Meet the clinicians behind Positive Behavior Academy.
We do the research so you don't have to.
Positive Behavior Academy was founded by five talented clinicians who studied together at Stony Brook University with Dr. Edward G. Carr, a leader in the fields of developmental disabilities and Autism. The team brings decades of experience impacting the lives of others and now helps you grow, learn, and support with confidence.
The founders of PBA are fellow grad students who went on to successfully work as clinicians in a variety of community settings, including schools, hospitals, family homes, clinics, and agency settings, covering the full spectrum of Positive Behavior supports.
You're in the right place if...
- You are a lifelong learner looking for CEUs you can use.
- You want easy-to-use, manageable tools to help provide support for people with diverse abilities at all stages of life.
- You have difficulty navigating your way to the best behavioral resources.
We share common core beliefs about behavior change: behavior change is always possible and can produce meaningful lifestyle change. When stakeholders work together, the sum of our efforts is greater than any one person’s contribution.
Meet the clinicians behind Positive Behavior Academy
Experienced clinicians, educators, and problem-solvers helping families and professionals with practical, evidence-based support.
Kaarin Anderson-Ryan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Expanding our vision to a wider audience
She has worked for over 25 years helping individuals and families to find positive solutions to challenging problems. She is committed to helping people with friendships, social skills, and parenting. Fun fact: Kaarin loves the outdoors (beaches or mountains), aspires to creative pursuits, and is always looking for reasons to travel.
Theresa Giacobbe-Grieco, MA, ABA Certificate
Identifying gaps and developing creative, easy-to-use solutions
She is passionate about supporting successful transitions from school to adult life, self-determination, advocacy, friendship formation, and high school and college social support. Fun fact: Theresa is a Certified Master Gardener, loves kayaking, and is always working through her Goodreads list.
John Innis, MA, BCBA, LBA
Developing adult education classes and opportunities for people with autism and other unique learning needs
His recent work centers on functional routines, broad systems change, improved quality of life for older individuals with support needs, full, meaningful community inclusion, and lifetime learning opportunities for all. Fun fact: John travels frequently (often in search of great music), plays pickleball, and keeps trying to garden.
Nancy Langdon, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Simplifying research into clinical applications
Her career focus has been on functional behavior assessment and assessment of precursor behavior. Currently, she provides testing and evaluation services to help individuals access the supports and services they need. Fun fact: Nancy loves animals, reading, crossword puzzles, and shopping for shoes.
Darlene Magito McLaughlin, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Anticipating trends in the field before they happen
She is a leader in the field. Her research and clinical interests include functional communication, person centered planning, setting events, broad systems change, and longitudinal intervention approaches. Fun fact: Darlene is an entertainer extraordinaire, a dedicated Islanders fan, and busy with her childrens’ sports activities.
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