News Room
Worcester ABA Center Expansion
ABA Therapist Kendall D-J and his client doing table work
By: Alison Senior (Direct of Center-based Services – Worcester)
Our Worcester ABA Center is thrilled to share that we will be expanding our space this fall. The expansion will create four new instructional areas, as well as an expanded sensory area, and will allow us to double our enrollment capacity for the Intensive Day Program. Both our Intensive Day Program and our After-school Program will expand to sixty children per session. We are so excited to be able to move some families off the wait-list while continuing to provide a high quality of clinical services to all our clients.
The new space will feature four new instructional areas, additional restrooms for targeting activities of daily living, and an expanded sensory area. Two of the instructional areas will be set up much like our existing Center space, with interactive play centers for structured leisure activities and cooperative play and table areas for group instruction and targeted social skills lessons. We will be able to expand upon the different play areas offered, including additional dramatic and exploratory play activities, and finally have homes for all the additional toys we’ve had in storage. We will also be adding a large area with individual cubbies and open table work areas, dedicated to discrete trial instruction time. This will allow each child to receive individualized instruction time, with limited distractions. Our fourth new space will be home to Circle time, creating dedicated space for group instruction in pre-academics, story time, as well as music and movement activities. In the lobby area of our new space, we will be creating an expanded sensory area, dedicating space to having multiple activity options available for a greater number of children to access at once.
With the expanded number of instructional areas available, we will be increasing the day program to at least six groups of up to 10 clients each. Having a greater number of groups gives us the opportunity to refine peer groups and individualize group activities based on skill level even further. Our group schedules will also be shifting to allow for more movement between instructional areas, building motor breaks into transition time, and have each client contact a greater number of different activities across their day.
We are so excited to share these new developments with you and cannot wait to show off the new space once we are up and running. If you would like more information about our Worcester Center-Based Services or if you would like to be added to the wait-list for an opening, please contact the main office at 508-363-0200.
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Appoints New Director at Worcester Location
UPTON AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has appointed Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, as Director of Professional Development and Research.
Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has more than a decade of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting.
In her new role as Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI, she will oversee the training curriculum for, and the professional development of behavior therapists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). She will also oversee therapist level in-service trainings and internal BCBA level continuing education events, as well as BCI’s new research initiative.
In addition to serving as BCI’s Director, Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Endicott College. For seven years previous to BCI, she served as Clinical Director and Senior Clinical Director at the May Institute’s May Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, MA. Her role involved the supervision of clinical directors, assistant clinical directors and behavior specialists as well as the oversight of school wide ABA clinical services for approximately 160 residential and day students.
Dr. Colón-Kwedor received a Doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis from Western New England University and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.
She serves on the Board of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) as Member at Large. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). For the past six years, Dr. Colón-Kwedor has volunteered at the annual convention for APBA.
Dr. Colón-Kwedor’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She is also a contributing author to a BCBA supervision reference manual and has served as a guest reviewer for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and Behavioral Interventions.
She is a resident of Upton, MA.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.
What’s Next? After the ASD Diagnosis
Sally Burke, M.S. Ed., BCBA, Director of Early Intervention Services at BCI has been working with children with a variety of special needs for more than 15 years. In her article entitled “My child has been diagnosed with ASD. Now what?” which was featured in Bay State Parent, Sally provides parents with a helpful overview of what happens after an ASD diagnosis – from finding service providers to accommodate the recommended number of treatment hours to asking the right questions.
Proud Supporter of Family Fun Day at Great Wolf Lodge
BCI has partnered with HMEA’s Autism Resource Central to offer a Family Fun Day at Great Wolf Lodge in September! This is a special event that will be held on September 24th for children who are part of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central. BCI will offer a quiet area as well as sensory-friendly activities. BCI is an ongoing supporter of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central and this event has been made possible through the agency’s $5,000 sponsorship.
Jill McGrale Maher named director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc.’s Fitchburg location
WORCESTER, MA and FITCHBURG, MA…
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Jill McGrale Maher as the new director of its facility at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg.
The Fitchburg location, which opened in November, seeks to replicate the services offered by BCI at its corporate headquarters at 345 Greenwood Street in Worcester. Maher will manage those in-house activities, as well as providing oversight for staff providing in-home services to families in the Fitchburg/Route 2 corridor.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Jill’s expertise and experience in this position,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. “There’s an incredible demand for the services BCI provides in the greater Fitchburg area. We’re looking to Jill to help us meet that demand, while developing relationships in the local community to provide opportunities for our older clients and to recruit the next generation of behavior clinicians and therapists.”
Maher has more than 35 years combined experience in special education and applied behavior analysis, working with children with autism spectrum disorders. Her expertise includes working in both private and public schools, conducting program evaluations, designing and overseeing programs for learners of all ages and profiles, teaching staff and families, and working in a variety of school and home programs at both clinical and administrative levels. Part of that experience includes working in a consultative role in school systems across Massachusetts, including the Fitchburg and Leominster public school systems.
A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®), Maher holds a master’s degree in human development and completed course work towards her Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas. She is a state certified special education teacher and a Massachusetts-licensed behavior analyst. Maher is currently is an adjunct professor at Endicott College and has previously taught at Worcester State University. She has presented and been invited to speak at numerous conferences nationwide. Maher received her undergraduate degree from Keene State University.
“I’ve known Dr. Robinson and Brian Doyle [also of BCI] for many years and I’m thrilled to be working with them,” said Maher, a Northborough, MA resident. “BCI has a reputation in our industry as a high qulaity, compassionate organization, both for its clients and their staff. BCI’s focus is on providing clinically sound care, and not so much on making a profit, which frankly has become rare. I’m so happy to be a part of that culture and to share what BCI has to offer with families in the Fitchburg area.”
For more information on BCI, visit www.bciaba.com.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, and consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school-aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Mass. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
BCI Nominated to “Best Places to Work in Central Mass 2017” (Telegram & Gazette)
We’ve been nominated for the Telegram & Gazette’s Best Places to Work 2017!
We have been nominated as a “mid-size” company for both:
- Best Company Party
- Best Workplace Culture
If you would please take a couple seconds to vote, we would appreciate it. Simply go to: http://bit.ly/2lYmujL and cast your vote!
Plus, if you complete the entire voting process, you will be entered to win a catered office lunch.
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) sponsors HMEA Autism Resource Central’s 2017 5k Run and Walk
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, will once again be a major sponsor of the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance to benefit HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA. BCI contributed $7,500 to the annual run/walk, which will take place on Saturday, April 29 at DCR’s Lake Park in Worcester.
“The Autism Resource Centrals’s run/walk is our signature event for Autism Awareness month,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “Beyond this donation, we will also be hosting the ‘Kids Corner’ booth where children can take part in fun, interactive activities before, during and after the run.”
BCI will also field a team of runners and walkers helping to raise money for Autism Resource Central.
Located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278), HMEA Autism Resource Central of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger’s. Annually, Autism Resource Central supports the needs of more than 3,000 families in Central Massachusetts.
“With one in 68 births resulting in an autism diagnosis, the need for The Resource Center grows every year,” said Robinson. “We’re delighted to help and encourage other companies and individuals to help support this invaluable resource for the community.”
For more information about HMEA Autism Resource Central at autismresourcecentral.org. For sponsorship information, call 508-835-4278.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Mass. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
Greendale YMCA to host Family Night on Feb. 16 to tout new services for children with autism
Prior to February school vacation week, the Greendale YMCA, located at 75 Shore Drive in Worcester, will host a Family Night to announce and discuss the spring program. This year’s event, to be held on February 16, 2017 at 6 p.m., will feature the introduction of a partnership with Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), to provide services to Greendale YMCA members with autism spectrum disorders.
Based at 345 Greenwood, BCI is a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. Typically, BCI works with children at their home or BCI headquarters. Through this special relationship, Greendale YMCA members with Autism, can receive one-to-one services from a BCBA therapist from BCI on site at the Greendale YMCA.
“This arrangement gives children with autism the opportunity to work with a BCBA therapist while utilizing the resources of our facility. It also provides parents with a chance to get a workout in while knowing their child is with a specialist with education and experience in working with children with autism,” said Christina Puleo, executive director of the Greendale YMCA. “We can’t thank BCI enough for offering their services as a benefit to our members.”
“Children with autism rely heavily on routine. While that’s largely a good thing, it also benefits them to try something new in a new location. Being able to receive their services outside their home or school at a place like the Y where they can engage in new activities greatly promotes learning and development,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “We run a similar program with the Hockomock YMCA at their four locations in southeastern Massachusetts and it’s been very beneficial to the kids and their parents.”
In addition to BCI, the Greendale YMCA “Family Night” program will include information about spring programs, after care and summer camp. Light refreshments will be served.
For questions about Family Night or spring programs, contact the Greendale YMCA at 508-852-6694. For questions about programs offered by BCI, please visit www.bciaba.org or call 508-363-0200.
About the Greendale YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Greendale YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Greendale YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
Opened in 1978, The Greendale YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization conveniently located at 75 Shore Drive in North Worcester on Indian Lake. For information on programs and services, visit http://www.ymcaofcm.org/locations/greendale-family-branch/ or call 508-852-6694.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345 Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. In addition, BCI recently opened a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
BCI to host open house at new Fitchburg location on Jan. 17, 4pm to 7pm
Colleen Canty
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, will celebrate the recent opening of its new location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg with an open house on Tuesday, January 17, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The open house will feature tours of the facility and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with brief remarks from BCI staff members, elected officials and members of the business community. Light refreshments will be served. The general public is welcome to attend.
“There is a great demand for services for children with autism in the Fitchburg/Route 2 corridor. Before opening this location, we were only been able to work with clients in their homes,” said Colleen Canty, director of BCI’s Fitchburg location. “With this office in place, we have the ability to offer the services we have in Worcester to children in Fitchburg and surrounding communities in north central Massachusetts.”
BCI provides much-needed services to children with autism and their families. BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial training, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors.
Instruction is provided across a variety of domains, included by not limited to: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics and community outings and safety awareness. Social skills groups with peer models are also offered as part of BCI’s services. A heavy emphasis is placed on generalization and maintenance of skills, in addition to family training, so that families may implement the supports and carry-over skills in the home.
To RSVP to attend the open house on January 17, please RSVP by January 10 to Colleen Canty at ccanty@bciaba.org or 508-735-9290.
For questions about programs offered by BCI, please visit www.bciaba.org or call 508-363-0200.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school-aged children and a weekend social skills program. In addition, BCI will open a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
Lauren Bavosi named director of marketing and development for Behavioral Concepts, Inc.
Lauren Bavosi, BCI director of marketing and development
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Lauren Bavosi as its new director of marketing and development. She will serve in a similar capacity for BCI’s sister company, the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI).
In this role, Bavosi will spearhead all BCI marketing initiatives, including advancement of online, social media and traditional media programs. She will also direct recruitment efforts as it pertains to BCI’s territory—a one-hour radius of Worcester—and the promotion of its newest location in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Bavosi will also lead the initiative to design and implement a formal fundraising and community engagement strategy for CABI. That will include the management of donor relations, the establishment of corporate partnerships, and the creation of community-based programs for students.
“In this field, we have three large challenges. One is demand. One out of every 68 births has an autism spectrum diagnosis. Another is making parents aware of the services available to their children. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is recruitment and finding certified BCBA and ABA therapists to provide the needed services,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. “We are thrilled to have Lauren leading the recruitment effort and our efforts to get the word out to families and educating the general public as to how BCI and CABI can help children with autism spectrum disorders.”
For Bavosi, working for the Worcester, Mass.-based BCI marks somewhat of a homecoming. A Worcester native, she attended Notre Dame Academy for high school and graduated summa cum laude from Clark University. Bavosi previously worked as the director of marketing and communications for Women’s Health of Central Massachusetts and ran her own marketing consulting firm. Most recently, she worked as a marketing manager at HMEA in Franklin, Mass.
“BCI is making the difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families in Central Massachusetts. In taking on this opportunity, I want to help make that thousands across the entire state,” said Bavosi. “Couple that challenge with working in my old hometown and this really was an offer I could not refuse.”
In addition to her professional pursuits, Bavosi is an active volunteer for The March of Dimes (Central Massachusetts Division) supporting their annual Signature Chefs Auction each October. She is also serves as the vice president of Women in Development of Central Massachusetts, a membership organization to support the advancement of women in the fundraising profession and to promote philanthropy through education, networking and professional development.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. In addition, BCI will open a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200. For more information on CABI, visit http://www.cabiautism.org or call 508-363-0201.