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. EP 56 Behavior Analysis and Reading Instruction

    Jun 15

    EP 56 Behavior Analysis and Reading Instruction

    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 guest for this episode is Dr. Michelle Hickman, Clinical Assistant Professor at Daemen University and Co-Founder of BRIDGE Learning. For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speaker: Dr. Michelle Hickman is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at Daemen University, where she teaches in the graduate Applied Behavior Analysis program. She joined Daemen in 2018 after serving as an adjunct faculty member and as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Training at The Summit Center. She holds a doctorate and master’s degree in special education from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland. She is a BCBA-D and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York. In addition to her work at Daemen, Michelle is a co-founder of BRIDGE Learning, a consulting and professional development organization that partners with schools and professionals to provide evidence-based training, coaching, and online learning opportunities. 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

    29 min

  2. Jun 1

    BEST OF THE BEC- Behavior Analysis in Schools Past and Future

    Welcome to this best-of episode from The Behavior Education Connection!In this episode, we're diving into the history of school-based behavior analysts and their work in public schools, and talking about the future and what is yet to be accomplished.Our guest for this episode is Wendi Jenkins from VCU'S Virginia Tiered Systems of Support Research & Implementation Center (VTSS-RIC).We'll discuss:-Early opportunities for behavior analysts to work in public schools-Future opportunities to enhance their impact-Strategies for overcoming barriers within public school settingsAnd more!For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vaps...Guest Speaker:Wendi is a Systems Coach at the Virginia Commonwealth University Research & Implementation Center. She works directly with school divisions implementing the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. She has worked as a school psychologist in a state facility, in the public schools, and in the home setting.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 MusicExplore the podcast

    28 min
  3. EP 55 Collaboration Between SLPs and BCBAs

    May 18

    EP 55 Collaboration Between SLPs and BCBAs

    Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we talk about collaboration and building relationships between SLPs and BCBAs to support student success. Our guest for this episode is Rose Griffin from ABA SPEECH! Learn more at https://abaspeech.org/ For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speaker: Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a passion for helping SLPs, BCBAs, and RBTs work together to support all autistic learners. She is the founder of ABA SPEECH, an organization dedicated to professional development that unites your team—and transforms communication through customized consultations, engaging trainings, and the ABA SPEECH Connection CEU Membership. Rosemarie is also the host of the popular ABA SPEECH Podcast, where she shares practical strategies. A highly sought-after speaker, she enjoys connecting with professionals at the local, state, and national levels. Her book "Say It With Me" is scheduled to come out in July of 2026. She can't wait to share easy to use strategies to encourage communication with professionals and parents alike! At the heart of Rosemarie’s work is the mission of ABA SPEECH: Keeping therapy fun and functional and collaborating along the way. 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

    25 min
  4. EP 54 Supporting Connecticut School-Based Behavior Analysts

    May 4

    EP 54 Supporting Connecticut School-Based Behavior Analysts

    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 guest for this episode is Dr. Ravit Stein from EASTCONN ACCESS. Learn more at https://www.eastconn.org/access-team. For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speaker: Dr. Ravit Stein, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, NCSP, directs EASTCONN’s ACCESS (Advancing Consultation & Coaching to Empower Student Success) team. At EASTCONN, Dr. Stein leads a multidisciplinary team that partners with Connecticut schools through responsive consultation, coaching, and sustainable systems-building. ACCESS helps districts strengthen MTSS implementation, design high-leverage strategies, and build internal capacity through strategic planning, embedded professional learning, and habit-based coaching. Dr. Stein contributes to the field by publishing empirical research and presenting at regional and national conferences, translating evidence into practical tools that support real-world application. A licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist, she also teaches graduate courses at UConn’s Neag School of Education and facilitates professional learning across the state. She is deeply committed to building collaborative, sustainable systems that give all learners equitable opportunities to thrive. 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

    37 min
  5. EP 53 Using the Competing Behavior Pathway

    Apr 20

    EP 53 Using the Competing Behavior Pathway

    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 guest for this episode is Elizabeth Boynton with Stafford County Public Schools. For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest For more information about the Competing Behavior Pathway and its use with the FBA/BIP process, check out www.https://basicfba.com/about-us/ For a downloadable copy of the Competing Behavior Pathway, visit: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gu6Mp9mgqJuXBPZ05yt_TSvwlPkNIUKy0AM4C18in0M/copy Speakers: Elizabeth Boynton, MEd, BCBA, LBA is an Applied Behavior Analyst in Stafford Country Public Schools. In her current role, Elizabeth supports both staff and students by coaching staff to implement evidence-based interventions and serving as the division’s subject matter expert on functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention. Additionally, Elizabeth has multiple years working in both an ABA clinic setting and as a middle school math teacher.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

    16 min

  6. Apr 6

    BEST OF The BEC: Disseminating Behavior Analysis in Public Schools

    Welcome to this BEST OF episode of The Behavior Education Connection! In this episode, we talk about strategies for disseminating behavior analysis in public school settings to a variety of stakeholders. Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Carpenter, Coordinator in the Office of Special Education with the West Virginia Department of Education. We'll discuss: -Needs of various school personnel when it comes to supporting behavior -Strategies for effective collaboration -Resources to further support that collaboration And more! Grab your own copy of the Behavior Blueprint: Crafting Strategies for Supporting Your Classroom here: https://wvde.us/sites/default/files/2025-10/Behavior%20Blueprint%202025-acc.pdf For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠ Guest Speaker: Jennifer Carpenter is a Coordinator in the Office of Special Education at the West Virginia Department of Education and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Jennifer brings extensive experience in mental health and behavioral support for children, educators and families. 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

    42 min
  7. EP 52 BCBAs as School Administrators

    Mar 23

    EP 52 BCBAs as School Administrators

    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

    32 min
  8. EP 51 Leadership Beyond Roles and Titles

    Mar 9

    EP 51 Leadership Beyond Roles and Titles

    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 guest for this episode is Indy Watts-Graves with Loudon County Public Schools. We'll discuss: -The impact individuals can have as leaders, regardless of their role in school settings; -Ways to build relationships and capacity And more! For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home⁠Guest Speaker: Indya Watts-Graves, BCBA, LBA, IBA, CTRS-E is the Coordinator of Specialized Behavior Support with Loudon County Public Schools. She works with classroom teams, PBIS teams, SEL teams, and the Office of Coaching and Mentoring to develop and support professional development for various audiences and program support for student needs. 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

    20 min
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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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