What does leadership look like when people are facing grief, uncertainty, housing instability, immigration concerns, or other life challenges?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Sonia A. Staples, Director of Constituent Services for Prince George's County, to explore how leadership shows up in moments when people need support the most.

Drawing from her experiences as an immigrant, advocate, mother, and public servant, Sonia shares lessons about trust-building, communication, cultural humility, community engagement, and the behaviors that help people navigate complex systems. She discusses the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment, advocating for marginalized voices, and helping communities recognize the power of their own voices.

Throughout the conversation, Sonia offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to create meaningful change without losing themselves in the process.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you lead a team, a family, a community initiative, or simply want to create positive change where you are, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb

If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change.

If you enjoyed this episode:

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

About Our Guest

Sonia A. Staples, MSA, Director of Constituent Services, Prince George's County

Sonia Staples was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and migrated to Washington, DC in 1993. She attended Calvin Coolidge High School, where her passion for advocacy and leadership first began through her involvement in student government and the International Students Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 2002. Sonia is the proud mother of four and believes deeply that her life has been enriched through advocacy, service, and intentional parenting. She is committed to shaping young minds by providing exposure, opportunity, and encouragement principles that guide both her family life and public service.

In 2009, Sonia moved to Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she has remained actively involved in local politics and community advocacy. In response to the current climate of anti-immigration rhetoric and policy challenges, she has taken an active role in helping shape policies that uplift and protect immigrant communities.

Sonia recently earned her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona Global Campus and has immediately enrolled in a Master of Public Policy program at the University of Baltimore. This academic path reflects her commitment to understanding where policy meets the people—particularly when decisions directly impact immigrant and historically underserved communities. By combining financial expertise with public policy training, Sonia brings a practical, informed perspective to governance and community leadership.

Grounded in faith and service, Sonia is an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Forestville and Christ Reigneth Chapel in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, host Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with special guest Laura Jenkins, M.Ed., Supervisor of Special Education.

Together, they explore how long-lasting organizational, educational, and personal change starts at the foundational level of human behavior. Laura shares her transition from elementary and special education classroom teacher to administrative leader, dropping powerful insights on adult behavior, trust, and influence.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb

If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change.

If you enjoyed this episode:

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

About Our Guest

Laura Jenkins, M.Ed., Supervisor of Special Education

Laura Jenkins is a dedicated educational leader with experience in both general and special education. She began her career as an elementary teacher before transitioning into special education, where she developed a strong commitment to supporting diverse learners and inclusive practices. During her career, she has served in leadership roles including Assistant Supervisor of a full-time Low Incidence Program and Interim Supervisor of a full-time Emotional Support Program.

Laura currently serves as a Supervisor of Special Education, overseeing programming across several elementary schools within her school district. She values collaboration with educators, families, and stakeholders to promote student growth and success. Mrs. Jenkins holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton, along with Special Education and Supervisor of Special Education certifications from Immaculata University.

Young Leaders of Grenada – Part III: How Young Leaders Are Creating Solutions For Real Challenges in Grenada

What does it take to move beyond recognizing problems and begin creating meaningful solutions?

In Part III of the Young Leaders of Grenada series, Dr. Esther Bubb is joined by an inspiring panel of emerging leaders—Zadie Barry, Brandon Felix, Paul McBurnie, Peter McBurnie, and Lily Welsh—for a timely conversation about solving community challenges through leadership, service, and collective action.

Together, they explore real issues facing Grenadian youth—from mental health, civic participation, and youth disengagement to employment opportunities, brain drain, and community resilience. More importantly, they challenge listeners to look beyond symptoms, identify root causes, and recognize that lasting change begins with everyday leadership behaviors.

Throughout the conversation, the panel shares personal experiences, practical solutions, and genuine leadership lessons on topics including:

Drawing from both behavior science and leadership principles, Dr. Bubb reminds listeners that leadership is behavior—and every conversation, every action, and every choice influences the future of our communities.

Whether you're a young leader, educator, parent, policymaker, or member of the Grenadian diaspora, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone committed to creating positive change where they are.

Leadership doesn't begin with a title—it begins with a decision to serve.

Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb

If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change.

If you enjoyed this episode:

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

About Our Guests

Guests

Zadie Barry is a youth leader and advocate whose work centers on youth empowerment, climate action, and responsible development, with a strong focus on creating practical opportunities for young people to lead and thrive.

She is the founder of the Small Island Futures Foundation, where she drives initiatives that connect environmental awareness, mental well-being, and economic opportunity. She is also the founder and project lead for GND MindSpace, a youth-focused mental health initiative creating safe, accessible spaces for open conversations and support around well-being.

With over five years of volunteer experience, Zadie has been an active member of the Youth Emergency Action Committee and serves as Vice-Chair for Communications with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Caribbean Chapter, where she contributes to regional advocacy and youth engagement on environmental issues. She is also the voice behind The Youth Spotlight, a platform dedicated to highlighting young people who are making a meaningful impact in their communities.

With a background in meteorology and a deep commitment to civic engagement, she brings a thoughtful and solution-oriented perspective to conversations around development, resilience, and youth leadership across the Caribbean.

Brandon Felix is a student at St. George’s University with a strong passion for leadership, faith, and youth development. He is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding young people, particularly within the communities of Hope, Marquis, and Mt. Fann.

He currently serves as Youth President of the Marquis Pentecostal Church, where he leads youth initiatives, mentors young people, and creates spaces that encourage spiritual growth, discipline, and positive life choices. His leadership focuses on building a generation that is grounded in faith and empowered to make meaningful contributions to society.

Brandon also serves as Treasurer for both the Marquis Pentecostal Church and the Northeastern Zone of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies (PAWI), Grenada Youth Ministries, where he is responsible for financial oversight and accountability, as well as supporting the sustainability of youth programs and activities.

In addition, he is a National Youth Ambassador, where he contributes to youth representation and remains engaged in national conversations surrounding youth development and community impact.

Brandon is driven by a vision to use his leadership and influence to inspire change, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation.

Paul McBurnie is an Attorney-at-Law at Ciboney Chambers, Grenada. He has been admitted to practice law in Grenada and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and specializes in Litigation & Dispute Resolution as well as Conveyancing, Wills, Trusts & Succession, having recently assumed the role of Interim Head of the firm’s Conveyancing and Succession Department. Mr. McBurnie has appeared before the High Court and Court of Appeal in matters concerning contractual disputes, contentious probate, labor & employment, real property and public law. In his free time, Mr. McBurnie enjoys hiking, swimming, singing and photography.

I am an adaptable and versatile individual with an academic background in Economics and International Business. Detail-oriented and dependable, I engage effectively with people across time zones and cultures, both independently and collaboratively.  I bring initiative, a broad perspective, and a strong sense of professionalism to every environment I join.

My name is Lily Welsh, and I am a passionate young professional from St. Mark, Grenada, dedicated to youth development, leadership, and community empowerment. I currently work as a Cybersecurity Officer within the Division of ICT in the Office of the Prime Minister, where I contribute to strengthening digital security and innovation.

Beyond my professional role, I am actively involved in youth advocacy and national development through organizations such as the National Youth Ambassador Corps, Youth Parliament, and community initiatives. I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people, inspiring positive change, and using my voice to represent the needs of my generation.

I am also someone who values growth, resilience, and service, and I believe in leading with purpose while making a meaningful impact wherever I serve.

In this episode, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with school-based behavior analyst and clinical leader Kelleen Corrigan to explore what it means to lead beyond direct service. From her roots in a service-oriented family to her work in clinical research at Drexel University and tiered school systems, Kelleen shares actionable insights on behavioral leadership, building alignment across multidisciplinary teams, and designing sustainable environments. Tune in to discover how to move from reactive behavior management to proactive system design, foster staff development through compassionate coaching, and lead with both precision and empathy.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Memorable Quote

"I don't aim for perfect agreement. I aim for coordinated action." — Kelleen Corrigan

About Our Guest

Kelleen Corrigan, MS, BCBA, NJ-LBA

Kelleen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and New Jersey–Licensed Behavior Analyst with over a decade of experience providing evidence-based behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation across clinical, educational, and research settings. She currently serves as a behavior analyst in a New Jersey school district, where she delivers consultation services, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and partners with district leadership to support and strengthen tiered systems of behavioral support. Kelleen also provides parent coaching and guidance to families within her local community.

Her professional background includes leadership roles in both educational and behavioral healthcare organizations, where she has provided training, supervision, and mentorship to aspiring BCBAs, RBTs, and paraeducators. Earlier in her career, Kelleen worked at Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, contributing to multiple federally funded research initiatives focused on early intervention, treatment matching, and social communication outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Committed to advancing high-quality care and professional development in the field, Kelleen has presented at professional conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed research on behavioral and developmental interventions. She is passionate about translating research into practical, sustainable strategies that meaningfully improve outcomes for individuals, families, and schools.

Connect 

If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change.

If you enjoyed this episode:

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

Behind the Decisions: Ethics, Judgment & the Conscience of Clinical Leadership

Every leadership decision tells a story. In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, BCBA-D, to explore what happens behind the scenes of clinical leadership, where data, ethics, policy, and human impact intersect.

Drawing on her experience as a clinical reviewer and behavior analyst, Dr. Conway-Wortman offers an inside look at the complex decisions that shape behavioral health services. Together, they discuss how leaders balance evidence with clinical judgment, protect the dignity of those they serve, and make thoughtful decisions when the answers aren't always clear.

Their conversation explores:

The episode concludes with a practical Monday Morning Move that every leader can implement immediately: learning the value of pausing before responding, allowing thoughtful leadership to replace emotional reaction.

Whether you are a behavior analyst, educator, healthcare professional, administrator, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights into making decisions that honor both people and purpose.

Leadership is revealed by how we navigate the decisions that aren’t easy.

About Our Guest

Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, Clinical Reviewer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Dr. Alissa Conway is a BCBA‑D whose career spans residential treatment, NIH‑funded university research, clinic, and Medicaid utilization management. She earned her undergraduate degree from West Chester University and completed her master’s and doctorate at Western Michigan University, where her research interests focused on assessment and the quality of behavioral intervention. Now serving as a Medicaid clinical reviewer for ABA

Services, Dr. Conway specializes in medical necessity determinations, policy interpretation, and complex case resolution. Her work reflects a deep commitment to elevating systems of care — ensuring that behavioral health services are ethical, effective, and accessible. She brings a leadership lens to every role she takes on, championing quality, clarity, and meaningful outcomes across the autism and behavioral health landscape.

Connect

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers explores leadership through the lens of behavior science—translated into everyday life and practical for everyone. Every episode delivers actionable insights to help you build trust, strengthen culture, and create meaningful change.

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

What does it take to design systems that truly support students, staff, and families?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Kevin T. Kane, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District, for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, behavior, systems thinking, and the future of special education.

With more than two decades of experience in education, Kevin shares lessons from his journey as a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired, school psychologist, special education administrator, and district leader. Together, we explore how leaders move beyond managing systems to intentionally designing them for impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why effective leadership begins with behavior

Throughout the conversation, Kevin offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring leaders, including powerful reminders such as:

"People will let you lead them if they trust you."

"Culture is built by repeated behavior."

"People don't want to follow a robot that's perfect. They want to follow a person."

Whether you're an educator, administrator, behavior analyst, coach, consultant, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this episode offers practical insights for leading with purpose, humanity, and impact.

Monday Morning Move

This week, identify one barrier within a system you influence. Ask yourself:

"What is one small change I can make to increase access, build trust, or strengthen belonging?"

About Our Guest

Kevin T. Kane, Ed. D, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education

Kevin Kane has spent more than 20 years in special education and pupil services. He currently serves as Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District in southeastern Pennsylvania. He oversees special education, mental health services, school counseling, school health services, and compliance with federal and state requirements. He focuses on building systems that work for students and the people who support them, while helping staff and families navigate the day-to-day challenges of supporting students. He enjoys collaborating with teams to solve real problems.

He began his career teaching students who are blind or visually impaired and was certified as an orientation and mobility specialist in central Pennsylvania. That early focus on independence continues to shape his work today. He later held leadership roles at Radnor Township School District and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. He is known for a steady, practical leadership style and believes that a focus on belonging and kindness fosters a welcoming environment where all students are supported and challenged to learn.

Connect

🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com

Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers explores leadership through the lens of behavior science translated into everyday life and practical for everyone. Every episode delivers actionable insights to help you build trust, strengthen culture, and create meaningful change.

Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

Season 3 begins with celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to meaningful change.

In this special season premiere of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb celebrates a major milestone—30 episodes and more than 2,000 downloads—and reflects on the lessons, conversations, and relationships that shaped Season 2.

From engineering and education to healthcare, youth leadership, advocacy, and systems change, one theme emerged: Leadership is behavior.

In this episode, Dr. Bubb revisits powerful insights from guests including Timothy Bubb, Thomas Fitti, Dr. Renisha James-Thomas, Dr. Briana Bronstein, Dr. Joseph Cautilli, Dr. Michael Weinberg, Valeria Pascale, Lynn Santilli Connor, Lauren Higgins, and an inspiring group of emerging Grenadian leaders. Together, these conversations explored mentorship, resilience, compassionate leadership, servant leadership, trust, psychological safety, community responsibility, and creating systems where people can thrive.

In This Episode:

Season 3 Preview

This season, you'll hear from district leaders, clinicians, advocates, educators, and changemakers exploring leadership across systems, ethics, trust, inclusion, community impact, and sustainable change. Upcoming guests include Kevin Kane, Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, Kelleen Corrigan, Laura Jenkins, Sonia Pratt, Erin McGrenaghan, Julia Spychalski, and our youth leader panel.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're joining for the first time, this episode is an invitation to reflect, learn, and lead with greater intention.

Because leadership is behavior, and behavior always tells a story.

🎧 Listen now and join us as we move from momentum to impact.

About the Host

Dr. Esther C. Bubb, EdD, BCBA, LBS

Founder, Esther C. Bubb ABA Services

Dr. Esther C. Bubb is an educational leader, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and professional development specialist dedicated to transforming practice and people through leadership. With more than two decades of experience across early childhood, special education, higher education, and organizational systems, she supports educators, leaders, and agencies in building capacity, strengthening programs, and achieving meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

As the founder of Esther C. Bubb ABA Services, Dr. Bubb partners with schools, early childhood programs, agencies, and professionals to deliver evidence-based training, applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, and leadership-centered growth opportunities. Her work is grounded in data-informed decision-making, culturally responsive practice, and the belief that strong systems and skilled people create thriving learning environments for all children.

Dr. Bubb’s expertise spans:

A highly experienced leader, Dr. Bubb has served as Supervisor of Special Education for Early Childhood Programs, Early Intervention Program Supervisor, Coordinator of Student Services & Behavioral Supports, Director of Children’s Clinical Services, and Assistant Director of early childhood ABA programs. Across these roles, she has led complex multidisciplinary teams, developed large-scale ABA and behavioral initiatives, implemented compliance-driven systems, managed budgets and staffing structures, and supported districts in meeting state and federal mandates.

Dr. Bubb is also an accomplished educator. She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for Gannon University, Eastern University, St. Joseph’s University, and the University of the West Indies, including courses in ABA, assessment, ethics, consultation, leadership, and urban education. She has supervised dozens of aspiring BCBAs, RBTs, and educators from institutions across the country and contributed to national and state-level ABA and education initiatives, including collaborating with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop the Behavior Analyst Certification & Staffing Policy Guideline (CSPG 203).

A frequent presenter, Dr. Bubb has delivered trainings and conference sessions on behavior interventions, neurodiversity and inclusion, early childhood practices, compliance, ethics, and leadership. Her work has also extended to research, program development, and cross-agency collaborations with universities, state departments, and community organizations.

Dr. Bubb holds an EdD in Special Education, a Principal PK–12 Certification, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and ABA, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is the author of Be Your BEST: 4 Principles to Becoming Better Every Single Time and continues to champion equitable, high-quality learning experiences for all children.

At Esther C. Bubb ABA Services, she brings her passion, experience, and leadership together to help professionals, programs, and entire systems grow through training that is practical, transformational, and rooted in behavior science.

How do great leaders build trust when everything around them is changing?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with communications and corporate marketing leader Lauren Higgins to explore what it truly means to lead through uncertainty with humility, honesty, and purpose.

As organizations navigate rapid technological advances, shifting priorities, artificial intelligence, and evolving workplace expectations, many leaders are asking the same question: How do we help people embrace change without losing trust, connection, or culture?

Lauren shares practical leadership lessons drawn from more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations communicate change, align people around purpose, and create cultures where employees feel valued and empowered. Through personal stories and professional insights, she reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, communicating with transparency, and treating people with dignity throughout the change process.

Together, Dr. Bubb and Lauren discuss:

Lauren shares very personal stories—from corporate transformation to parenting through complex systems—that remind us that people don’t just want direction. They want connection, clarity, and purpose.

Monday Morning Move: Start your next meeting by asking: “What’s our why?”

Key Takeaway:

Whether you lead in education, healthcare, business, government, nonprofit organizations, or your local community, this conversation offers practical strategies you can begin using immediately to build stronger relationships, healthier workplace cultures, and more resilient teams.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is committed to leading with purpose and creating meaningful change.

Leadership is behavior, and behavior always tells a story.

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #OrganizationalCulture #BehaviorScience #EmotionalIntelligence #Communication #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipPodcast #BehaviorallySpeaking #DrEstherBubb #LaurenHiggins

About Our Guest

Lauren Higgins is a communications and marketing leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations turn compelling ideas into content that moves people to act. She believes that storytelling is one of the oldest tools we have for making sense of change. Whether it’s about helping people fulfill their retirement dreams, rethinking how a university engages its donors, or guiding a company through transformation, she always starts with the same question: What's the human side of the story here, and how do we tell it in a way that earns trust and inspires action?

Most recently, Lauren worked at TIAA where she served as the Managing Editor for the TIAA TMRW publication, but that thread of working for mission-driven organizations carries through her career from Villanova University, Cambridge Associates, and The Vanguard Group. She attended the College of the Holy Cross and earned a B.A. in English and holds graduate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Professional Writing and from Drexel University in Business Administration. She’s also a certified Sommelier.

Series: Young Leaders of Grenada: Rooted in Culture. Rising in Leadership. Ready to Lead (Episode II)

What defines a leader? Is it a title, a position, or something deeper?

In Part II of our Young Leaders of Grenada series, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with an inspiring panel of emerging leaders to explore the decisions, challenges, and experiences that have shaped their leadership journeys.

Joining the conversation are Timara Bubb, Brandon Felix, Chrystal Williams, Peter McBurnie, and Dericka Samuel. Together, they share personal stories about making difficult decisions, overcoming self-doubt, building confidence, and choosing growth even when the path ahead was uncertain.

From pursuing educational opportunities abroad and overcoming personal obstacles to learning the value of humility, service, and perseverance, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: leadership is not built in a single moment. It is shaped through the choices we make every day.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Powerful insights from this episode include:

"Don't let your circumstances define your future." — Brandon Felix

"Confidence is not the absence of fear; it's choosing to move forward despite it." — Brandon Felix

"Being quietly self-assured is a sign of confidence." — Timara Bubb

"A strong leader chooses to lead by example." — Peter McBurnie

"A strong leader steps forward when responsibility is needed." — Dericka Samuel

Throughout the conversation, the panel demonstrates that leadership is not reserved for a select few. It is accessible to anyone willing to learn, grow, serve others, and take purposeful action.

Monday Morning Move

Think about one decision you've been postponing because the outcome feels uncertain. Gather the information you need, seek trusted perspectives, and take one meaningful step forward this week. Leadership grows through action.

Because leadership is behavior. And behavior changes systems.

Connect with Dr. Esther C. Bubb

🌐 Website: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/

📝 Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog

🎙️ Podcast: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/podcast 

About the Series

Young Leaders of Grenada: Rooted in Culture. Rising in Leadership. Ready to Lead is a four-part virtual youth leadership series highlighting the voices, experiences, and leadership journeys of emerging leaders from Grenada. Through authentic conversations, participants share lessons learned, challenges overcome, and practical insights for creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

About Our Guests

Timara Bubb

I am Timara Bubb, a recent graduate in Physics from McMaster, specializing in Medical and Biological Physics. I have a strong passion for science education and work in various outreach roles focused on educational equity and supporting equity-deserving kids in science. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering, and taking nature walks.

Brandon Felix

Brandon Felix is a student at St. George’s University with a strong passion for leadership, faith, and youth development. He is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding young people, particularly within the communities of Hope, Marquis, and Mt. Fann.

He currently serves as Youth President of the Marquis Pentecostal Church, where he leads youth initiatives, mentors young people, and creates spaces that encourage spiritual growth, discipline, and positive life choices. His leadership focuses on building a generation that is grounded in faith and empowered to make meaningful contributions to society.

Brandon also serves as Treasurer for both the Marquis Pentecostal Church and the Northeastern Zone of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies (PAWI), Grenada Youth Ministries, where he is responsible for financial oversight and accountability, as well as supporting the sustainability of youth programs and activities.

In addition, he is a National Youth Ambassador, through which he contributes to youth representation and remains engaged in national conversations on youth development and community impact.

Brandon is driven by a vision to use his leadership and influence to inspire change, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation.

Peter McBurnie

I am an adaptable and versatile individual with an academic background in Economics and International Business. Detail-oriented and dependable, I engage effectively with people across time zones and cultures, both independently and collaboratively.  I bring initiative, a broad perspective, and a strong sense of professionalism to every environment I join.

Dericka Samuel

Dericka Samuel is a Special Education Teacher, National Youth Ambassador, disability advocate, and community leader dedicated to advancing inclusion, accessibility, and youth empowerment in Grenada.

She has built a strong record of service and leadership through her involvement in national, regional, and community initiatives. Dericka previously served as a Youth Parliamentarian and as a member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group, contributing to discussions and advocacy efforts focused on youth development, inclusion, and social progress.

She currently serves as a Board Member of the Grenada National Council for the Disabled (GNCD), where she works to promote the rights, participation, and well-being of persons with disabilities. She is also an active member of the St. Andrew's Leo Club and a proud CWIL Sister, reflecting her commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement.

As a Special Education Teacher, Dericka is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive learning environments that enable every student to reach their full potential. Her advocacy extends beyond the classroom, focusing on disability rights, accessibility, mental health awareness, and the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Through education, leadership, advocacy, and service, Dericka continues to use her voice and platform to inspire positive change, empower others, and help build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Chrystal Williams

Chrystal Williams is a youth-focused and climate-committed professional who has contributed to impactful initiatives across Grenada. She is a strong advocate for youth development and meaningful participation in decision-making spaces.

She has supported the work of NGOs such as CYEN Grenada, the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association Youth Advocacy Movement, and CIWIL. She has a focus on project management, currently in infrastructure, and has experience in the climate sphere that strengthens communities.

Chrystal has contributed to both national and regional initiatives, including climate adaptation planning and environmental sustainability efforts. At the core of her work is a commitment to helping people and communities become more resilient to the disasters they often face.

She holds a Master’s in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Governance and a Bachelor’s in International Management.

What if leadership is defined by the everyday behaviors that help others succeed?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Luciana Mayo, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Specialist, and doctoral student, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership through the lens of behavior science. Together, they explore how behavior analysts can move beyond clinical expertise to become leaders who build capacity, strengthen teams, and create lasting impact within organizations and communities.

Luciana shares how principles such as Behavior Skills Training (BST), positive reinforcement, collaboration, and generalization extend far beyond client programming, becoming powerful leadership practices that foster trust, growth, and sustainable change.

The conversation also challenges traditional views of authority by embracing servant leadership—rolling up our sleeves, empowering others, sharing responsibility, and creating environments—where people can thrive rather than simply comply.

You'll also hear practical strategies for:

Whether you're a behavior analyst, educator, administrator, supervisor, or someone who believes leadership happens in everyday interactions, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Monday Morning Move

This week, identify one opportunity to build someone else's capacity instead of solving the problem for them. Offer clear expectations, provide support, deliver behavior-specific reinforcement, and create space for them to lead. Small leadership behaviors create lasting systems change.

Because leadership is behavior. And behavior tells a story.

Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers translates behavior science into practical leadership strategies that build trust, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change.

🎙️ Host: Dr. Esther C. Bubb

#BehaviorallySpeaking #LeadershipForChangeMakers #LeadershipIsBehavior #BehaviorScience #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #ServantLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #CompassionateLeadership #BehaviorChangesSystems

About Our Guest

Luciana Mayo, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Specialist, Doctoral Student

Throughout Luciana’s journey, life has always guided her toward helping others. Luciana Genevieve Mayo is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), and holds a Principal PK-12 Certification. She has practiced Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over 14 years. Her clinical work has supported children, adolescents, and adults with varied diagnoses in hospitals, clinics, educational, and residential settings. In addition to her clinical work, Luciana is passionate about mentoring professionals in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based practice, and as a result, has provided training at school districts, conferences, and universities.

Currently, Luciana is continuing her education at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU), in the Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Program for Educational Leaders (IDEPEL), where she is pursuing her Doctorate of Education. In this program, she is bringing together her passions of education and law (former Legal Assistant at the U.S. Attorney's Office; SJU Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies), completing research rooted within policies involving suspension and expulsion and analyzing data that will produce strategies to assist in creating policy that will reduce the increasing rates in the Early Childhood Education setting. In addition, as a Graduate Assistant, Luciana provided support through the Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE) program at SJU to students identified with intellectual disabilities transitioning into secondary education with developing skills in the areas of academics, work experience, and social life. She also served on the IDEPEL Advisory Board as well as Treasurer of the Graduate Student Organization.

Luciana earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from SJU. During her practicum fieldwork, she worked in the area of Early Intervention with Autistic Support, Developmental Delay, Social Skills, Emotional Support, Low Incidence, and Life Skills classrooms. 

After spending years in the field of Education, Luciana knows that the field and its applications evolve constantly. Her focus is not only on replacing problem behaviors with alternative, appropriate behaviors but also on connecting with individuals and their families to communicate understanding, offer support, and promote improved functioning within their environments. While working towards her degree, she is providing behavior support services at local school districts and homes, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. She specializes in preventing, assessing, and treating significant challenging behavior.

An important component in her delivery of services is collaboration, joining various team members (parents, related services, teachers, etc.) to become one in the best interest of the families overall. Luciana is currently working with mentors from the Small Business Association (SBA) on opening Excellence Early Learning Center, an early childhood program that will create an inclusive environment that provides in-house related services, specifically behavior supports that provide a safe, high-quality, and dependable setting with highly trained professionals to students and their families. Excellence Early Learning Center – “Where Students, Families, and Community are OUR Center!”