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Greater New Bedford

Our Office

      Design Element Shape

      A Career that Changes Lives

      At BDES, our team of experts works with children and young adults on the spectrum to help them reach their true potential. We use personalized, data-driven ABA therapy that has been scientifically proven by experts across clinical settings. Our goal is to foster each child’s confidence and resiliency—and empower them to lead a happy, fulfilling life. 

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      Our Team

      Sheldon Wagner, Ph.D

      Senior Advisor

      Sheldon Wagner, Ph.D, is a senior advisor of Behavioral Developmental and Educational Services. He studied at the University of Geneva with renowned child psychologist, Dr. Jean Piaget and completed his doctoral work in psychology at Harvard University, where he researched children’s typical and atypical development. Dr. Wagner also worked with Seymour Papert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and continued his postdoctoral training with Dr. Howard Gardner at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. 

      Dr. Wagner was previously an assistant professor of psychology and education at the University of Rochester and has published numerous articles, chapters, and abstracts related to infant and child development. He has lectured internationally on various topics related to infant and child development and developmental disabilities. He lives in Massachusetts with his family. 

      Karen K. Butler, M.A., BCBA

      Clinical Director

      Karen K. Butler, M.A., BCBA is a graduate of West Virginia University with an internship at the Johns Hopkins Kennedy Institute of Behavioral Medicine. (currently Kennedy-Krieger Institute).  Karen moved to the east coast to work at the he May Institute for Children with Autism in 1980.  She and her family provided services to 3 separate children with autism over the next 12 years, teaching language, social and life skills in their home. Karen comes to us from Behavioral Development and Educational Services, where she served as the senior BCBA and Clinical Supervisor.  Her tenure at BDES spanned 24 years.  She is also one of the founders of Brightening Horizons Autism Treatment in Southeastern Massachusetts. 

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