Christen Russell, MS, BCBA
PhD Endicott College, Applied Behavior Analysis August 2019-May 2022
Dissertation: “Practice Makes Progress: Using
Competency-Based Assessments in
Teaching Ethics”
Committee: Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Jill
Harper, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Thesis: “Using Functional Assessments in Organizational Behavior
Management”
Committee: Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Justin Leaf, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Jill
Harper, Ph.D., BCBA-D
MS Kaplan University, Psychology May 2012
Specialization: Applied Behavior Analysis
Graduated with Honors
BA Rutgers University, Psychology May 2002
Graduated Cum Laude
Endicott College, Beverly, MA 2019 to present
Adjunct Faculty:
- Contextual Analyses for Developing the Capacity to Engage in Self-Reflection in Behavior Analysis
- Using Competency-Based Assessments in Teaching Ethics
Graduate Student, Advisor: Jill Harper, Ph.D., BCBA-D
- Implicit Biases Impact on Learning and Decision-Making
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Graduate Training in ABA
- Using Competency-Based Assessments in Teaching Ethics
- Comparing Behavioral Systems Analysis to the Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services
- Fluency’s Effect on Generative Learning in Math
- Compound Stimulus Control in Teaching Masters Students to Identify Ethical Dilemmas
Research Interests: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Functional Assessments in Organizational Behavior Management, Performance Improvement, Best Practices in Teaching, Systems Analyses, Sociosexual Behavior, Instructional Design
Hunter College, New York, NY August 2022 to present
Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Special Education: Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Courses: Behavior Analytic Approaches to Learning
- Course set up and management, synchronous classes, grading
Capella University, Minneapolis, MN July 2022 to present
- Graduate Courses: Behavior Analytic Approaches to Learning
- Course set up and management, synchronous and asynchronous classes, grading
Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts May 2020 to present
Adjunct Faculty, Graduate School of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Courses: Ethical Considerations in ABA, Behavioral Assessment, Behavior Change Procedures, Translating Behavior Analysis to the Organization
- Course set up and management, synchronous and asynchronous classes, grading
- Masters Level Advisor for 50+ students
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ October 2017 to present
Guest Lecturer, Graduate School of Social Work
- Developed all content and active student responding for guest lectures in graduate courses averaging 25 students per semester, covering the following topics: functional behavior assessments, positive behavior supports, behavior intervention planning, collaboration on interdisciplinary teams and organizational behavior management.
Affecting Behavior Change, Columbus, NJ October 2017 to present
ACE Coordinator
- Developed all content, quizzes, and surveys for over 50 continuing education courses for BACB certificants, including, but not limited to, the following topics: ABA Program Evaluations in the School Setting, Treatment of Challenging Behaviors Maintained by Peer Attention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Supervision, Ethics, Incorporating Manding and Tacting into Natural Environment Teaching to Promote Generalization and Maintenance, Do It Right the First Time: Bringing Value into your Leadership, and Making Hard Work Easy.
- Submitted and resubmit all required documentation to meet authorization standards.
Affecting Behavior Change, Columbus, NJ March 2008 to present
Founder/Behavioral Scientist
- Provide behavior consultation in public and private school classrooms for individual students and classwide
- Trained and supervised staff and those pursuing certification through the BACB
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments, Functional Analyses, Program Evaluations that drive Behavior Intervention Planning and Training, Treatment Planning for school and home-based (insurance funded) cases
- Provided Expert Witness Services
- Observation of the learner/student in his/her program
- Screening cases for merit
- Review and analysis of records
- Written reports; defining applicable standards of care and deviations from and adherence to applicable standards of care, assessing alleged damages and /or injuries, identifying and recommending potential defendants, research and analysis of validity and reliability of research studies relied on by all parties
- Presented professional development, networking, marketing and community education workshops.
- Provided sociosexual education workshops/ongoing sessions to learners
- Providing Organizational Behavior Management
consultation to health care agencies
- Developed recruitment committee and all policies and procedures for three departments
- Increased mid-level managers by 50%
- Interviewed, screened and onboarded applicants for entry level, administrative, and professional jobs
- Created and maintained job descriptions and applicant and client tracking systems
- Revamped performance-based pay and implemented quarterly reviews
- Oversight of 100s of executive, operations and clinical staff across corporate office and in situ settings
- Created interventions to improve employee and customer satisfaction and onboarding process for Certified Home Health Aides for South Jersey’s first and largest not-for-profit hospice organization
The Uncommon Thread, Stirling, NJ January 2015-April 2017
Clinical Director
- Provided ABA services to clients 18 months-8 years old
- Analyzed and reported on all clinical data metrics
- Oversight of 40 staff across home, and community settings.
- Developed the clinical model to ensure consistency and best-practice in programming across all programs.
- Streamlined clinical processes (intake, reassessment, school, home and clinic-based services).
- Provided ongoing training for staff and contractors
- Clinical review of all Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), Treatment Plans (TP), and Goals and Objectives (G&O).
- Program oversight (specific to each client): program progression, maladaptive behavior reduction, etc.
- Conducted quarterly performance-based reviews
- Presented professional development, networking, marketing and community education workshops.
Above and Beyond Learning Group, Wyckoff, NJ February 2013-October 2015
Clinical Manager
- Provided ABA services to clients 3 -21 years old
- Increased census by 200% in two years.
- Presented professional development, networking, marketing and community education workshops.
- Oversight of 50 staff across clinic, home, school and community settings.
- Used training and evaluation to guide and empower staff to make sound, clinical judgment.
- Conducted therapist training, program administration, and monthly clinics with staff and families.
- Performed new client intakes, marketing/networking events, and quality assurance.
- Ensured program integrity, behavior reduction, and skill acquisition in each individual program.
Devereux NJ, Woodbury, NJ September 2007 – March 2008
Behavior Analyst
- Oversight of 4 group homes and vocational program of 30 staff.
- Analyzed, prepared and reported data to effectively collaborate and implement children’s, ages 8-20 years of age, Individualized Education Program and/or Individualized Habilitation Plan.
- Provided training, support and guidance to direct care professionals to properly facilitate effective educational learning and proper implementation of behavior support plans.
- Assessed children’s level of functioning (ABS, SAI, MAS, etc.).
- Developed vocational curriculum/activities for adults, ages 21-65
Volunteers of America, Camden, NJ April 2007 – September 2007
Case Manager
- Managed a caseload of 25 male offenders from culturally diverse, socioeconomic levels that were intellectually and developmentally disabled and at high risk for substance abuse/dependency and recidivism.
- Assessed clients’ individual risks/needs through individual counseling, service planning and assisting in developing problem-solving skills.
- Facilitated cognitive behavioral group therapy to increase offenders’ problem-solving, social, alternative/consequential thinking, and emotions management skills.
- Participated in group supervision to increase the productivity of the interdisciplinary team.
Behavior Counts Therapy, Cherry Hill, NJ August 2004 – April 2007
Director of Early Intervention/Consultant
- Provided ABA services to clients 18 months-10 years old
- Oversight of 30 staff in clinic, home, and school-based settings.
- Analyzed, prepared and reported data to assess children’s academic and functional skills.
- Established rapports with families to understand the familial dynamics and address specific needs.
- Collaborated within an interdisciplinary team.
- Provided training on behavioral principles and procedures.
- Conducted supervision and training to direct instructors to enhance level competencies.
Berlin Borough Board of Education, Berlin, NJ 2003-2005
BCaBA/Consultant/Behavior Technician
- Provided 1:1 ABA services to students with Autism.
- Provided consultation and supervision to three students’ ABA home and school-based programs
Moorestown Board of Education, Moorestown, NJ 1999-2001
Behavior Technician
- Provided 1:1 ABA services to a student with Autism
Reviewer, Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2021
Reviewer, Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 2020-2021
Reviewer, Council for Exceptional Children, 2013-2018
Russell, C. E. & Shaw, S. (in preparation). Ethical Challenges Working in Public
Schools.
Russell, C. E., Krasnopolsky, J., Theodore, M., & Harper, J. (in preparation). A
behavior-analytic interpretation of sex.
Russell, C. E. (in preparation). Comparing behavioral systems analysis to the performance diagnostic checklist-human services.
Russell, C. E. (in preparation). Using preintervention assessments to drive intervention in organizational behavior management: A systematic literature review.
Russell, C. E. (in preparation). There is more than one way to be an ally/accomplice:
But take action now. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Hilton, J., Syed, N., Weiss, M., Tereshko, L., Marya, V., Marshall, K., Gatzunis, K., Russell, C., & Driscoll, N. (2021). Initiatives to address diversity, equity, and inclusion within a higher education ABA department. Behavior and Social Issues.
Russell, C. E. (2013). Developing friendships. The Autism Notebook, Oct/Nov, p. 16-
17.
Syed, N. Y., Marshall, K., Russell, C. E., Tereschko, L., & Driscoll, N. (in
press). Embedding cultural responsiveness in graduate coursework and
supervision training. In A. DeSouza & D. Crone-Todd (ed.), Behavior Analysis in
Higher Education: Teaching and Supervision, Vernon Press.
Harper, J., Krasnopolsky, J., Theodore, M., Russell, C. E., & Dodds, E. (2021).
Functional behavior assessment. In J. K. Luiselli (ed.), Applied Behavior Analysis
Treatment of Violence and Aggression in Persons with Neurodevelopmental
Disabilities, Advances in Preventing and Treating Violence and
Aggression, Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68549-2_2
Presentation: Practice Makes Progress: Teaching Students to Navigate Ethical Situations, Association for Behavior Analysis International, May 2022.
Poster Presentation: Comparing Behavioral Systems Analysis to the Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services in a School, Association for Behavior Analysis International, May 30, 2021.
Presentation with Asim Javed: “Let Me Hear Your Voice: Collaboration in Autism Services with Marginalized Groups,” University of New Brunswick, Atlantic Provinces Autism Conference, November 5, 2020.
Invited Lecture, “Change is Hard: Using Behavioral Science to Effect Change in HealthCare Organizations,” Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work, 2020.
Invited Lecture, “Functional Behavior Assessments,” Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work, 2017-2019.
Professional Development Lecture, “Behavior Analysis in the Classroom,” various school districts, 2015-present.
Professional Development Workshop, “Safety-Care Behavioral Safety Training,” Affecting Behavior Change, 2014-2018.
Workshop, “ABA Home Services,” The Uncommon Thread, 2015-2017.
Workshop, “Navigating Your Insurance,” Above and Beyond Learning Group, 2013-2015.
Workshop, “Dealing with Challenging Behaviors,” Above and Beyond Learning Group, 2013-2015.
Workshop, “All Behaviors Can Change,” Above and Beyond Learning Group, 2013-2015.
Presentation with Lauren Kryzak-D’Amato, “Generalization: Don’t Put It on the Back Burner,” New Jersey Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, 2014.
Webinar, “Developing Friendships,” In Partnership with Autism Family Services, 2014.
Workshop, “Reinforcement,” Progressive Therapy of NJ, 2011.
Trauma Informed Behavior Management mentorship, 2021-present
Description: Ongoing mentorship from BCBA-Ds on the use of TIBA within my own practice working in public and private schools.
SAFE-T Assessment Training, 2021
Description: Completed this course on the SAFE-T Assessment about treating behaviors after someone may have experienced trauma. The course included training on use of the SAFE-T Checklist, which contains several tools to screen and document over 200 trauma-related factors. The course also trained on conducting risk-needs analysis and how to mitigate risk(s) for clients who have experienced trauma.
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Behavior Analysis, 2021
Description: Completed this four module course on trauma-informed behavior analysis to provide responsible, evidence-based, and sensitive support to individuals whose backgrounds include early or serious adverse experiences.
Crisis Prevention Intervention, 2021-present
Description: Completed the training to provide verbal and physical intervention to minimize risk for clients in crisis.
Organizational Behavior Management mentorship, October 2018-September 2021
Description: Ongoing mentorship from a BCBA-D on the use of OBM strategies within my own agency and conducting Behavioral Systems Analysis in a Center for Grief Department of a hospice agency and a private, out of district school (kindergarten-8th grade).
Morningside Summer Institute, 2020
Description: Completed the three-week practicum in math, reading and content. Workshops included learning the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction: initial instruction (including Direct Instruction and Mathetics), Precision Teaching, and curricula, application (focusing on reinforcer sampling and establishing operations), Reflective Thinking, how to design and sequence instruction to promote generativity, and how and when to probe learners for evidence of generative behavior. Also completed the Introduction to Instructional Design.
Handle with Care, 2019-2021
Description: Completed the training to provide verbal and physical intervention to minimize risk for clients in crisis.
Organizational Behavior Management Certificate, Florida Institute of Technology, 2018
Description: Completed the three course sequence to obtain the certificate. The professional development courses focused on project management, change management and behavior analysis.
Authorized Continuing Education Provider Organization, Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2017-present
Description: Applied and was approved as a Type II continuing education provider by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) BACB ACE Provider Number: OP-17-2771
Supervisor Training, Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2014
Description: Completed BACB Supervisor Training requirements to provide
supervision for individuals seeking BCBA and BCaBA certification.
Childhood and Adolescent Sexual Development, Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment, 2014
Description: Identified typical characteristics of the sexual development of children and adolescents, analyzed cultural myths about children and sexuality, identified age-appropriate responses for sexual issues with children and adolescents, and recognized characteristics of sex-positive parents and adults.
Sexual Attitudes Reassessment, Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment, 2014
Description: This course introduced us to human sexual behaviors, orientations, and identities through discussion and media to create greater comfort and ease when dealing with sexual issues. We gained an understanding of erotophobia (fear of various aspects of sex) in our society, the unnecessary fear society has about sex, and the next steps to comfort and wellness with our whole bodies.
Sociosexual Education Mentorship, 2013-2017
Description: Ongoing mentorship from PhD level psychologists and a master’s level BCBA who were certified sexuality educators via the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
Safety Care Trainer/Specialist, Quality Behavioral Solutions, 2013-2018
Description: Completed initial and ongoing certification of skills and competencies necessary to effectively prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges with dignity, safety, and the possibility of change. The Safety-Care program provided strategies for preventing and managing behavioral challenges and crises, and teaching replacement behaviors. The strategies were appropriate for individuals experiencing developmental, neurologic, psychiatric, and other impairments.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2012
Certificate #: 1-12-12097
Description: Passed the examination for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis overseen by the BACB, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. (recertification completed September 2015, 2017, 2019)
Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2004-2012
Description: Passed the examination for the Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). The BCaBA an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis overseen by the BACB, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. (recertification completed December 2007, 2010)
November 2021-present Masters Level Organizational Behavior Management Course Committee
- Updating course content to include most recent research and to embed systems analysis and organizational health to enhance student learning around professionalism in practice
Spring 2020-present Member of the ABA Task Force for Diversity and Inclusion
- Development of diversity, equity, and inclusion survey, interdepartmental research on metrics related to DEI, updating syllabus language and course content to include most recent research and to improve students’ DEI experiences within the department and each course
Fall 2020- present Masters Level Ethics Course Committee
- Updating course content to include most recent research and to embed contemporary issues (e.g., diversity, inclusion, ethical decision-making) to enhance student learning around ethical issues in practice
Association for Professional Behavior Analysts
Black Applied Behavior Analyst, Inc.
ABAI Annual Convention. (2022): Boston, MA
Endicott College. (2021). Ethics Conference: Online
Endicott College. (2021). DEI Conference: Online
ABAI Annual Convention. (2021). Online
Endicott College. (2021). Bridging the Gap: Meaningful Dialogue between Practitioners and Autistics: Online
ABAI Annual Convention. (2020). Online
Parks, N., (2020). Feedback F Ups. Online
OBM Network. (2019). Richmond, VA
FIT. (2018). OBM Applied! Online
Hanley, G. (2017). Functional Assessment of Severe Problem Behavior of Persons with
Autism: A Focus on a Safer, Faster, and Still Effective Process: Paramus, NJ
Next Gen Revolution Summit. (2017). NJ
Scientific Leadership Conference. (2016). Mt. Laurel, NJ
Leadership & Organizational Behavior Management. (2016). Mt. Laurel, NJ
Vargas, J. (2015). Growing Up With My Father, B.F. Skinner: Mt. Laurel, NJ
NYSABA (2015). Saratoga Springs, NY
Dixon, M. (2014). PEAK Level 1 Training: NJ
NJABA (2014). Bedminster, NJ
FIT (2014). Excellence in Behavior Analytic Supervision (BEHP 1122). Online
FIT (2013). Sexuality & Sexuality Instruction with Learners with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (BEHP1096). Online
Carolan, J. (2012). Generalization: Don’t Keep It on the Back Burner. Online
AutismNJ (2008; 2012-2014). Atlantic City, NJ
ABAI Autism Conference (2007). Boston, MA
ABAI Annual Convention (2006). Atlanta, GA
ABAI Annual Convention (2005). Chicago, IL