BCBA Certification 2014 – Cert #1-14-16110 (passed on first attempt)
BCBA Coursework 2013 – Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University)
M.A. Clinical Psychology 2007 – California State University Dominguez Hills
B.A. Cum Laude Psychology 2003 – University of California, Irvine
EXPERIENCE & WORK HISTORY
Founder & Private Behavioral Provider
South Bay Behavior Group, Torrance, CA (2016-Present)
Adjunct Professor
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA (2021 – Present)
Teaching Master’s level ethics course in the area of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA (2020 – Present)
Teaching Master’s level ethics and practicum courses in the area of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Social Skills Consultant
Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance, CA (2017 – Present)
Independent Educational Evaluator for Functional Behavior Assessments (IEE FBA)
Los Angeles Unified School District (2016 – Present)
Bonita Unified School District (2022)
Lancaster School District (2021)
ABC Unified School District (2018-2021)
Ocean View School District/West Orange County Consortium for Special Education (2019)
Clinical Director of ABA Services
Albert Knapp & Associates, Redondo Beach, CA (2017–2018)
Director of Behavior Assessment & New Client Services
Shabani Institute of Behavior Analysis & Language Development, Lakewood, CA (2013–2016)
Case Manager & Service Coordinator
Harbor Regional Center, Torrance, CA (2006–2013)
Assistant Teacher & Lead Behavioral Aide
Switzer Learning Center, Torrance, CA (2005–2006)
ABA Training & Supervision
I was fortunate enough to receive my direct training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and all of my BCBA supervision hours at the Center for Behavior Analysis and Language Development in Santa Monica, California (also known as the Shabani Institute). I simultaneously completed approved BCBA coursework which was beneficial as I was able to apply what I learned when working with my clients. Daniel Shabani, Ph.D., BCBA-D was a direct supervisor and mentor while I was training at the Center for Behavior Analysis and Language Development. He provided hands-on support and guidance and helped me prepare for (and pass) the BCBA examination. Dr. Shabani has experience working with individuals who exhibit severe aggression and self-injury. He has taught ABA for the California State University system and is the executive director at the Shabani Institute.
During my time training at the Center for Behavior Analysis and Language Development, I gained extensive experience working with individuals who exhibited severe aggression (e.g., punching, biting, kicking, property destruction), self-injury (e.g., head banging, biting self, slapping/punching self), property destruction, and who lacked appropriate functional communication skills. I have worked with clients from all walks of life from ages 4 to 42 years old. Most of these clients had diagnoses such as autism or intellectual disability. However, my experience was not limited to just individuals who had a developmental disability.
The extensive training I received played a big role in me passing the BCBA certification exam on my very first try (BACB# 1-14-16110) and continues to provide me with a solid foundation as I work with others and teach courses related to behavior analysis. Additionally, I keep current with what is going on in the field of ABA by attending professional conferences and supplemental trainings multiple times per year. I am a member of the California Association for Behavior Analysis (Cal-ABA) and Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and I support the movement towards BCBA licensure in the state of California.