Press Releases
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.
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.
Halloween and children with autism
What’s not to love about Halloween? Costumes, decorations, trick-or-treating and candy. Yet for children with autism, joining in on the holiday fun can present some challenges for kids and their parents—e.g. getting into costume, knocking on the doors of strangers, eating too much candy, etc.
So, how can parents keep the Halloween fun from turning into a stressor?
“Children with autism find comfort in routine. As much as they might want to participate in Halloween activities, it is somewhat of a departure from daily routine,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. “With some planning and careful consideration of Halloween activities, the holiday can be enjoyable for all.”
Dr. Robinson notes the sensory issues presented by putting on a costume. First, it’s quite possible the costume will be made of a different material than their day-to-day clothing. Next, a costume will probably require a different routine or motion from putting on their usual clothing items (e.g. pulling on a pair of tights needed for a Superman costume versus putting on a pair of jeans). Both can trigger frustration and stress.
As much as your child might want to put on a mask and outfit, it may not be worth the potential for stress. So, instead of wigs, special suits and masks, Dr. Robinson recommends keeping it simple. For example, maybe decorating a t-shirt to be a costume and face paint instead of a mask. Perhaps creating an outfit out of some of their older clothes so there is a comfort level and familiarity with the material and getting in and out of costume.
Socially, Halloween presents more challenges. Approaching neighbors, some who may not know your child, can increase anxiety. A pre-Halloween visit to houses you might be visiting is one way to ease your child’s anxiety about knocking on doors while trick-or-treating. This can also be a time to inquire as to what your neighbor will be passing out for treats and making sure it’s something that’s not a conflict with your child’s dietary needs if he or she has a restriction on sugar intake.
Timing is another key issue. If larger crowds create anxiety in your child, you may want to take him or her out trick-or-treating before or after the peak hours. If that’s not possible, you may want to consider waiting on the sidewalk for the crowd at the door to dissipate rather than getting in line.
Even with planning and preparation, the traditional Halloween may be too much for some children with autism. Dr. Robinson suggests creating new traditions.
Said Dr. Robinson, “The reality is that getting into costume and being out in the dark with other children in costume might create too much of a stressor for some children with autism. Let your child know that that’s okay. Then create some new Halloween traditions so they can enjoy the holiday. Those can range from creating Halloween arts and crafts, decorating the house or anything else you think might be fun.”
Based in Worcester, Mass. 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.
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.
BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
Homework and children with autism
Students and homework. It can be a very big challenge for parents to find a way to get their children to lock in and focus so they get their homework done. Students with autism are no different than other students and parents need to provide the proper structure to make homework time a productive time.
“Children with autism do much better with a regular routine. That goes for doing chores around the house, going outside to play, going to school and, in particular, doing homework. Developing a homework routine is key to getting their work done,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts.
Dr. Robinson encourages parents to have a set time for homework—e.g. directly after dinner. You should also select a place where you are not likely to be interrupted by other members of the household or other family activities (e.g. using the dinner table would not be advised). You may want to consider a separate room in the house just for homework.
Scheduling a time do homework is another key. You want to select a time when you and your child can sit down, uninterrupted, and focus. After dinner is usually a good time for students and parents as you’ve had a chance to get home, get some nourishment and unwind before hitting the books. Avoid late night homework sessions when you are both too tired to work.
“To keep students interested, you also want to incorporate their interests into their studies. For example, if they are asked to read a book a night and your child likes football, find a book about football or one that has football as part of the storyline,” said Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Robinson also encourages rewards for students doing their homework. The reward can be a continuation of what your child has in school (e.g. stickers for a completed assignment) or it can be something you come up with on your own (e.g. 30 minutes of computer time for successfully completed homework).
“In addition to the one-on-one attention from you, the parent, it’s also key to coordinate closely with the school and your child’s teachers so that homework sessions are reinforcing what your child is learning at school. Your teacher may also have some insights on how your child learns best to make homework time productive and issue-free,” said Dr. Robinson.
Based in Worcester, Mass. 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.
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. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
BCI to open office at 207 Authority Drive, Fitchburg, MA
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently announced plans to open an additional office at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The new location is set to open later this month.
“Our goal has been to serve students within a one-hour radius of our main office in Worcester. We have experienced a high demand for our services along the Route 2 corridor which has created a need for this additional location,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “The new location will enable us to provide intensive day, after school, and weekend social skills training for clients in that area.”
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. BCI staff also includes one occupational therapist, two speech therapists and two licensed speech and language assistants on staff.
Instruction is provided across a variety of domains, including: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, social skills, leisure and recreation, 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.
“An added but not to be overlooked benefit of the new location is our relationship with Fitchburg State University. We’ve had an ongoing relationship with the University through an internship program and many of our therapists did their undergraduate and graduate work there,” said Robinson. “With the new location and the growing need for service, we hope to build an even stronger bond with Fitchburg State students and faculty.”
For questions about BCI and programs offered by the company, 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. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
Sarah Bird, Ashley Jordan and Prajakta Kadam join Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) as ABA therapists
Sarah Bird
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Sarah Bird, Ashley Jordan and Prajakta Kadam as ABA Therapists.
An ABA therapist is a person who uses applied behavior analysis as a form of treatment. Applied Behavior Analysis is the process of studying behavior in order to put into place appropriate behavioral interventions.
Sarah Bird holds an Associate’s degree in human services from Bay Path University and previously worked for the Center for Hope Foundation. She resides in Spencer, Massachusetts.
Ashley Jordan will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in educational arts from Bay Path University in December 2016 and has more than a year experience working with children with autism. She is a Worcester resident.
Prajakta Kadam holds a Master’s of Science degree in clinical child psychology and recently completed her post-graduate ABA certification and is working towards her board certified behavior analyst certification. She resides in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
Prajatka Kadam
“Any time you can put a Jordan and a Bird on the same team, it’s a good thing. In this case, we are happy to have Sarah (Bird) and Ashley (Jordan), as well as Prajakta, working with us to create a nurturing, learning environment for our students,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson.
Based in Worcester, Mass. 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.
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. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
Abbey Nelson and Courteney Churchill join Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) as ABA therapists
Abbey Nelson
Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Abbey Nelson and Courteney Churchill as ABA Therapists.
An ABA therapist is a person who uses applied behavior analysis as a form of treatment. Applied Behavior Analysis is the process of studying behavior in order to put into place appropriate behavioral interventions.
Abbey Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with a minor in psychology, from Assumption College. She resides in Worcester.
Courteney Churchill is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is a Worcester resident.
“One in 68 births results in a autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. That’s up from one in 88 in 2008. That means more and more children will need the services we provide in the years to come,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson. “We are grateful to Abbey and Courteney for joining our effort to create a nurturing, learning environment for our students.”
Courteney Churchill
Based in Worcester, Mass. 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.
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. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.