Discover the diverse applications of ABA on the Behavior Lab at University of West Florida blog. Hear from UWF ABA students, faculty, staff and alumni on how they use the science of behavior in everyday life and their advice for anyone considering a career in this vast field.
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Prasika Bhattarai applies research-driven, real-world strategies to support clients, strengthen communities and grow a compassionate, ethical career in behavior analysis.
A former track coach turned behavior analyst and Director of Research and Development at the Andrews Research & Education Foundation shares how UWF’s ABA program shaped her journey into clinical research.
Alexandra Ingebritson is a current UWF graduate student working towards her BCBA. She works full-time as a BCaBA at a Fort Myers, FL clinic, with early intervention through high school-aged kids on the autism spectrum. She previously completed the UWF BCaBA course sequence and received her BCaBA certification in June 2022. Alex is preparing to take the BCBA exam later this year.
Joe Fitzhugh completed the MA in Exceptional Student Education with Specialization in ABA at UWF and is currently preparing to sit for his BCBA exam. He holds an undergraduate degree in general studies from Indiana University and is passionate about helping kids progress in their abilities.
Charise Lewis has been working in ABA for 11 years and recently completed the UWF online BCaBA course sequence in May 2022. With a bachelor’s degree in childhood development and a passion for working with teens and adults with autism, Charise is now a BCaBA at 1-Step Ahead ABA in San Diego, CA working with clients ranging in all ages.
Chelsea Burdette is a recent BCBA who provides support for kids in navigating their environments. She has a passion for working with children and seeing improvements through the concrete data ABA provides. Chelsea also recently presented research on her experience implementing learning interventions in a remote setting at the Standard Celeration Conference in 2021.
Tyler Morris graduated from UWF in August of 2021 and was one of the first alumni members to complete both the undergraduate minor in Behavior Analysis and the Master's degree with ABA coursework. Tyler worked as a graduate assistant at the Center for Behavior Analysis, and as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while completing her Master’s. She currently works as a BCaBA with children ages 3-21 at the Lakeview Center’s Autism Clinic.
Shawna has a passion for working one-on-one with kids and parents—especially supporting and coaching parents by teaching them techniques to handle difficult situations. She currently focuses on sleep training and developing CEUs for BCBAs, as well as tutoring and training for students pursuing the BCBA credential. Shawna currently operates her own ABA practice in Canada.
“ABA gave me the knowledge and tools to manage classroom behaviors and to help other teachers understand why their students are behaving a certain way. I also feel like I am constantly growing—as a teacher, as someone who uses ABA in the classroom and as an individual who is always gaining a better understanding of my own behavior.”
Sara currently holds two master's degrees, one in Social Work and one in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). After 10 years of working in social services, she discovered ABA while she was working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for extra income alongside her social work career.
“I find ABA a very rewarding field. Not only has it impacted the way I look at behavior, but applying scientific strategies to help people engage more socially and academically can greatly increase someone’s quality of life—that’s huge.”
Ariellah's biggest piece of advice for future ABA practitioners? “Listen to your gut and don’t give up.”
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