Thank you for supporting and attending the NCABA 22^nd Annual Conference that was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Charlotte, February 16-18, 2011. The conference included three pre-conference workshops, three post-conference workshops, seven invited addresses, one panel, and nine concurrent sessions devoted to the topic of behavior analysis, as well as our annual poster session, social, and silent auction events.

 

The topics presented at the pre- and post-conference workshops varied, including causes and interventions of compulsive behavior in autism (Travis Thompson from University of Minnesota), learning arrangement to promote verbal behaviors of children with autism (Bryan Crisp, Lori Stuart, & Jason Cone from Behavior Consultation & Psychological Services), emotional and immoral behaviors of children (Jeannie Golden from East Carolina University), ethical problems faced by behavior analysts (Duke Schell from J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center), implementation of evidence-based interventions (Michelle Duda from National Implementation Research Network & Shelley Clarke from University of South Florida), and workplace performance support (Lori Diener from Performance Blueprints, Inc. & Heather McGee from Western Michigan University). A total of 136 people participated in these 3-hr long workshops, available for CEU earnings for licensed psychologists and board certified behavior analysts.

 

One hundred fifty-eight people attended the 2011 NCABA conference. We were extremely fortunate to have a number of individuals preeminent in the field in attendance and several provided invited addresses that were well attended. Special appreciation is given to our invited speakers, including Travis Thompson from University of Minnesota, Philip Hineline from Temple University, Dennis Reid, Director of Carolina Behavior Analysis and Support Center, Diane Browder from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dennis Russo from East Carolina University, Michelle Duda from National Implementation Research Network, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Mark Galizio from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. This year, we were also fortunate to have a wonderful array of topics presented during nine concurrent sessions. Jeannie Golden and her students from East Carolina University, Douglas Irvin and his colleagues from Murdoch Developmental Center, and Leslie Phillips and her colleagues from the Mariposa School for Children with Autism started off the sessions. These concurrent sessions were followed by presentations from Keri Stevenson and her research team members from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Carolyn Green from Carolina Behavior Analysis and Support Center, and Julie Grimes from Davidson County Community College and Animalworks, LLC. The final three concurrent sessions were presented by Bree Jimenez and Diane Browder from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Ruth Hurst from the Central Regional Hospital in Butner and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Lori Diener from Performance Blueprints, Inc., partnered with Heather McGee from Western Michigan University. Mark Stafford, from the Mariposa School for Children with Autism, chaired our panel on Best Practice in Early Interventions for Autism, with Philip Hineline, Dennis Russo, and Travis Thompson as the panel members.

 

During the opening session, we had the pleasure of having Lee Sherry, Chair of the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte provide an opening remark. Also, our award recipients received a big round of applause at the opening of the conference. Edward Konarski received the Fred Keller Excellence in Behavior Analysis Award. Skip O’Neal received the Technical Utilization Award. Albee Ongsuco and Susan Flynn both received the Student Scholarship Awards, whereas Jamie Clary received the “Do Things” Award. This year, we also announced the Student Research Award, provided by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NCAAIDD) with the award going to Susan Flynn. Congratulations to all recipients!

 

The NCABA Student Representative, Alicia Saunders from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, did a wonderful job of organizing and chairing our Student Symposium. Student presenters included Susan Flynn, Bethany Smith, and Darci Smith from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Aphroditi Gouvousis and Albee Ongsuco from East Carolina University. Interestingly, all presenters shared their research on interventions and treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Following the Symposium, student attendees gathered together to meet and talk to the Student Representative candidates prior to voting. The Student Gathering session also provided student members with networking opportunities.

 

The Poster session included posters from graduate student researchers as well as practicing professionals. This year, we awarded prizes to outstanding posters in two categories: graduate student and professional. The winning poster presenters are listed in the NCABA History along with the other Award recipients for 2011.

 

Our Silent Auction profit, Raffle Ticket sales, and sponsorship and advertisements for the 2011 conference brought to the association with more than $2,300. This money will help defray future conference expenses and help in the sponsorship of student attendees. Thanks to all who donated or purchased an auction item and to those who purchased Raffle Tickets. Special thanks also to all sponsors for supporting NCABA.

 

During our annual NCABA Business Meeting, newly elected officers were announced and are listed on the Home page along with a link you can use to contact them by email. Welcome to all the new members and thanks to all of those who will continue on with the Executive Council. Of special mention are Jamie Clary, Ruth Hurst, Fred Spooner, and Duke Schell. Jamie Clary is a non-voting Board member serving as our NCABA Publications Editor. Ruth Hurst will remain on the Executive Council as the University Liaison and to share with us any progress regarding the state’s licensing issues. Fred Spooner will continue to serve as the Senior NCABA Board Advisor, and Duke Schell will remain as our liaison to ABAI and other related groups. I would like to send special appreciation to all of the members of the Executive Council who worked so hard to make the NCABA 22^nd Annual Conference a successful event for all. I would also like to thank the doctoral student volunteers from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and East Carolina University for their help throughout the conference. Lastly but not the least, thank you, The Bad Ash Band, for providing the entertainment and for making our attendees sing, dance, and go wild! On behalf of the NCABA Executive Council, we hope to see you (both old and new faces) next year for the NCABA 23^rd Annual Conference!!!

 

~Ya-yu Lo, Past President

2011 Conference Highlights

Thank you to all who supported the 2011 conference in Charlotte, NC.