor and board-certified behavior analyst in the Specialized Behavior Intervention Department (formerly, Severe Behavior Department) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Livingston’s clinical and research work focuses on the assessment and treatment of severe, challenging behavior using the scientist–practitioner model. Her research emphasizes the application of functional analysis to inform individualized intervention, with a particular interest in optimizing functional communication training (FCT). Within this line of work, she examines mand modality preference assessments (MMPAs) to better understand how response form, effort, and individual preference influence treatment outcomes, efficiency, and durability within the context of FCT. Her goal is to enhance the precision and social validity of behavioral interventions by integrating empirical rigor with client-centered decision making. At MMI, Dr. Livingston serves as a case manager across day treatment, intensive outpatient, and follow-up clinics, providing evidence-based assessment and intervention for children with severe problem behavior. She works closely with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers to translate behavioral science into practical, sustainable strategies that promote challenging behavior reduction, skill acquisition, and long-term quality of life. Dr. Livingston is deeply committed to mentorship and training the next generation of behavior analysts. She views mentorship as an extension of the scientist–practitioner model—teaching students not only how to implement evidence-based procedures, but how to think analytically, evaluate data critically, and adapt interventions thoughtfully in complex clinical contexts. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys yoga, discovering new Trader Joe’s snacks, and maintaining a respectable bedtime. Alexandra Cicero is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst currently working in the Specialized Behavior Intervention Department (formerly Severe Behavior Department) at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center. She specializes in assessing and treating challenging behavior in individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her clinical and research interests include functional communication training (FCT), caregiver training, and mand modality preference. Alexandra is passionate about creating meaningful, individualized treatment plans and collaborating closely with families to promote long-term success across settings. She also enjoys teaching and mentoring future behavior analysts and values creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Interviews with behavior analysts, researchers, and practitioners exploring where the field of ABA is headed. From adult services and education to organizational behavior management, health, and basic research, Cooperant Learning Podcast dives into the science, ethics, and future of behavior analysis.

Information

  • Creator
    Cooperant Learning
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Cooperant Learning Podcast