Dr. Rocha was drawn to the field of ABA because she wanted people to have a better life. She believes that ABA provides people a better understanding of how individuals came to their current circumstances, and provides pragmatic view point of functionality in environment to provide a better life for people. She first heard about QABA from her west coast friends, as QABA has a significant popularity on the west coast. After conducting her own research of what QABA has to offer, she learned that QABA would soon be the sole American provider of international ABA credentialing. This motivated Dr. Rocha to become engaged with QABA and the work they were taking part in. What further inspired her connection to QABA is that she saw a need for an international ABA connection, as well as integrated care both within the US and internationally. She states “It is a certification that I value for myself as a practitioner, and as an international practitioner.”

When asked about her connection to ABA in Brazil, Dr. Rocha explains that international ABA is very diverse from the US. She focuses on the importance of QABA providing practitioners with a certificate that promotes ABA standardization models throughout the world. She speaks to the importance of having an international standards committee, and how it is very “unique, as no other ABA credentialing board provides one.” Having an international committee allows board members to gain knowledge, education, and understanding about other cultures and the experiences they are facing. For example, in Brazil there may be a drive for knowledge and skill, but there are not always means and resources to act on the desires. This is why an international committee is vital in international success.
Furthermore, “QABA certificates promote the provider while protecting the consumer by showing the consumer that the services provided has a commitment to quality.”

Dr. Rocha encourages people to “keep at it! Those receiving services and their families matter, so don’t give up!” She presses forward in stating “the certificate is the bare minimum. CEU’s demonstrate your commitment to your knowledge, your clients, and to your practice. Having a QABA certificate attests that you have the diverse knowledge of working with our population.” Dr. Rocha ends our interview with the encouraging quote “It is great to be the first, but it is even better to be one of many.”