Moms On Their Best Behavior

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Julia Chalker. Julia is the Director of The Arc of DFW Area, a role in which she is able to apply her 30+ years of experience in public education and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and her personal experience as being sister to Bobby, who has autism.  She holds a B.S. in Special Education and a M.S.Ed. in Special Education & Transition, and she last served as Transition Coordinator in a school district, where she led initiatives to assist students in transitioning to adulthood.  Julia has served on the board of The Arc of DFW Area and REACH Centers for Independent Living, is certified in Person Centered Planning, and she enjoys working with siblings through the Sibshops (sibling support) program.  Julia is passionate about advocating for and protecting the rights of those with disabilities and for helping individuals and families navigate the supports, services, and knowledge required to ensure a quality life for everyone.Today in our conversation we discuss her former and current roles and the importance of planning and preparing early to help prepare adults with disabilities for the transition to adulthood. We also discuss the current state of rights for those with disabilities and how to get involved in advocacy. https://siblingsupport.org/sibshops/https://www.reachcils.orghttps://www.thearcofdfw.org

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Kelsey Hunter. Kelsey is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) with almost 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disabilities and severe behavior disorders. Kelsey is a skilled clinician that prides herself on her ability to provide meaningful connection, honesty and values based interventions to the individuals and families she works with. She aims to provide therapeutic support through a trauma informed, neurodiverse affirming (NDA) lens to caregivers, parents, and siblings who have loved ones with social learning differences.Today in our conversation we discuss Kelsey’s current role as a BCBA working in an outpatient hospital setting. We discuss the diverse roles a behavior analyst can play in these types of medical settings, her interdisciplinary collaboration with other medical professionals, as well as using a caregiver only training model to help the patients and families that she serves.

Dr. Kathryn Unruh, PhD is an assistant research professor at the University of Kansas Life Span Institute. Her research interests include understanding the psychological and brain processes that underlie core features of autism and developing methods for measuring behaviors that are more closely tied to their underlying biological mechanisms. She is specifically interested in using this work to improve clinical trials in autism by advancing our ability to understand why interventions (pharmacological and behavioral) show variable effectiveness across individuals and by developing new ways to predict which individuals may benefit most from certain therapeutic options. Today in our conversation with Kathryn we discuss the importance of understanding the brain systems that underlie autism, Kathryn’s current research in better understanding pharmacological interventions for autism, as well as how the neuroscience and behavioral fields can work better alongside each other. Autism Research Resources:autismspeaks.orgautismsciencefoundation.orgnlm.nih.gov (National Library of Medicine) sparkforautism.org

In today’s episode we are excited to share about our new company, Best Behavior Solutions!Best Behavior Solutions, LLC aims to close the research to practice gap by training schools, churches, and businesses on how to include people of all abilities. We train on how to implement evidence-based behavior strategies in order to serve and support all individuals. We offer in person and online training and resources! Please listen to learn our heart behind creating this business and how we can help support you and your community. We view every individual as valuable and capable 💙Find us at:@bestbehaviorsolutionshttps://Bestbehaviorsolutions.org

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with with Jennifer Stracquadanio, BCBA, and Meghan Stenziano, the mom team of Moms Managing Behavior! Meghan Stenziano is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Moms Managing Behavior, LLC, and a Special Education Teacher specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She received a master’s degree in Special Education from Rutgers University and is a certified elementary and special education teacher. She has over 20 years of experience working in the special education field in both private and public settings with students aged 5-21. Her areas of expertise have included parent training, staff development, and social skills training.Jennifer Stracquadanio is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Executive Director, and Co-Founder of Moms Managing Behavior, LLC. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Rutgers University and is a certified elementary and special education teacher. With extensive experience in both private and public settings, Jennifer has served as a special education teacher and BCBA for individuals across a wide age range, from elementary school students to adults, over the past 14 years.Today in our conversation we talk through their unique approach to inclusion. Starting from the school setting, and moving outward to parents and community members. Jen and Megan share how using ABA strategies in all of these different setting help make them a more inclusive and accommodating place for people of all abilities. You can find them online at:@momsmanagingbehavior Momsmanagingbehavior.com

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Corrine Mercer, BCBA, LBA. Corrinne Mercer is the Founder of Empower Adults Consulting, LLC, where she provides behavior support services for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through insurance and Medicaid waiver programs. With over ten years of experience working with individuals with special needs, Corrinne has worn many hats — from special education teacher and BCBA to Clinical Director for an ABA therapy organization and Day Program Manager. Today we discuss how she came to serve the adult population, the rewards and challenges of working with this population, and the importance of supporting the autonomy of those she serves in a safe manner. Resources for Adults in Texas:https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/local-idd-authority-liddaYourtexasbenefits.com https://mhmrtarrant.org

Today we have the pleasure of taking with Madyline Ekins, BCBA. Madyline is a Seattle-based author and a mom to two energetic boys. After more than a decade of experience in education and behavior, she holds a Master's in Special Education and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. It was through her work and the everyday adventures of raising her own children that she realized her true calling: helping kids build emotional resilience. Her debut book, Julian the Bear, was inspired by this passion and the loving support of her family.During our conversation we discuss the importance of teaching social emotional skills for learners of all ages, Madyline’s amazing social skills camps she has created, as well as her new book that teaches using grounding techniques as a calming and coping strategy. You can find Madyline’s book, Julian the Bear, on Amazon and Esty. And you can find her at @clubbranchingout

In today’s episode we get to talk with Dr. Shelby Dorsey, Ph.D, BCBA. Dr. Shelby Dorsey, is a neurodivergent behavior analyst, mom, and entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the gap between behavior science and everyday parenting. With more than 15 years of experience across Texas and Oklahoma, she specializes in parent training for neurodivergent families—equipping parents with practical, compassionate strategies that truly work in real life—and mentors BCBAs and ABA trainees to do the same.After earning her Ph.D. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Shelby launched her own practice, blending clinical expertise with creativity and community building. Shelby also runs the SD store, an online boutique where behaviorist-inspired art meets wearable advocacy.Today during our talk, Shelby shares her journey as both a professional and a parent, the common questions she hears from families, and the mindset shifts that make parent training more effective. Her biggest takeaway for listeners? Neither parenting nor parent training is about perfection—it’s about creating flexible, affirming systems that help kids and families thrive.Explore her work, writing, and apparel at theSD.store, where behavior analysis meets creativity, community, and real-world impact.@drshelbydorsey on IG www.drshelbydorsey.com www.thesd.store

Today we have the joy of talking with Nicole Parks, BCBA, LBA, IBA. Nicole has been working as a behavior analyst for two decades and has worked with clients of all ages. She has experience in early intervention, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, organizational behavior management and acceptance and commitment therapy. She founded Rooted Consultation in 2020 to help new and established businesses focus on ethical and sustainable business practices. Nicole’s love for behavior science and expanding the reach of ABA has driven her to advocate for behavior analysts in spaces outside of autism and developmental disabilities.During our conversation today, we discuss Nicole’s experience with forensic behavior analysis and her work as a behavior analyst supporting patients in the psychiatric hospital. We dive into how she facilitated collaboration between the medical, mental health, and behavior analytic approach to help enhance therapeutic environments and improve outcomes for her patients. We also discuss Nicole’s passion for expanding the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and how she has found new avenues to help support future generations of behavior analysts. You can find Nicole at rootedconsultation.com and on instagram at @rootedconsultation

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Annie McLaughlin about all things IEP Advocacy. Dr. Annie McLaughlin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, former special educator, a mom of three, and IEP advocate. She works primarily with families navigating the special education system. She also teaches other behavior analysts how to start or add IEP advocacy to their business through a course called Pivot into IEP Advocacy.During our conversation, we dive into challenges faced by parents and professionals, importance of collaboration amongst the IEP team, understanding federal and state laws, and great resources to help anyone learning how to navigate this process. You can find Annie at www.iepadvocacytraining.com and on instagram at @iepadvocateannie

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Diane Hudson, PhD, BCBA about her social groups supporting neurodivergent teenage girls.Dr. Diane Hudson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with Neurodivergent kids, teens, and their people. She works with clients individually and in small groups, both in person in Jackson, WY and virtually across the United States. Dr. Hudson is a strong believer in building community, honoring individuals, and fostering skills to help her clients find and thrive on their own unique paths.During our discussion we dive into how she came to start her groups, how she uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help her clients work on phycological flexibility, and how she helps support the whole family system. You can learn more about her and her approach at abc-pathways.com.

Today we discuss what to do when you encounter different common parenting and teaching scenarios. We give our advice on how as behaviorist and moms we would handle these types of situations. We discuss identifying the functions of behavior, teaching replacement behaviors, and doing your best to be calm and consistent with your implementation. We specifically address what to do when…-your toddler is hitting you-transitioning away from an item or location is hard -a child is having a tantrum in the classroom-a student isn’t motivated to do work-your child won’t sit down for meals-your child is having negative interactions with a sibling

Today we discuss Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) for Autism. We discuss what EBP are, why they are important, and how to implement some of the most common EBP. We specifically go through: Reinforcement/Differential Reinforcement, Behavioral Momentum, Functional Communication Training (FCT), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Naturalistic Environment Training (NET), and Social Skills Training. Find more resources on Evidence-Based Practices below:AFIRM Modules-https://afirm.fpg.unc.eduEBP Report-https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/ebps/

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dena Kelly, LPC, BCBA, LBS. Dena is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is renowned for her over 15-year dedication to improving children's eating, enhancing their quality of life, and positively impacting their families. After over a decade of direct feeding intervention, Dena founded Focused Approach, developing comprehensive feeding programs and training professionals and caregivers in interventions grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Dena shares how to identify if your child is experiencing picky eating or a medical feeding issue, how to get medical intervention and what a feeding program might look like, as well as how she incorporates using positive reinforcement strategies to increase healthy eating behaviors.

Today we discuss strategies to help with interfering behaviors such as non-compliance, stereotypy, perseveration, and elopement. We discuss identifying the function of behavior, finding functionally equivalent replacement behaviors, evaluating if it is a skill or motivation issue, as well as teaching appropriate boundaries. For all behaviors we advocate for finding compassionate and positive ways to help with behavior change.

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Leanne Page, BCBA, LBA. Leanne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, the founder of parentingwithaba.org, mom of two, author, and parent coach. We discuss how she came to specialize in parent training, helpful parenting strategies for all parents, as well as her new book The Calm and Connected Journal. We dive into how her new book uses the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to help parents connect with their children and be the kind of parent they have always wanted to be. https://www.parentingwithaba.org/ https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithaba/

Today we discuss the history of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and how these strategies and research can be applied today. We discuss the beginning of Behaviorism with B.F. Skinner, how the field of ABA has evolved, and how you can use these principles and strategies to make meaningful behavior change in your own life. https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/87-years-ago-a-legendary-psychologist-discovered-skinners-law-its-still-the-secret-to-sticking-with-your-new-years-resolution/91104510https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.htmlhttps://www.verywellmind.com/operant-conditioning-a2-2794863

Today we discuss different behavioral strategies that are helpful in the classroom or when taking care of multiple children. We discuss the different types of group contingencies, how to use group reward systems or token economies and how to engage students in group work.

Todays episode we discuss how to set children up for success when tackling conflict and bullying. We discuss prerequisite skills such as perspective taking, tolerating no, and understanding boundaries in relationships. We dive into how to teach what a bully is and how children should respond to bullying. Finally, we share tools such as using a contingency map and kidpower.org to help support children with these difficult topics. https://www.kidpower.orghttps://youtu.be/GBSDZRPraz0?si=ElKAUHoxgaJuoR05

Episode 27: Behavior Breakthrough with Bailey Payne, BCBAToday we have the pleasure of speaking with Bailey Payne, BCBA about her new book Behavior Breakthrough. We discuss her function based approach to behavior change as well as her heavy focus on utilizing reinforcement to its fullest potential. We go into the difference between reinforcement and bribing and how to focus on the good in your children to help change their behavior for the better. Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the Classroom https://a.co/d/2ZMip9Thttps://www.baileypayne.com

Today we break down 7 modern parenting tips based on a cosmotogether.com article and give a behavioral prospective on these tips. These tips include: embracing technology, using intrinsic motivation, encouraging independence, balancing screen time, teaching emotional intelligence, being flexible and adaptable, and raising global citizens. We discuss how these tips can be useful to both learners with and without disabilities and how they can be implemented using behavioral strategies. https://cosmotogether.com/blogs/news/7-new-age-parenting-tips-for-the-modern-parent

Today we discuss strategies and tips to help reduce stress around the holidays. Recognizing that this is a special time with many new events and changes in routine going on, we share how to set children with and without disabilities up for success. Some of these strategies include visual supports and schedules, helping them know who they will be around and navigating expectations with your children and other family members. We hope this helps everyone have a joyous holiday season ahead! 

Today we had the pleasure of talking with Tina Stewart about advocating for her son Jaxon. Tina is a mom to four beautiful children, including her son Jaxon who has Autism. Tina discussed what is was like advocating for him through the process of getting him diagnosed with Autism, to getting the correct therapies, to advocating and collaborating with school professionals. Tina also shared what is it like to parent and support all of her children while helping Jaxon reach his highest potential in life.

Today we discuss the importance of early intervention in developmental and intellectual disabilities. We discuss what signs to look for that you may need early intervention or to further pursue a diagnosis. We discuss the differences between public school early intervention and private therapy such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. We discuss what an assessment for early intervention may entail and what early intervention would look like in both the public and private spaces.

Today we go into a general overview of how to teach academic skills. We discuss considering environmental factors, how to pace a lesson and balance maintenance vs. new concepts. We also talk about using reinforcement to help motivate and reinforce these types of skills.

Today we discuss how to teach skills to successfully interact in different settings in the community. We discuss teaching setting specific skills, safety skills in the community as well as how to deal with interfering behavior in the community. We hope this episode sets your learner up for success and independence in the community!

Today we have the pleasure of talking with Gabby Carmody about all things sleep! Gabby is a Licensed Behavior Analyst, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist who currently works in the school system supporting teachers, students and parents. While supporting her learners in the school and home setting, Gabby decided to get additional certification to further support sleep concerns. In this episode, Gabby goes into how to set learners up for success at bedtime by creating predictable routines, helping learners find calming activities before bedtime, as well as addressing sleep concerns from both a behavioral and medical approach. We loved learning from all of Gabby’s insight and hope you all enjoy! Find Gabby at:https://linktr.ee/sleeptight_gabbyhttps://m.youtube.com/@gabriellecarmodyhttps://www.instagram.com/sleeptight_gabby

In today’s episode we dive into a practical way to teach and implement three different strategies. These include: how to use positive reinforcement versus consequences (or punishment), how to use positive reinforcement to help teach healthy eating habits, and how to compassionately use planned ignoring to decrease behaviors. We discuss how to easily implement all three strategies while keeping everything positive for everyone involved.

Today we discuss different aspects of teaching emotions. We talk through moving from identifying what emotions are, to understanding and expressing your own emotions, to finally realizing how your behavior and reactions affect the emotions of others. We discuss how to cope with big emotions in your own children and other resources such as zones of regulations to help teach these concepts.https://www.kidpower.org/What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting: A No Hitting Book for Toddlers https://a.co/d/gE0Njx9Hands Are Not for Hitting https://a.co/d/0PvgJwrA little Spot of Emotion https://a.co/d/cXDNffpZones of Regulation https://a.co/d/2F4Mihg

Today we discuss different ways to get involved with disability awareness and inclusion. We discuss topics for those with a disability such as support groups, respite nights, sensory friendly activities, inclusive sports and disability specific organizations. We discuss ways to include those with disabilities in all aspects of life such as work, social and recreational activities, and school. We also dive into educating children early on about different disabilities and how knowledge and interaction with individuals with disabilities benefits everyone. autismspeaks.org https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/ https://gigisplayhouse.org/ https://mypossibilities.org/ https://hugscafe.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Like-Me-Disability-Discovering-Person/dp/0736985751 https://www.amazon.com/Were-Different-Sesame-Street-Pictureback/dp/0679832270

Today we discuss how to teach conversation skills. We discuss what prerequisite skills should be in place before getting started, and how to help extend conversations using visual cues, modeling, and reinforcement. We also touch on the social aspect of communication such as eye contact, understanding nonverbal cues, and appropriately interrupting.

Today we will be discussing all of the most common special education (SPED) terms and acronyms. We discuss the terms used in ARD/IEP meetings, state testing, diagnoses and professionals that work with students receiving special education or related services. We hope this episode is helpful to decipher all the lingo for anyone who currently is or may receive special education services!

Today we are discussing going back to school! We go through how to help your child prepare for this transition with supports such as social stories. We also discuss how to communicate with teachers and school staff about your child and any concerns that may arise, as well as what to do if your child is having different behaviors at school than at home.

Today we will be discussing two important aspects of skill building called generalization and maintenance. We discuss what these terms mean, how to teach both of them, and how to address skills that are not generalizing or maintaining over time. We hope this helps you with your children or students to continue to build and expand on what they are learning!

Today we talk through creating boundaries with your children. Why boundaries are important, how to create them and the importance of being consistent when holding them. We also discuss teaching children to understand their own boundaries as it relates to personal and community safety and the importance of children learning to advocate for themselves.

Today we are discussing data collection and how you might apply this to helping your children increase or decrease behaviors. We discuss different data collection methods such as ABC data, frequency, and duration. We also discuss how to interrupt data you may receive from a school setting such as a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

In today’s episode we discuss general strategies to address severe problem behavior such as aggression and self injurious behavior. We discuss identifying the function of the behavior, teaching replacement behaviors, and the importance of learning calming and coping strategies. We discuss how to handle these behaviors as a parent with antecedent interventions and identifying appropriate consequences if needed for these behaviors. 

Today we will be discussing teaching daily living skills, supporting sensory needs, and how these two needs intersect. We discuss different teaching methods such as chaining, video modeling, and prompting. We also discuss how to support both of these in the community. We hope this helps your learner become more independent in all aspects of life!

Today we will be discussing ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings, IEPs (Individual Education Plan), and advocating for your child during the special education process. We discuss what all the special education acronyms mean, how you get started in the IEP process, and what to expect in an ARD meeting. We also discuss how to advocate for your child's needs and handle difficult ARD meetings. We hope this episode helps you navigate the special education process and support your student!

Today we will be discussing how to teach language to young learners. We will be discussing practical ways to do this in your everyday, the four different verbal operants of language, and how to use Discrete Trial Training (DTT) or Natural Environment Training (NET) to help teach these concepts.

Today we will be discussing the important milestone of potty training your child. We discuss how to know if your child is ready, how to prepare yourself and your child before getting started, as well as how to actually teach your child this skill! We discuss how to troubleshoot some common issues while keeping this a positive experience for everyone involved. We hope this helps you and your children learn this important skill.

Today we are discussing developmental milestones up to age two and the importance of these milestones. We discuss how to track your child's milestones using the CDC app, how to evaluate if your child is not hitting these milestones on time, and how to speak to a medical professional to get additional help. We also discuss strategies to work on these milestones with your own children if you see deficits and shaping behavior.

Today we will be discussing the benefits of using visual supports alongside schedules and routines. We discuss different types of visual supports that you can use and how to easily implement them with your children. We also discuss how to set up schedules and routines within your daily routine.

Let's Play! This episode we discuss the benefits of, different types and stages of play. We discuss easy ways you can engage with your children in play and apply to your every day!

On today's episode we will discuss reinforcement! What it is, different types and how you can use it in your everyday. We also discuss how to identify reinforcement for others and how to fade it out once you are successful with teaching or changing a behavior.

Today we will be discussing the four functions of behavior and how all behavior is a form of communication. We talk about how these apply to everyday behaviors and how you can use these strategies to help behavior change at home, classroom or any setting you find yourself in!

Welcome to Moms On Their Best Behavior! Today we are introducing our hosts, Chelsi Anderson and Jordan Black, and sharing some background into why we wanted to start this podcast. We hope you learn a little bit about us and why we are so passionate about sharing our experience in both the professional and parenting worlds with you!