Behavior Analysts, Inc.

Biannual Newsletter

February 2009

Happy New Year!

2008 proved to be a year of extraordinary change for our company but it has led us to a great start for 2009!  We now have the ability to support and service more children, families, schools and organizations than we ever imagined.  In line with Dr. Partington’s personal mission statement, “To reach as many children, families, and schools as I possibly can to provide the best possible outcomes”, we are excited to share updated Behavior Analysts, Inc. news and information about scheduled events.

We’ve Moved!

In October 2008 Behavior Analysts, Inc. consolidated its offices and programs and moved to one site located at 311 Lennon Lane, Suite A, in Walnut Creek CA 94598.   Our contact number remains the same, (925) 210-9370.  We are in one beautiful location easily accessible to all.  Part of this facility is dedicated to our Learner Profile and Clinic Classrooms, where we are able to serve many children throughout the day.  We have a large conference room to conduct staff development and training workshops.  Our procurement services and accounting department are now centrally located. See photos

Conferences

Dr. Partington has been participating and speaking at many conferences in the past few months. See pictures of these conferences, here.  This year we will be showcasing our products and services along with speaking engagements and providing assistance to families and schools through several events.  Here are some upcoming scheduled events:

1st International Conference on ASD Feb 20-22, 2009 Detroit, MI
Autism Intervention Conference Mar 25-29, 2009 Columbia, MO
FSU-Panama City Mar 27-28, 2009 Panama City, FL
CEC April 1-4, 2009 Seattle, WA
Autism ONE May 21-24, 2009 Chicago, IL

Check our website frequently, as we routinely update our workshop calendar.

Our Consultants Are On the Move

We would like you to meet our wonderful consultants who are committed to helping children and families throughout the world.

Melissa Brown-  Melissa has been working for Behavior Analysts, Inc for a little over a year. She has completed the coursework for her Master’s Degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently working on writing her thesis.  She grew up in the Midwest and loves working with all children, but has a passion for working with children with autism.  She also enjoys outdoor activities.  Melissa currently services clients located in the Northern California area and at our clinic facility.

Holli Henningsen, MA. BCBA- Holli has been working with children with autism and their families since 1997 and joined the Behavior Analysts team in 2007. During her career she has worked as a 1:1 behavior interventionist in home programs and schools, as a teaching assistant, teacher, and now as an educational consultant.  In 2005 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Portland State University and in 2007 and a Master’s in Teaching as Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College Columbia University.  She is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a credentialed teacher in regular education & special education in both California and New York.  Holli currently has clients in Northern California, Hawaii, and New York.

Nissa Intarachote, M.A. BCBA- Nissa joined Behavior Analysts, Inc. one year ago, after completing her Master’s Degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she wrote her thesis on inclusion for a child with autism.  Nissa received her Bachelor’s Degree at UC Irvine in Southern California.  Her passion for working with children with autism began over 8 years ago. She is passionate about verbal behavior, natural environment training, fluency based training, and joins the team with extensive experience in peer training and inclusion.  Nissa currently has clients in Northern California, Southern California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey.

Carmen Martin, M.S.- Carmen has been with Behavior Analysts Inc. consulting team for 10 years.  She has worked for almost 15 years in the field of behavioral psychology.  She received her Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical-Behavioral Psychology from Eastern Michigan University, and moved to California to mentor under the supervision of Dr. Partington.  Carmen has been trained to use the methods of applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior teachings of B.F. Skinner; and she provides training and consultation to families, school districts and other professionals across the country.  In her spare time, she enjoys music, meditation and traveling.  Carmen currently has clients in Northern California, Hawaii, New York, and Hong Kong.

Michael Edmondson, B.A- Michael joined the Behavior Analysts, Inc. team in November 2005 as an instructional assistant at STARS School and has now been a part of our wonderful consultant team for over a year.  He attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR for his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Communications.  He is currently searching for a Graduate program where he can further his education.  Michael truly enjoys working with children with autism and spends his free time participating in video production, biking, snowboarding, surfing, swimming, and soccer.

Laura Nachtman, B.A.-Laura Nachtman received a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree and credential in Educational Psychology at Chapman University.  She has several years of experience with exceptional students, both in the home and classroom.  She loves really getting to know her students to find solutions and enjoys seeing each child meet and exceed their potential.

New Trainings and Workshops Available

Dr. Partington and our staff have developed and provided many new training workshops in 2008. Some of the topics include Positive Facilitation, Inclusion, and Classroom Management-Start to Finish.  If you’re interested in scheduling a workshop in your area please contact Autumn Bailey at bailey@behavioranalysts.com or 925-262-8523.

Our Research Continues

We are currently conducting research in order to identify and compare differences in acquisition of specific language and learning skills between typically developing children and those with autism using the WebABLLSTM, the online version of the ABLLSTM-R.  These data are predicted to demonstrate that the ABLLSTM-R is able to quantify significant and consistent changes in the development of the skills included in the assessment as child’s chronological age increases.  The collection of data for this research will ultimately lead to the use of the tool to identify normative data that can be used by parents and professionals to provide criterion-based measures to help identify differences in the acquisition of basic language and learning skills between children with ASD and typically developing children at specific ages.  Furthermore, these data will help parents and practitioners identify developmentally appropriate targets for skill training interventions.  Preliminary findings were presented by Dr. Partington at the International ABA in Chicago, Illinois in May 2008 via poster presentation.

The WebABLLS™

The WebABLLSTM is quickly approaching its second year of existence.  It is utilized by parents, professionals, and schools across the country and abroad as it can quickly help users develop IEPs and progress reports.  It has become the assessment tool of choice among its users, as it easily enables you to assess, track, and report about your learners.  To view an exciting demo of our online version of the ABLLSTM-R, click here.

Media

The first book in Dr. Partington’s new series “Teach Your Children Well” was released in May of 2008.  It is titled, Capturing the Motivation of Children with Autism or Other Developmental Delays.  This easy to read guide assists you in identifying the strategies that are effective in working with and preparing your child to become ready and willing to learn.  It’s a must have book for anyone working with a child who has autism.  Watch our website, as Dr. Partington’s next book in the series is scheduled for release in 2009!

Dr. Partington was a featured speaker on Autism ONE radio in November 2008.  Visit www.autismone.org for more information.

Dr. Partington will be sharing an in depth article with Autism File Magazine for their April 2009 edition.  Visit Autism File online to subscribe www.autismfile.com.

We are currently developing new training DVD’s which are expected to be released in the spring of 2009.  Please watch our website for details!

Partnerships

Behavior Analysts, Inc. is proud and excited to announce new partnerships with Watch Me Learn, Inc. and Different Roads to Learning!  Complementary products are available to provide our customers with solutions to the whole language approach.

• Watch Me Learn provides comprehensive, evidence-based social skills teaching curriculum for parents, therapists and educators of special needs children. Based on an instructional method referred to as video-modeling, the products use video to teach. This simple technique is highly effective for the treatment of Autism, Asperger's, and other developmental delays such as Down’s Syndrome.  Watch Me Learn has developed a video modeling component that complements the ABLLSTM-R.  For more information visit www.watchmelearn.com.

• Different Roads to Learning was founded in 1995 by the mother of a child diagnosed with Autism.  Different Roads to Learning carries over 350 products carefully selected to support the Autism Community. They understand and embrace the unique needs of every child on the spectrum and strive to enable parents and professionals to help children grow to their full potential.  Different Roads to Learning has created a fantastic ABLLSTM-R kit that provides users with a variety of materials needed for both teaching and administering the assessment.  For more information visit www.difflearn.com

If you wish to provide the best possible outcomes to the children you serve,
Behavior Analysts Inc. can help!
www.behavioranalysts.com