OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Behaven Kids, Nebraska’s leading provider of services for children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, mental health-related issues and behavioral difficulties, will be presenting the first-ever Applied Behavior Analysis Summit for ABA professionals, psychology students and mental health therapists in the Heartland area. The summit is taking place Sept. 17 at the Marriott Regency in Omaha. The event will run 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $49.99, with an option to add a $20 donation to the nonprofit Autism Action Partnership. Professionals can purchase tickets at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/behaven-kids/good-life-aba-summit.
“We are committed to investing in the development of professionals in the Heartland,” said Themis Gomes, CEO of Behaven Kids. “Throughout Nebraska and Iowa, the demand for ABA services far exceeds availability and we are working to make sure families have access to the professionals they need.”
The full-day summit will offer:
- 4 CEU credits through summit activities focused on building quality clinical models and effective supervision standards;
- Engaging roundtable discussions facilitated by guest speakers;
- Special presentation about communication using Skinner’s principles of verbal behavior;
- Breakout sessions tailored to diverse career paths in ABA, including Clinical Practice, Research and Education;
- Networking with peers, mentors and potential employers to expand your professional circle and explore career opportunities; and
- A buffet-style lunch and coffee bar.
“This summit is much needed and will be a tremendous asset to professionals throughout the area,” said Justin Dougherty, president and CEO of Autism Action Partnership. “We are very pleased to be part of such an important event that will help improve the services being offered to families throughout the Heartland.”
Among the keynote presenters will be:
- Paula Braga Kenyon, Ph.D: a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2001. She has held various senior positions in the field of ABA, and most recently was Chief Clinical Officer at Trumpet Behavioral Health and Kadiant. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at Northeastern University.
- Lani Fritts: has been leading ABA organizations since 2009 when he founded Trumpet Behavioral Health. He subsequently founded Kadiant and is a founding board member of CASP. He has an MBA from Stanford University and a diverse skillset that includes strategic planning, management, operations, technology, startups and leadership. He brings experience from previous roles at Lockheed Martin, Trumpet Behavioral Health, The Council of Autism Service Providers, Bixpli, Kadiant and Behaviorlive.
- Kathleen Stengel: a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in the field of behavior health and ABA for over 20 years with her major area of clinical interest consisting of administration of medical and behavioral treatment for individuals with neurodevelopmental behavioral issues and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is an expert in creating large scale systems to improve clinical outcomes for those populations.
- Mark Shalvarjian: the current CEO of Gracent who has a distinguished career in health care leadership starting in 1997. He previously served as COO of Kadiant, President of Capitol Dental Care and CEO of Cancer Care International. His career includes growing Vantage Oncology from two to 62 centers and executive roles with DaVita and Deloitte. He is dedicated to serving underserved populations and has been active with nonprofits supporting health care for children, the disabled and the elderly.
Keynotes and panels will include:
- Meeting the demand of clients: operational challenges of working in ABA.
- Building a quality clinical model.
- Behavior skills training.
- Measurement matters: why data is just as important to collect from management.
- Effective supervision standards: rural and remote supervision for BCBAs.
Behaven Kids is a provider of services for children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, mental health-related issues and behavioral difficulties. The company provides a full range of therapy, counseling and care services to help children, parents and families at three locations in Nebraska. Behaven Kids has more than 70 professionals with a variety of credentials and expertise, including board certified behavioral analysts, licensed behavior specialists, licensed mental health practitioners and certified clinical trauma professionals. Behaven Kids was founded in 2000. More information is available at BehavenKids.com and on social media @behavenkids.
