2026 Pre-Conference Workshops
General Information
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Where: Conference hotel Hyatt Regency Riverwalk (IN-PERSON ONLY)
TxABA Member Pre-Conference Workshop Registration and CEUs: $80 for 3-hr workshops
The membership price for workshops will not appear on the purchasing page unless your membership is current. At this time, it is not possible to purchase a membership and get the member rate for workshops on the same transaction.
Non-Member Pre-Conference Workshop Registration and CEUs: $120 for 3-hr workshops
We encourage those interested in attending a pre-conference workshop to register by March 2, 2026. We will review registration numbers in early March and low registration workshops may be canceled. On-site registration may be available if seats are still available and instructors have enough materials.
Please note that workshop instructors may promote their own books, curricula/materials, or services. Workshop registrants' names and email addresses will be shared with workshop instructors, you may receive emails from them before or after the workshop.
How to Register
1) Log into your TxABA Account (person icon at the top right) or create a free TxABA account (person icon at the top right)
2) Click on Register on the top page menu or click here
3) Remember the membership registration price for pre-conference workshops will not be available unless your membership is current
- you CANNOT purchase membership at the same time as a pre-conference workshop to get the member price
4) Select the workshop(s) you want to register for, please remember that workshops are In-Person Only
5) Select the box to agree to Terms of Service
6) Select Submit to go to your cart
7) Please review your cart, the total is the price you will pay
8) Select to Pay with Card to complete the purchase or Pay by Check - If paying by check, please read the instructions & confirm as you cannot come back to pay by card later
9) You will receive a confirmation email for each pre-conference workshop that you register for with information
Pre-Conference Workshop #1
Scaling with Supervision: Building High-Fidelity ABA Systems that Grow Without Losing Quality
Instructor: Bethany Coop, MA, BCBA
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
BACB CEUs: 3 SUPVERVISION CEUs Available
Format: In-Person
Abstract: In the rapidly expanding field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), organizations face the dual challenge of increasing service capacity while maintaining treatment fidelity and staff competence. This interactive three-hour workshop equips ABA leaders, supervisors, and clinical directors with evidence-based strategies to scale services without sacrificing quality. Drawing from current research on BCBA supervision practices, supervisor qualifications, treatment outcomes, and fidelity measurement, participants will explore how to design robust supervision systems that support both staff development and client progress. We will examine critical variables including supervision intensity, supervisor credentials, caseload, and the supervisory relationship. Participants will learn to embed procedural fidelity checks into daily operations, structure supervision to include IOA and treatment fidelity, and implement competency-based training methods such as Behavioral Skills Training (BST) and structured performance feedback. The session will also address soft skill development, compassionate supervision, and preventing burnout, ensuring that both technical and interpersonal competencies are nurtured. The workshop blends didactic instruction, case scenarios, and small group activities to allow attendees to apply concepts to their own organizational contexts. By the end, participants will have a tailored supervision and fidelity framework ready to implement, ensuring their organizations can scale services ethically, sustainably, and with measurable impact.
Learning Objectives:
- 1) Analyze research findings on the impact of supervision intensity, supervisor qualifications, and caseload on ABA treatment outcomes
- 2) Design a supervision system that includes treatment fidelity, self-monitoring, and ongoing skills assessment.
- 3) Implement competency-based supervision strategeis (BST, video review)
- 4) Develop systems for monitoring supervisor and supervisee performance that align with best practices
- 5) Apply burn out prevention strategies and compassionate supervision practices
Instructor Bios:
Bethany Coop is a nationally recognized Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), public policy advocate, and founder with over two decades of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She blends compassionate mentorship with clinical expertise and systems-level leadership to drive ethical, sustainable solutions in behavior analysis and public service. Her career began in disability rights advocacy, educating voters on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inspired by her experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities, she earned her MA in Developmental Psychology and ABA certification through Penn State and Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently pursuing her PhD to expand her impact on clinical and policy reform. As founder of Over the Rainbow Behavioral Consulting, Bethany brought therapeutic services to rural Colorado for 15 years, achieving BHCOE full accreditation three consecutive years, including training site status. Now semi-retired from clinic ownership, she serves as senior consultant at ClearPath Behavioral Solutions, mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts. Bethany is co-owner of Public Policy Posse, LLC, producing content, presenting nationally, and advancing legislative reform. She serves on committees for COABA, CASP, and Colorado’s HCPF workgroups, contributing to the future of behavioral healthcare. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two children, and a lively collection of pets. Her leadership style is rooted in authenticity, humor, and a belief that meaningful change begins with brave conversations.
Pre-Conference Workshop #2
Parent Coaching: How We Can Support Parents Using AAC with Children with Autism
Instructors: Sanikan Wattanawongwan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA and Valeria Yllades, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
BACB CEUs: 3 CEUs Available
Format: In-Person
Abstract: This workshop is designed for educators and behavior analysts who work with parents and caregivers to support children with communication deficits, including children with autism, particularly through the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Participants will gain practical strategies, including culturally and linguistically diverse strategies, for coaching parents to effectively implement communication interventions and AAC systems at home, promoting generalization and long-term communication outcomes. By the end of this session, participants will have a clear framework for coaching parents in the effective use of communication strategies and AAC systems.
Learning Objectives:
- 1) Participants will learn about communication profiles of children with autism, including challenges, strengths, and how they impact intervention selection.
- 2) Participants will learn how to select and implement culturally responsive and evidence-based communication interventions, including AAC systems, to support children and families.
- 3) Participants will gain strategies for coaching parents in using techniques like reinforcement, modeling, prompting, and expanding to enhance communication and AAC use at home.
- 4) Participants will learn how to support parents in using AAC systems correctly, addressing challenges, and ensuring consistency across settings.
- 5) Participants will understand the process to collect and analyze data on communication progress, and make adjustments to improve interventions.
Instructor Bios:
Dr. Wattanawongwan is an Assistant Professor of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She also serves as Senior Project Advisor for Parent-Directed Treatment Coach to Communicate (C2C) for Texas A&M University, funded by the state of Texas (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board), to improve communication for individuals with autism. Dr. Wattanawongwan has provided services for individuals with autism in Thailand and the United States in school, clinic, and home settings. She received her doctorate from Texas A&M University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her current research interest focuses on coaching families and paraprofessionals of individuals with autism to use evidence-based behavioral strategies to enhance communication and social skills.
Dr. Valeria Yllades, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the local community. Particularly towards underserved communities in their social skills, communication, adaptive, and with behavioral challenges. She uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a scientific approach to understand, explain, and modify behavior. With more than a decade working in the field of ABA, she combines academic expertise with hands on experience to help bridge the gap between research and practice. She is passionate about mentoring students and future clinicians by actively working with them as they learn real life applications and evidence-based interventions. She is especially committed to fostering inclusive, person-centered and building strong relationships across different environments.
Pre-Conference Workshop #3
The Importance of Internal Compliance Teams and Processes to Mitigate Risk
Instructors: TxABA PPG Officers Ellen Rhoads, MS, BCBA, LBA, Mariel Fernandez, MS, BCBA, LBA, Anna Sciarillo, MA, BCBA, LBA, and Michelle Castillo, MS, BCBA, LBA
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
BACB CEUs: 3 ETHICS CEUs Available
Format: In-Person
Abstract:
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), internal compliance teams and processes are crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring ethical service delivery. This presentation will explore the vital role that compliance structures play in protecting client welfare, upholding industry standards, and minimizing organizational risks. Specific to Medicaid funded programs, Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG), highlighted the importance of a robust compliance program, with appropriate internal checks and balances, to address improper billing. Medicaid providers must understand the standard for fraud, waste, and abuse (knew or should have known) and have appropriate safeguards in place to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, including a clear understanding of ABA policy and billing requirements when participating in state Medicaid programs. Attendees, whether utilizing private insurance funding and/or Medicaid will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to implement and maintain effective compliance practices, with a focus on the seven essential elements of a compliance program. The presentation will also address common challenges faced by ABA organizations and provide practical strategies for fostering a culture of compliance. By the end, participants will be equipped with the tools to enhance their compliance efforts and reduce risk in their organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- 1) Understand the role of internal compliance teams in mitigating risk within ABA organizations.
- 2) Identify the seven essential elements of a compliance program and their application in ABA settings.
- 3) Explore strategies for monitoring and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards in ABA practice.
- 4) Examine how compliance processes can enhance staff training, accountability, and ethical behavior.
- 5) Recognize common compliance challenges in ABA organizations and learn practical solutions.
- 6) Develop a plan for fostering a compliance-driven culture that supports client welfare and high-quality service delivery.
Instructor Bios:
Ellen Rhoads is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She received her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Auburn University. She then moved to Texas to work for Texana Center in 2005. While at Texana, she worked as a BCBA training teachers on the principles and application of ABA, a clinical team supervisor, and as the Senior Manager. After starting a family, Ellen and her family moved to northwest Arkansas. Ellen continues to work for Texana Center as the Specialized Services Project Manager. Ellen serves as the President of the Texas Association for Behavior Analysis Public Policy Group and the chair of the same organization’s Insurance Task Force; she also serves as well as the chair of the Council for Autism Service Providers (CASP) Profound Autism SIG.
Mariel Fernandez is the Vice President of Government Affairs for The Council of Au sm Service Providers. Mariel is a Board Cer fied Behavior Analyst, BCBA, and a Licensed Behavior Analyst, LBA, in Texas. She began working in the field of Behavior Analysis in 2001 and pursued her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Auburn University in 2004. Mariel has effec vely advocated for improved access to care on the micro and macro levels, including suppor ng advocacy, public policy, and legisla ve ini a ves across all 50 states and D.C. Mariel is also a member of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regula on, TDLR, Behavior Analyst Advisory Board and President of the Texas Associa on of Behavior Analysis, TxABA, Public Policy Group, where she helped to pass behavior analyst licensure and the au sm services benefit, including ABA, through Texas Medicaid. She also serves as a subject ma er expert for the Policy Council on Children and Families.
Anna Sciarillo is a BCBA based in San Antonio, Texas, and currently serves as the Vice President of Intake and Marketing at Empower Behavioral Health. Since beginning her career in ABA in 2010, Anna has gained experience in clinic-based, in-home, and community-based services for individuals with autism. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and her master’s degree in special education, with a focus on ABA, from The University of Texas at San Antonio. In addition to her role at Empower, Anna is actively involved in ABA advocacy, serving as Secretary for the Texas Association for Applied Behavior Analysis Public Policy Group (TxABA PPG) and Chair of its Medicaid Task Force.
Michelle Castillo is a doctoral student at the University of North Texas where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. She originally entered ABA during her undergraduate career, working with young children with autism. She can now be found working with neurodivergent college students teaching independent living and social skills. Michelle’s research interests are related to verbal behavior, specifically the assessment and intervention of complex social skills and problem solving. Passionate about collaboration and dissemination, Michelle is an active member of collaborations within and outside of behavior analysis.
Pre-Conference Workshop #4
Implementing Evidence-Based Social Communication and Language Strategies: Practical Tools for Collaboration Among RBTs, BCBAs, and SLPs
Instructors: Hannah Fipp-Rosenfield, PhD, CF-SLP and Lauren Hampton, PhD, BCBA-D
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
BACB CEUs: 3 CEUs Available
Format: In-Person
Abstract:
Many children receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA) services also require support in social communication and language development. However, children often receive a higher dosage of ABA therapy than speech-language therapy, highlighting the benefit of providing board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) with interdisciplinary training to address multiple developmental outcomes. This workshop, co-led by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a BCBA, examines how integrating developmental and behavioral learning theories can enhance children’s social communication and language development outcomes. We will review theoretical frameworks that inform both disciplines and discuss how evidence-based strategies for supporting social communication and language development can be integrated into ABA services while maintaining alignment with established treatment protocols. Interactive discussions, applied case examples, and video demonstrations will illustrate how BCBAs and RBTs can implement these interdisciplinary strategies in clinical practice. Through this collaborative workshop, attendees will acquire evidence-based tools to advance children's social communication and language development outcomes and strengthen cross disciplinary collaboration among BCBAs, RBTs, and SLPs.
Learning Objectives:
- 1) Describe how developmental and behavioral learning theories inform social communication and language development
- 2) Identify 3 evidence-based strategies for supporting children's social communication and language development that can be embedded into into ABA sessions
- 3) Analyze case examples and evaluate how collaboration between BCBAs, RBTs, and SLPs can enhance children's social communication and language development
Instructor Bios:
Dr. Hannah Fipp-Rosenfield is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also completing her clinical fellowship year to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. Hannah’s research focuses on developing and evaluating individualized, family-centered interventions that support young children’s social communication and behavior regulation. She is passionate about interdisciplinary collaborations and evidence-based trainings for providers.
Dr. Lauren Hampton is the principal investigator of the Little Longhorn Lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at The University of Texas at Austin. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience serving young children with language delays and their families.