With her early background as a classroom teacher in Tennessee, Claire Hicks, QBA, has specific knowledge of the various learning styles and individualized needs of all students. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University, and a Master of Art in Teaching with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. As a Behavior Interventionist at Autism Behavior Services, Inc., Claire implemented behavior and treatment plans, collected and graphed behavior data. After becoming a masters-level BCBA, she performs behavior assessments and develops treatment and behavior plans for individuals across the autism spectrum. Claire has a deep commitment to the practice of applied behavior therapy; she joined the QABA Board to make sure that all certified clinicians meet the strictest standards in order to provide consistent, high-quality care. QABA is fortunate to have such a qualified clinician as Claire to serve on our Board of Directors.

Dr. Sheena Piehota, QBA, BCBA, currently works in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis providing a variety of behavior analytic services to military families. She completed her Ph.D. (I/O psychology) program at Capella University where she also received her M.S in Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis (2014). Dr. Piehota earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida (2012), and has over 9 years experience working with children with disabilities. Prior to her work in Applied Behavior Analysis, she worked in education with children in PK-12th grades. Dr. Piehota focuses her current practice in verbal behavior and functional communication.

Dr. Liliane Rocha, DBH, QBA, BCBA, completed her graduate training in behavior analysis at the Graduate Center (CUNY), and her doctoral degree in behavioral health, with a focus on integrated care at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health. She has broad interests in Behavior Analysis, particularly in how behavior analytic strategies can be used in large scale to improve systems in healthcare. She is interested in improving the care for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) starting at the pediatrician’s office. 

She has worked with behavior analysis, in a variety of settings, including a Psychiatric Hospital leading a team of behavior analysts who designed behavior interventions to decrease the use of restrictive interventions during acute psychiatric admission. At the hospital, she also had the opportunity to work in performance management and quality improvement projects where she had the opportunity to exercise her OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) skills. She is a certified ACT Matrix facilitator and uses the Pro-social Matrix in crisis-management trainings.

At this time, she is a faculty member and student advisor in the doctoral of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute in Arizona. She is a consultant who provides consultation to local schools and hospitals, as well as international consultation in Brazil, her native country. She is interested in ways to bring behavioral analytic treatment to areas with difficult access to quality services. To that end, she has developed a telehealth practice, where she supervises behavior analysts serving children with ASD in Brazil.

Dr. Daniel Yang, Ed.D., Th.D., QBA, BCBA-D, KBA-D, is the Head Professor at Aba Korea Academy and a Professor Emeritus at Baekseok University's Graduate School of Education. Dr. Yang participated in translating projects for QABA exams into Korean as a member of QABA Translation Committee. He has collaborated with several universities to gain approval as a QABA Coursework Provider. He has taught ABA-related courses at Dankook University, Honam University, Daegue University, Baekseok University, Seoul National University, and others. Dr. Yang has recently been interested in exploring both low-tech and high-tech methods to improve group and individual instruction effectiveness, as well as to support the application and retention of newly acquired verbal behavior skills. The Grandfather and the lifetime Board member of the Korean Association for Behavior Analysis, which was the first nationwide organization in the field of ABA in Korea, has authored or translated several bestsellers in ABA, including "VB-MAPP" and the third edition of "Applied Behavior Analysis“, the so-called "Cooper Book."

Dr. Kirkhart graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia University. He also earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University, then completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His pre-doctoral internship was at the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at Shands Hospital, University of Florida College of Health Professionals. Dr. Kirkhart is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and is past Chair of the Psychology Department and a past interim Chair for the Department of Teacher Education, both at Loyola University Maryland. His two primary research interests are in medical/health psychology, primarily focusing on those with serious or chronic medical conditions such as factors that affect general adaptation and adjustment to the medical conditions (i.e., adjustment to chronic pain conditions, adaptation to lifestyle changes in managing diabetes, etc.), and in the prediction of adjustment and adaptation to future medical procedures (i.e., predicting adjustment post organ transplantation). His second primary research interest is in basic research examining learning and memory, in the conscious and unconscious learning and memory, rule-governed behavior, and a functional analysis of language in efforts to understand how verbal behavior affects other behavior. Additionally, he has research interests in mentoring and teaching in psychology, adult psychopathology, and interpersonal psychotherapy models and methods.

Jessica Swanson is one of the first Qualified Behavior Analysts (QBA) in the country. She also has her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, is a licensed behavior analyst (LBA), and a certified autism specialist (CAS). Additionally, Jessica earned a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism.

Jessica entered the field of ABA after her then 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  Jessica works as a behavior analyst while running the company she founded, Summit Health Services Inc., which provides ABA services to clients in four states.

When not working in the field of ABA, Jessica spends time with her husband of nearly two decades, her 9-year-old daughter, and 7-year-old son.  Jessica is a military spouse who currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

Dr. Mohammed Almutairi, Ph.D., is a highly qualified and certified Behavior Analyst (QBA) with a wealth of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In 2018, Dr. Almutairi earned a Ph.D. in ABA from the University of Oklahoma, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the application of behavioral science to enhance the lives of individuals with autism and developmental disorders. 

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Almutairi adeptly integrates academic rigor with practical experience to educate future practitioners and contribute to cutting-edge research. His primary focus lies in the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at supporting skill enhancement and rehabilitation for children with autism and related disorders. Furthermore, he specializes in the creation of tailored training programs for parents, empowering them to effectively nurture their children's development. 

Dr. Almutairi's research interests encompass assessments and intervention strategies for individuals with developmental disorders, with a particular emphasis on the cultural nuances within ABA practices. His dedication is evident in his commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and promoting a deeper understanding of how ABA can effectively address diverse needs within communities.

Penny Runions is the parent and full-time caregiver of a child with Non-verbal Autism and Epilepsy, who has benefitted from Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Services for 8 years from multiple different ABA company providers. I have a passion for supporting families with Autism in the navigation of what interventions and supports work best for their family and specific needs. Education of families on the benefits of having ABA evidence and team support for multidisciplinary support meetings for education, medical team support and community services is a significant factor I emphasize.

Mrs. Runions has a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and has worked within the fields of psychology and criminal justice while in service with the U.S. Army and held civilian law enforcement positions which expand her knowledge of parental struggles among diverse populations. She currently volunteers as an investigative assistant with an organization Special Operations Finding Kids out of Northern California.

Mrs. Runions currently resides in the State of Washington with her family and enjoys reading, nature and an always present cup of coffee.  She is an advocate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the early introduction of variant communication.