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Erica Kusz Appointed to Behavioral Concept’s Leadership Team in Worcester

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Erica Kusz Appointed to Behavioral Concept’s Leadership Team in Worcester

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Erica KuszHOLDEN AND WORCESTER, MA… Erica Kusz, M.S., BCBA, LABA has been appointed to Behavioral Concepts’ (BCI) leadership team in Worcester as Assistant Clinical Director. She is a resident of Holden, MA.

BCI, a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, is meeting the need for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers in the Worcester area by providing specialty Early Intervention ABA services for children ages three and under, as well as Center and home-based insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three.

In her new role, Kusz is one of three assistant clinical directors who oversee BCI’s Center and home-based insurance services and the team of Behavior Analysts in the Worcester region. Kusz will also be responsible for restructuring the curriculum and supervising BCI’s four program coordinators. She reports to Jessica Stott, M.S., BCBA, LABA, Regional Director of Greater Worcester.

Kusz, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts, joined BCI in 2015 as a Behavior Analyst. In 2018, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Early Intervention Services for BCI’s Worcester region and is now the Assistant Clinical Director of the Worcester Region. Kusz holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Sciences and Disorders (speech pathology) from Worcester State University and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College in Beverly, MA.

Kusz’s experience prior to BCI includes serving as an ABA Lead Therapist and Group Coordinator at Nashoba Learning Group, a private school for children with autism in Bedford, MA. Previous to that, she provided speech therapy at a public school. 

She is a member of Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT).

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at https://www.learnbehavioral.com/

BCI Appoints New Regional Director in Springfield

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SPRINGFIELD AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, has announced a new Regional Director for Greater Springfield.

Bianca Sims, M.S., BCBA, LABA has been promoted to Regional Director of Greater Springfield and will supervise, train and provide oversight of all onsite and offsite programs.

BCI’s Springfield location has 11 Behavior Analysts and 47 Behavior Technicians on staff and they are currently expanding their team.

Sims, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts, joined BCI in 2018 as one of the first Behavior Analysts providing Early Intervention and ABA services for the agency’s Springfield area. She was then promoted to Assistant Director of Professional Development, to oversee the coordination and development of training, including new hire training.

Sims holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Educational Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. She received a Master of Science in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Previous to BCI, Sims was a Behavior Analyst for Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES) based in North Haven, CT.

In addition to BCI, Sims is an ABA Supervisor through Bay Path University, supervising continuing education cohorts including BCI’s. She is a member of Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis (MassABA) and Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Sims is a resident of Agawam, MA.

Early Intervention and ABA Services in Springfield

At BCI’s 90 Carando Drive, Springfield center, BCI provides Early Intervention services to families throughout greater Springfield. Their Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.

BCI also offers center-based, insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three. Center-based services include an Intensive Day Program for preschool-age children, as well as an After-School Program and a Saturday Social Skills group for school-age children.

About BCI

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families throughout Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at https://www.learnbehavioral.com/.

 

Behavioral Concepts Expands Services to Fall River, MA

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FALL RIVER AND WORCESTER, MA… Headquartered in Worcester, MA, Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, has expanded their services to Fall River, MA.

BCI now provides specialty Early Intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in Fall River to families with children. Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development, and are evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home or day care center. 

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI was approached by the Department of Public Health and has contracted with them to serve the Fall River area.                                                                     

Sally Burke, M.S. Ed., BCBA, Director of Early Intervention, oversees all Early services at BCI. The organization’s South Coast region, which encompasses 53 towns, now includes Fall River and New Bedford, and is led by Tracy Miele, M.A., BCBA, LABA.      

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services, visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at https://www.learnbehavioral.com/.

BCI Sponsors and Presents at 40th Annual BABAT Conference in Worcester

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WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, sponsored and presented at Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) 2019 Annual Conference & 40th Anniversary Celebration held at the DCU Center in Worcester in October.

BABAT is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). Their conference is the largest professional conference in the Northeast. As the largest provider of insurance-funded Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Intervention services in Massachusetts, BCI was proud to be the Presenting Sponsor.

In addition to sponsoring the event, the BCI team presented research titled “Treating Automatically Maintained Vocal Stereotypy: Benefits Beyond Decreases in Stereotypy” as part of a symposium on the assessment and treatment of stereotypical behavior. BCI’s Behavior Analyst Sheri Morse contributed to this collaborative research project between the New England Center for Children (NECC) and BCI. Meagan Cannon also contributed to and presented the research on behalf of BCI.

Dr. Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, BCI’s Director of Professional Development and Research and BABAT board member, supervised this research and chaired the symposium.

“It is wonderful to work for a company that fosters applied research to ensure that we are contributing to and disseminating best practice methods for the children we serve. BCI is also heavily invested in strengthening the quality of our professional community as evidenced by sponsoring an esteemed professional organization like BABAT,” said Dr. Colón-Kwedor.

“As the largest provider of insurance-funded ABA and Early Intervention services in Massachusetts, BCI was pleased to present this important research and support BABAT as the Presenting Sponsor at this esteemed event,” said Brian Doyle, Ed. D., BCBA-D, Regional Vice President.

ABA – One of the Fastest Growing Fields

ABA is concentrated in Central Massachusetts and one of the fastest growing fields. To meet the demand for behavioral services for children with ASD and their families throughout Massachusetts, BCI addressed an industry-wide workforce shortage in board-certified clinicians by partnering with Bay Path University to provide an on-site graduate and continuing education program for BCI staff members at the company’s Worcester location. BCI has forged similar, successful education opportunities for their workforce through their partnerships with Assumption College and Quinsigamond Community College.

BCI is looking to partner with other colleges in Central and Western MA, to offer their staff additional continuing education opportunities.

About BABAT

BABAT is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. Formed in 1979, BABAT is perhaps best known for the annual conferences it has hosted at UMass (Amherst) every year for over 30 years. BABAT also serves as a resource for behavior analysts and those interested in behavior analysis in MA and the larger New England region. To learn more about BABAT, visit https://babat.org.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com/.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at https://www.learnbehavioral.com/.

Behavioral Concepts Promotes Courtney Sherlock to Assistant Director of Specialty Early Intervention Services for the South Coast Region

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WORCESTER, MA AND NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI … Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, has recently promoted Courtney Sherlock, M.S., BCBA, LABA to Assistant Director of Specialty Early Intervention Services for the South Coast Region.

BCI is meeting the need for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers in the South Coast area by providing specialty Early Intervention ABA services for children ages three and under in the greater Fall River and New Bedford area.

In her new role, Sherlock will conduct Early Intervention intakes and assessments for client families with an autism diagnosis. She will also oversee case assignment of the region’s Behavior Analysts.

Sherlock, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts, provided specialty Early Intervention ABA services to children and families at BCI for five years before her promotion to Assistant Director. Her experience prior to BCI includes serving as a Lead Behavior Technician at Marlborough Public Schools in Marlborough, MA and as Direct Care Staff at the May Institute in Brockton, MA.

Sherlock holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University in Boston.

Each year, she volunteers for the 5K Run and Walk for Autism Acceptance at HMEA’s Autism Resource Central.

Sherlock is a resident of North Providence, RI.          

Early Intervention Services

BCI’s Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development, and are evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home or day care center. BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI accepts most major insurance plans operating throughout Massachusetts as well as Mass Health.

 About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

Behavioral Concepts Announces Center-Based Day Services for the Fall in Fitchburg

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FITCHBURG AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, announces Center-based Day services for the fall at their Fitchburg location. Enrollment is now open and session options have been expanded.

BCI’s Fitchburg ABA Center, located at 207 Authority Drive, provides intensive one-to-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is designed to give children with ASD more intensive learning opportunities beyond the services he or she receives in the home, at school, or in the community.

 

Expanded Session Times

The Fitchburg Center’s Intensive Day Program for children three- to six-years-old, is a structured program that gives young children one-to-one support in a group setting. Session times have been expanded and are as follows: 8:15-11:15 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; 12:00-3:00 p.m.; or 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

BCI provides evidence-based interventions and unique approaches help children with ASD learn how to modify challenging behaviors, improve communication and social skills, and further their learning. Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) assess each child, work with the family to set goals, and create a plan based on the child’s unique interests and abilities. Each child’s progress is evaluated and the plan refined as needed.

“The Center-based settings are clinical, yet warm and encouraging environments ideal for children who will be, or have already transitioned to school,” Katelyn Moisan, M.A., Special Education, BCBA, LABA, Regional Director of Greater Fitchburg. “Essentially, children are taught the skills they need to navigate relationships and be more independent.”

To learn more about BCI Fitchburg Center-based Day services and enroll, visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/aba-centers/intensive-day/ or call 978-696-5115.

 

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

Behavioral Concepts Appoints Jessica Friedrich to Northeast Team

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BEVERLY, LOWELL, TEWKSBURY AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, has appointed Jessica Friedrich, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to their Northeast team.

In her new role as Behavior Analyst, Friedrich will work under the direction of Tiffany Bellina, M.S., BCBA, LABA, BCI’s Director of Northeast Programs and provide specialty Early Intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and families in the Northeast area. These targeted services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development and are evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.

BCI offers Early Intervention services through their temporary office at 1501 Main Street, Units 29-30, in Tewksbury, MA.

Friedrich has worked in the field of ABA for more than six years. Before joining BCI, Friedrich was employed at Applied Behavioral Learning Services in Wellesley, MA as a BCBA for a year before she was promoted to Regional Director/BCBA. Her experience also includes working as Behavioral Consultant at Creative Behavioral Solutions in Chelmsford, MA and as an Instructor at the May Institute in West Springfield, MA.

Friedrich graduated magna cum laude from Westfield State University in Westfield, MA with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Westfield State University and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

She is a resident of Beverly, MA.

Specialty Early Intervention Services

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI accepts most major insurance plans operating throughout Massachusetts as well as Mass Health. To learn more about BCI’s services, visit https://bciaba.com.

 

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament on August 23rd to Support HMEA’s Autism Resource Central

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WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, invites the community to the Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament in support of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central of Worcester, MA.

Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 East Temple Street, Boylston, MA 01505. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. and shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Golf registration is $130 per golfer.

Funds raised will support the Center as well as help raise money for a variety of needs such as sensory assessments, support group, IEP clinics, specialized overnight camp and more.

HMEA’s Autism Resource Central is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide autism support and services for children, adults and their families in central Massachusetts. The center serves more than 3,600 families.

BCI, which is headquartered in Worcester with satellite offices in Springfield, Fitchburg, and Tewksbury, is proud to be the Lunch Sponsor for this fundraising event. Additionally, a number of BCI team members will participate in the tournament.

“For more than 16 years, BCI has proudly worked alongside Autism Resource Central, serving children and families throughout Central Massachusetts and providing services that increase their independence and enhance their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO.

 

For more information about Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament or to register, visit https://www.autismresourcecentral.org/fundraising/golf/ or call Wanja at 508-298-1607.

 

For more information about Autism Resource Central, visit https://www.autismresourcecentral.org

 

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

 

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.