Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is defined as the science in which the principles of the analysis of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behaviors. ABA is a scientific problem-solving approach aimed at improving an individual's ability to learn, function, participate, and enjoy the social world around them. Behavior Analysis is synonymous with Behavioral Psychology, Operant Learning, and the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
ABA Services at NWBHS
Clinic Based Services
Complete Service Analysis and Assessment
Individualized Clinical Programming
One-on-One Therapy Sessions
Small Group Sessions
Parent and Family Training
School Support and Consultations
Social Skills Training
Life Skills Training
Food Acceptance
Our Approach
The ABA team at NWBHS proudly provides high quality behavior analytic services to children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with Autism. Our ABA team uses only researched based behavior interventions including, but not limited to: Discrete Trial Training, Incidental Teaching, Natural Environment Teaching, Pivotal Response Training, and Verbal Behavior Analysis. We maintain a small, close-knit, collaborative ABA therapy team, which allows our therapists to remain with their clients throughout the entire intervention process with little to no employee turnover. Our practice employs only highly educated therapists, which exceeds industry and national standards. Each therapist is required to have their Registered Behavior Technician certificate and must maintain it.Meet Our ABA Team
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Kerri Doherty-Betley, M.S., BCBA
Kerri is the head of our department and lead BCBA. She has been with NWBHS for over 10 years. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's College-Notre Dame with a major in Communication Disorders and Psychology. While at Saint Mary's College she was the President of Autism Speaks-U. Following Saint Mary's College she attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and received a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Kerri's passion for helping others started at an early age and she has been working with neurodiverse people for over 18 years now. When Kerri's not working she loves to hang out with her children, family, friends, dog Bingo, travel, and get lost in a book. She's a die hard Notre Dame football fan and all around sports lover.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)
Melissa Burke, B.A., RBT
Melissa is a dedicated and passionate RBT with over two decades of experience in ABA. Melissa’s journey in the field of ABA began at the University of Kansas, where she discovered her passion for helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families navigate through life's challenges. Currently, Melissa is furthering her passion by pursuing a master’s Degree in ABA. When she's not immersed in her work, Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her Husband and Children.
Melissa Meyers, B.A., RBT
Melissa has worked with children with Autism for over 15 years. She is a graduate of Eureka College where she earned her Bachelor's of Applied Science in Special Education. Melissa is credentialed as an RBT with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA. Melissa enjoys working with children of all ages, and loves being a part of each child's milestone and skill development. Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and her dog Delores.
Sarah Tschan, B.S., RBT
Sarah graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s of science in Health Science. Sarah plans to continue her higher education in the near future. Sarah has always had a passion for helping others and enjoys working with children of all ages. When Sarah is not working she loves to hangout with her family, friends, and dog Blue.
Payton Engels, B.S., RBT
Payton graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and minors in interpersonal relations and criminology. Payton is determined to focus on a higher education in the future. She strives to help others and is dedicated to seeing others succeed. She enjoys working with children and has done so throughout her life. In Payton’s free time she enjoys reading a good book, spending time with family, and going to Cubs games!
Daniela Santos, B.S., RBT
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Still Have Questions?
Contact Kerri Doherty-Betley, M.S., BCBA
(847) 577-0904 ext 105