About Us
On Halloween of 2007, Behavioral Connections began providing home-based and center-based medically necessary applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to all ages with language and social deficits. We use Skinner’s functional analysis of language to identify and develop the individual needs of each learner. We also offer educational ABA services through private pay and school contracts.
Our Mission
Our purpose, our goal, our reason for existing is to get kids to talk. We started this company by providing direct effective interventions that all kids with disabilities deserve. We fight everyday to articulate this, disseminate this, and motivate others to do the same.
Bridgewater
New Bedford
North Dartmouth
Administration
Melanie
Co-Founder, PhD, BCBA, LABA
"I quickly found my passion for the field after enrolling in the Principles of Behavior Analysis course at Jacksonville State. Specifically, it was the pigeon lab that sold me. Since 2001, I've been a diehard fan of Skinner and learning theory. My dedication now lies with two endeavors 'Never giving up on a child that cannot talk. We, the teachers, need to change in every way until we succeed" and "the opportunity to open the world up to this field, because it provides hope for tomorrow.'"
Publications:
Axe JB, McCarthy‐Pepin M. On the use of the term, “discriminative stimulus,” in behavior analytic practice. Behavioral Interventions. 2021;1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1776
Jason
Co-Founder
"My passion for the field started after receiving training from The Carbone Clinic’s consultants while overseeing behavioral classrooms at a private school in New York (HASC). I eventually became a highly sought ABA consultant in both the private and public sectors, earning a state wide reputation. I've since brought these skills back to Massachusetts to open Behavioral Connections."
Sharon
HR Director
"I was a stay at home mom when my two oldest were growing up. I worked in my home for my husbands’ vocational rehabilitation business. When he became disabled I was called out into the work force. My first job was a teller working my way up to assistant manager. I moved on from this position into payroll and human resources for approximately 100 employees. My career continued with other organizations as an office manager and human resources for some smaller organizations. My last position before Behavioral Connections was with a large construction company where I was the safety officer and payroll and human resources for 135 construction workers. I started with Behavioral Connections in 2014. This has been a very fulfilling job to see the great work that comes from each and every one of our BC team members."
Jocelyn
Lead BCBA, LABA
"It’s been a true privilege executing interventions that increase a child’s ability to access their world through building language. I’ve provided direct treatment to children as well as mentorship and supervision to BCBA’s since beginning with Behavioral Connections in April of 2012. Currently, my focus is immersing myself in all things insurance including authorizations, assessments, appeals, and audits. Fighting for a child’s right to medically necessary treatment has become something I’m incredibly passionate about. My goal is to ensure that all our families receive prompt and continual treatment and to help them navigate the insurance challenges that sometimes emerge with on-going services. When I'm not working, you'll find me with my husband and two sweet boys"
Kat
Lead BCBA, LABA, School Psychologist
"I began working as a behavioral therapist with children with Autism in 2010 at an elementary school in an urban school district in MA. In 2012, I continued to work in the field of autism for Behavioral Connections with clients aged two to twenty-two in home-, clinic-, and community-based settings. After becoming a BCBA in 2016, I began providing clinical supervision to various clients and Registered Behavior Technicians at BC, and mentoring to individuals seeking certification. In addition to providing parents with behavior management training, I consult with parents navigating the special education process, including reviewing IEPs, attending school meetings, and conducting classroom observations. I enjoy building on my knowledge and experience by attending the National Autism Conference at Penn State University so that I can apply what I learn with my clients. When not at work, you will find me spending time with my family (I recently became a new mom to my daughter Olivia!) and my dogs and cats. I love sailing (or anything related to the ocean), practicing yoga, and eating with chopsticks!"
Erica
BCBA, LABA
Erica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University with an emphasis in autism. Erica has attended the Penn State National Autism Conference and seeks continuous education and training in the field of behavior analysis. Her clinical interests include verbal behavior, functional communication training, behavior reduction, and organizational behavior management. Erica enjoys indoor cycling and long walks on the beach with her Boston Terriers.
BCBA, LABA
"From the start of my undergraduate program, I always knew I wanted to have a career working with children. I was lucky enough to be starting my degree right when the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration came to my university. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and ABA, I started working as a behavior therapist in both a public school and in homes. After receiving my master’s degree and passing my certification exam shortly after, I began working as a BCBA providing support to families in homes. Throughout my career, I have learned that I thrive in a setting with a dedicated team of professionals willing to collaborate with each other to provide the best possible care to clients, which led me to working at Behavioral Connections. In my free time I enjoy being with family, reading, and hanging out with my two cats, Mabel and Nora, and soon to be new puppy, Willow!"
Betsey
BCBA, LABA
"From when I was young, I have always had a passion for helping others with intention in my heart to make the world a better place. I earned a Bachelors degree from UMASS-Dartmouth in Psychology in 2013 with the intention of becoming a Psychologist. But when I stumbled into the field of ABA over 7 years ago I knew that I had discovered exactly where I had belonged. Over the years I have worked in various ABA settings. I started working at a day habilitation program working with adults with intellectual disabilities. But I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience in the field, so then I began working with children with Autism in the Special Education dept in a public school. I ended up finding my niche with center-based ABA services here at Behavioral Connections in 2017. I received a Masters degree from Endicott college in ABA in 2019, followed up with receiving a BCBA credential in October of 2020. During my free time I enjoy gardening, traveling, crafting/DIYs, opening monthly subscription boxes, overly decorating for holidays, trivia nights with friends, and of course being a couch potato with my French Bulldog, Rex."
Michaela
BCBA, LABA
"I was first inspired by the field of ABA when a family member was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At the time I did not truly understand the impact and the science that was driven to make such profound changes in his life all I knew was I wanted to play some part in making those changes. I have been with Behavioral Connections since 2015 as a behavior technician working one-on one to provide direct care to individuals diagnosed with ASD. I later graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2018 with my Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in ABA to become a BCBA. When I am not at work you can find me with my face in a good book, or with my dog and family."
Sheryl
BCBA, LABA
"My passion is seeing individuals make progress and move toward reaching their potential. I have been in the education field for 22 years with the past 12 years focused on working with children on the autism spectrum through school, home, and clinic settings. I found that ABA was the most successful path to seeing the individuals I worked with and started my path toward becoming a BCBA in 2014 through a post graduate program at Endicott College. I received my BCBA Credential in 2017 and have worked in both home and clinic settings as a BCBA since then. I developed an interest in language development through an undergraduate degree in communication and was intrigued with the concept of the verbal behavior approach to ABA. Gaining a position at Behavioral Connections is a dream come true for me. I look forward to developing my skills in Verbal Behavior and seeing the learners I work with gain and develop language skills. My interests outside of ABA include time with family, enjoying time with my granddaughter, throwing pottery, watching soccer, and baking if I can find the time."
Kerry
BCBA, LABA
"My passion for learning about behavior was sparked in high school in my first Psychology class. I continued to get my undergrad degree in Psychology at Bridgewater State University, and my masters in ABA from Bay Path University. I have had 5 years of experience in home and school-based ABA and I have loved all of it. The age groups I have worked with vary from 2 to 12 years old. I am very excited to be adding center-based ABA to my list of experience. In the future, I hope to be able to be involved in research as well. My favorite part of ABA is seeing the progress that the students make. It is truly amazing what ABA can do, and I am happy to be a part of it."
Michelle
BCBA, LABA
"During my undergrad, I knew I wanted to have a job that I could “make a difference” but didn’t really know how to do that. A close family member was diagnosed with Autism as I was about to graduate and knew that was the direction I needed to go. I have been working at Behavioral Connections since 2016 & I couldn't be more thankful for everything the staff and children have taught me over the years. During my spare time I love to play with my dog Luna Lovegood, read as many books as possible and visit my family in North Carolina!"
Troy
BCBA, LABA
"It wasn't until I began my journey here at BC in 2017, that I first discovered ABA, and formed a better understanding of autism. In 2020, I made the decision to pursue my masters in ABA and start my mentorship with BC. I completed my masters and earned my BCBA title in June of 2023. I now begin, a new and exciting journey, widening my experience and knowledge, to help create meaningful changes in my client's lives."
Kris
BCBA, LABA
"My journey into the field of ABA is not your typical one. I have always been driven by a passion to help others. After High School I joined the United States Army. Soon after being honorably discharged from the military, I became a police officer. I love(d) both professions and the opportunities they present to meaningfully help others in a variety of ways. It was one of these opportunities which led me to ABA. Early in 2021 responded to an incident involving a person with ASD and it ended with everyone safe and at home. In the days following the incident I couldn't stop thinking of how interactions such as these can and have ended negatively. I began researching for information, trainings, and ways to improve these situations for everyone involved. As fate would have it, I was also researching master's programs. During my search I came across and researched ABA. Within weeks I was registered for courses and have never looked back. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, four children, and three dogs."
Shellie
BCBA, LABA
"All my life I knew I wanted to help others. I started off studying criminal justice, but then found psychology and fell in love. Following receiving my undergraduate degree, I started working in the field as a therapeutic mentor. I then found my career path working as a behavior therapist. This led me to the field of ABA and I worked to get my Masters in Behavior Analysis from National University. I started my masters program in ABA back in 2019. When taking my first course in ABA, I remember thinking, I finally found my passion. Everything made sense and opened my eyes to a whole new world. I worked as a Behavior Therapist in homes and then worked as a RBT at Behavioral Connections. At BC I was able to grow and learn under supervision from great BCBAs. In my personal time, I love enjoying nature and caring for my animals!"
"I started my journey in ABA and autism intervention in graduate school. I was fascinated after I witnessed how ABA therapy could make a difference in a child’s life and their family as a therapist. As I was introduced to more families and children, I realized how much extra support that families may need in this journey. Therefore, I went to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Mississippi College, while continuing working with the families of children in the spectrum. I have worked with clients in the spectrum ranging from 18 months to 18 years old, across the home, center based, and school setting. I am excited to join the BC team and focus more on helping my learners to communicate and thrive in all their environment! I am also eager to learn what is new in the field and to apply the new research findings in my practice. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and cuddling with my two cats."
Kathleen
BCBA, LABA
"I went into my undergraduate program knowing that I wanted to work with children, but unsure of in what capacity. In my sophomore year I stumbled across a behavior analysis course and it was as if a lightbulb went off - I knew I had found my passion. Following receiving my undergraduate degree in psychology, I started working in the field as a behavior therapist, and jumped right into getting my Masters in Behavior Analysis from Simmons College. I completed my course work and received my BCBA certification in 2015. Since that time, I have worked as a BCBA supporting children and families in their homes and schools. I have always loved verbal behavior and that love led me here to Behavioral Connections! When I'm not working, I can be found spending time with my husband and two young children, or catching up with other family and friends."
Joanne
Clinical Coordinator, MS Marriage & Family Therapy
"I married my skating partner and raised five children before beginning my college career. A devoted community member. Teaching, compassion for families in need, and realizing the importance of consistency in raising children became a driving force in my choice for my education. After graduation, I worked for 14 years as a therapist and a teacher for Project Forward at 4C's, a program for college age students with significant disabilities. I ended my time at 4C's as a Senior Academic Advisor before joining the Behavioral Connections family in July 2014."
Tara
Administrative Coordinator
I have always had a passion for helping others. Prior to BC I worked for a Providence Hospital in medical records for many years, after that I knew I needed a change and wanted to work with children. I then switched to an Early Intervention program and really loved working in a field where I could help children and families with ASD. I knew I wanted to continue this work and decided to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. That’s when I then found BC! I first started working here at BC as a therapist and truly loved working with the kids. When the position for Administration came up within the company I thought it would be a great opportunity for me after having my daughter. I am still able to help children while doing some work I was comfortable with in the field of administration. I feel BC has been a great fit for me and happy to be a part of the team!
Ariel
Administrative Coordinator
"I have worked for BC since 2011 in many different roles. From providing direct treatment to school consultations for neighboring districts, I’ve enjoyed working with the children so much. My first job out of college was working with children with ASD, and I knew that this was the field I’d pursue as my career. I am currently working in the office in Bridgewater, which has created a new way for me to help both our families and staff. When I’m not at work, you can find me spending my time with my two boys who keep me busy and grounded."
Stephanie
Administrative Coordinator
"My journey to ABA was not necessarily a straightforward one, but I couldn't be happier to be where I am today. I always knew I wanted to work in a field where I was making a difference and helping people. I spent 7 years in the United States Air Force as a medic, not only assisting active-duty members but families as well. After separating to spend more time with my three children, I decided to go back to school. While in school, I took a part-time job as the office assistant here at Behavioral Connections. After a few short months, I knew this is where I wanted to be. When a position for office coordinator opened, I jumped at the chance. Now I get to spend each day being able to witness the positive impact our staff have for patients and their families."
Alyssa
Administrative Coordinator
"I began my journey in ABA in September of 2016, as a Registered Behavior Technician. I have always loved working with children and adults with various abilities. Prior to my career with Behavioral Connections, I worked in a related field for many years, in-home where I was CPR and MAP certified. I attended BCC right after high school, got married a few years later and now have two amazing children. I now am a part time Building Administrator at the New Bedford location, while also assisting in our other two locations. I also assist with the intake process, where I can connect with families in getting patients the services they need."
Bowie
Dog
"Woof."