Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

Many helping professions have made cultural humility and multicultural education core elements of professional training. Behaviour analysis is still working toward that goal.

In this conversation, Ben speaks with Meghan Deshais about her efforts to help move the field forward through education, curriculum development, and the creation of an open-access Culture & Diversity Toolkit for ABA Instructors. Meghan describes how her interests in social justice, feminism, and behaviour science gradually converged, leading her to explore how radical behaviourism and intersectional feminism share common contextual and pragmatic foundations.

Listeners will learn how a faculty-led initiative at Caldwell University evolved into a comprehensive resource that helps educators incorporate culture and diversity content throughout ABA coursework. Meghan explains the toolkit's foundation in the cultural competence standards established by Lyz Hughes-Fong and colleagues and discusses the addition of a new eighth standard focused on understanding behavioural mechanisms that contribute to social inequities.

The discussion also explores practical teaching strategies, including creating psychologically safe classroom environments, encouraging respectful discourse, and helping students engage with difficult topics without becoming defensive or overwhelmed. Meghan offers thoughtful perspectives on navigating politically charged language, emphasizing behavioural definitions and observable realities rather than ideological labels.

This episode is an important listen for behaviour analysts, educators, supervisors, graduate students, and anyone interested in culturally responsive and ethically informed behavioural practice.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aEvbC_fIWYM

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Contact Meghan Deshais

LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this conversation, you may also be interested in these related Behaviour Speak episodes exploring cultural competence, cultural humility, and culturally responsive practice in behaviour analysis:

Episode 53: Cultural Competence in Behaviour Analysis: How Far Have We Come? with Dr. Elizabeth Hughes Fong

Episode 214: Cultural Humility in Behavior Analysis with Quintara Tucker

Episode 202: The Culturally Responsive Behavior Analyst with Dr. Ruby Mannankara Cabrera

Episode 102: Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness in Behavioral Service Delivery for Latino Families (Part 1)

Episode 22: Cultural Competence with Jessica Bethel, MEd, BCBA

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman welcomes Heather Sauyaq Jean Kwamboka Gordon, an Indigenous scholar, advocate, and community-engaged researcher whose work spans Alaska, the Arctic, Indigenous well-being, subsistence practices, climate action, and youth leadership.

Heather explores the deeper meaning of subsistence beyond food harvesting, describing it as a relationship of reciprocity, responsibility, nurturance, and connection with the natural world. She shares how Indigenous communities understand well-being through relationships with land, culture, language, spirituality, family, and future generations. 

The conversation examines Indigenous methodologies, connectedness as a protective factor, the impacts of colonization on Arctic communities, and the role of youth leadership in addressing climate change and cultural revitalization. Heather also reflects on Inupiaq values such as humility, conflict resolution, honesty, and collective responsibility, offering lessons that extend far beyond Indigenous communities.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xeyf_swdi8

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LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

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Contact Heather

LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this conversation with Heather, you may also be interested in these related Behaviour Speak episodes that explore Indigenous connectedness, leadership, cultural identity, climate action, psychology, and community wellness.

Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich

A deeper exploration of the Indigenous Connectedness Framework and the growing body of research examining the relationship between connectedness, culture, identity, spirituality, and wellness in Indigenous communities. This episode provides important context for many of the concepts discussed in Heather's conversation.

🔗 Listen to Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich

Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice - Indigenous Leadership, Resilience & Healing

In this powerful conversation, Katisha Paul shares her journey of leadership, advocacy, resilience, and healing. The episode highlights themes of identity, community, and Indigenous leadership that closely align with Heather's discussion of youth leadership and cultural connectedness.

🔗 Listen to Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice

One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future

This episode explores Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, climate leadership, and collective action. Listeners interested in Heather's reflections on climate change and Indigenous youth leadership will find this an excellent companion episode.

🔗 Listen to One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future

The Future of Indigenous Psychology, Leadership, Identity and Community with Dr. Vicky Lomay

Dr. Vicky Lomay discusses Indigenous psychology, leadership development, identity, and community wellness. This episode complements Heather's discussion of Indigenous methodologies, strengths-based approaches, and pathways toward healthier communities.

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/the-future-of-indigenous-psychology-leadership-identity-and-community-with-dr-vicky-lomay/

Listen to More Behaviour Speak Episodes

Explore the complete Behaviour Speak archive for additional conversations on Indigenous wellness

🔗https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/indigenous-voices

Belle Stikeleather's career path has never followed a conventional route. Beginning with studies in diplomacy and international relations, she eventually found her way into special education, behaviour analysis, executive coaching, and nonprofit leadership. What connects these seemingly diverse pursuits is a commitment to helping people thrive through learning, connection, and opportunity.

In this conversation, Belle reflects on her early experiences as an educator in the Philippines, where a challenging classroom incident revealed the limits of her training and sparked a desire to better understand behaviour. That search ultimately led her to the Competent Learner Model (CLM), an experience she describes as transformational both professionally and personally.

Belle discusses the influence of mentors such as Vicki Tucci and Nipa, whose commitment to compassion, coaching, and learner success shaped her approach to leadership and behavioural practice. She also explains how CLM aligns with constructional approaches inspired by Israel Goldiamond and expanded by Joe Layng and colleagues.

The discussion moves beyond clinical practice into topics including executive coaching, resilience, online learning engagement, organizational leadership, employment opportunities for autistic adults, and community-based applications of behavioural science.

Listeners will hear Belle's vision for building stronger, more inclusive communities through collaboration rather than coercion, and learn why she believes behaviour analysts must continue finding creative ways to extend behavioural science beyond traditional service settings.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T35q8duWgFQ

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Learning

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Contact Belle Stikeleather

LinkedIn

Behavioral Teaching Solutions

https://btsconsulting.info/

If you enjoyed this conversation with Belle, here are a few Behaviour Speak episodes that expand on many of the themes discussed in this episode, including the Competent Learner Model, constructional approaches, neurodiversity, and the growth of behaviour analysis in the Philippines.

Belle speaks extensively about the profound influence of Vicci Tucci and the Competent Learner Model (CLM) on her professional development. In this episode, Nipa Bhuptani shares the history, philosophy, and impact of CLM, offering valuable context for listeners interested in constructional approaches and generative learning repertoires.

Listen: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-209-vicci-tucci-and-the-competent-learning-model-with-nipa-bhuptani/

Belle reflects on her early experiences in the Philippines and how those experiences shaped her path into education and behaviour analysis. This episode explores the profession's development in the Philippines and highlights Filipino behaviour analysts expanding behavioural services and education.

Listen: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-241-behaviour-analysis-in-the-philippines-with-razelle-kaye-castillo-bcaba-kristine-gomez-ma-bcba-kathryn-mendoza-ma-ed-bcba/

For listeners interested in the intersection of culture, community, and behavioural practice, this conversation with Dr. Pauline Tolentino-Pablo examines how Filipino values can inform behavioural health services and strengthen culturally responsive care.

Listen: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/incorporating-filipino-values-in-behavioral-health-with-dr-pauline-tolentino-pablo-dbh-bcba/

Belle discusses creating meaningful employment opportunities and building inclusive communities for neurodivergent individuals. This episode with Jagmeet Sangha explores neurodiversity in employment settings and offers a complementary perspective on workplace inclusion and strengths-based approaches.

Listen: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-122-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace-a-south-asian-perspective-with-jagmeet-sangha-ma-bcba/

When Sylvie Nguena's daughter Meghan was diagnosed with autism at age four, she began a journey that would eventually lead her from accounting to becoming a doctoral-level behaviour analyst, researcher, author, advocate, and international trainer. In this episode, Sylvie shares how her experiences as a parent shaped her career and inspired her mission to expand autism awareness, behaviour analytic services, and caregiver support both in the United States and Cameroon. 

Sylvie discusses the cultural realities surrounding autism and developmental disabilities in Cameroon, where stigma and misconceptions often prevent families from accessing support. She describes how community-centred approaches, local partnerships, and culturally adapted interventions can help bridge service gaps while honouring the values and traditions of the communities being served. 

The conversation also explores Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr), caregiver wellbeing, culturally responsive practice, community engagement, and the work of the Lewuh Marvellous Meghan Foundation. Throughout the discussion, Sylvie highlights the importance of listening first, partnering with local communities, and building sustainable systems that empower families and professionals alike.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bBJdWWiibYA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

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Dr. Sylvie Claire Nguena and The Lewuh Marvelous Meghan Foundation

https://www.instagram.com/marvelous_meghan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvie-claire-nguena-ph-d-bcba-d-lba-iba-b9b704a6/en

Looking for more conversations on representation, acceptance and commitment training, and expanding behaviour analytic services globally? Check out these related Behaviour Speak episodes:

🔹 Beyond the 5.83: Advancing Black Representation in ABA with Dr. Danielle Jeudy and Dr. Jewel Parham

🔹 Empowering Parents and Staff with Acceptance and Commitment Training with Dr. Ashley Carrigan

🔹 Building Autism Services in Kenya and Tanzania: Dr. Pooja Panesar on Leadership, Inclusion and Behaviour Analysis

In this inspiring episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben welcomes Dr. Pooja Panesar, behaviour analyst, Doctor of Behavioural Health, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Kaizora Centre for Neurodevelopmental Therapies. Born and raised in Kenya, educated in Canada, and driven by a passion for helping children and families, Dr. Panesar shares her remarkable journey from working with a single child in a small room furnished with only a table and two chairs to building leading autism and neurodevelopmental services across Kenya and Tanzania. The conversation explores the evolution of autism services in East Africa, overcoming stigma, building professional capacity, integrating cultural humility with evidence-based practice, and creating interdisciplinary systems of care. Dr. Panesar also reflects on leadership, resilience, parenting, and her vision for the future of autism services across the continent. This episode offers powerful lessons for behaviour analysts, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and anyone interested in creating meaningful systems change.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ycA180S1EgE

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Dr. Pooja Panesar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pooja-panesar-31161872/

https://www.instagram.com/pooja_panesar/

https://www.kaizora.com/

Autism Awareness Africa

https://www.facebook.com/groups/128237587206355/

https://www.globalautismproject.org/

If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Pooja Panesar and would like to learn more about the growth of behaviour analysis, autism services, and systems change across Africa, we encourage you to explore several related Behaviour Speak episodes.

These include:

From Sudan to Systems Change: Two Sisters Using Behavioural Science to Transform Community Health, featuring two sisters applying behavioural science to improve community health outcomes

The Somali Behaviour Analysis Association with Ikram Buralle, Rahma Farah, Suaad Jama, and Nasteya Mahamoud

Culturally Responsive Screening Tools for Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities in Nigeria with Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo

Behaviour Analysis in Ghana and Nigeria with Josephine Akure and Joy Oviojie

Behaviour Analysis in Botswana with Maleshwane Mauco; and Behaviour Analysis in Senegal with Adair Cardon.

Together, these conversations showcase the remarkable leadership, innovation, and commitment of professionals working to expand access to behavioural and developmental services across the African continent.

What happens when psychology is viewed through the lens of Indigenous knowledge, community, language, and lived experience?

In this episode, Ben welcomes Dr. Vicky Lomay, a Navajo (Diné) clinical psychologist, assessment specialist, educator, and leader in Indigenous psychology. Dr. Lomay shares her journey from engineering student to psychologist and reflects on how growing up in a bilingual Navajo household shaped her understanding of healing, wellness, and human behaviour.

The conversation explores the intersections between Indigenous knowledge systems and Western psychology, including cultural impacts on assessment, diagnosis, trauma treatment, and mental health care. Dr. Lomay discusses why many traditional Indigenous healing approaches represent generations of what she calls "practice-based evidence," long before Western psychology developed similar concepts and terminology.

Ben and Dr. Lomay also discuss the challenges of psychological assessment in Indigenous communities, the risks of cultural misinterpretation during evaluation, and the importance of understanding language, history, ceremony, and context when working with Indigenous clients.

The episode concludes with a discussion about leadership, mentorship, and the future of Indigenous psychology through organizations such as the Society of Indian Psychologists and the American Psychological Association's American Indian and Alaska Native Section.

Watch the video!  https://youtu.be/3K-L9uVa6gs

Connect with Dr. Vicky Lomay

Tsinajini Psychology Services

https://tsinajinipsych.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-t-lomay-phd-5320626/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tsinajini_psychology

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy these previous conversations exploring Indigenous knowledge, mentorship, cultural responsiveness, and decolonizing psychology:

From Invisibility to Belonging: When Indigenous Students Finally Feel Seen

Mentorship as Medicine with Dr. Anna Kawenní:io Fetter

The Sweetgrass Method with Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez

The Decolonization of the Mind with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird

Explore the full Indigenous Voices collection: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/indigenous-voices

What can studying perspective taking tell us about relationships, dating violence, and the experiences of neurodivergent people?

In this episode, Ben sits down with Ashley Rodrigues, a graduate student in Western University’s School and Applied Child Psychology program and lab manager with the Living Organisms Learning Lab. Ashley describes how her early experiences seeking mental-health support helped shape her interest in psychology, school-based services, and research with neurodivergent people. 

The conversation centres on Ashley’s research examining perspective taking and dating-violence-related outcomes among post-secondary students with ADHD, autism, and neurotypical participants. She explains emotional perspective taking through a Relational Frame Theory lens and describes how the study moves beyond self-report by using a behavioural perspective-taking task. 

Ashley also walks Ben through the evolving findings from the project and some important cautions around interpreting differences between groups. They discuss social communication, working memory, social desirability, masking, literal interpretation of questions, heterogeneity within autism, and the possibility that measurement itself can influence apparent differences. 

The conversation becomes personal as Ashley discusses being diagnosed with both ADHD and autism at age 22 following earlier explanations centred on anxiety and related concerns. She and Ben explore what lived experience can bring to clinical relationships and research, particularly when people's experiences do not fit conventional expectations of how neurodivergence presents. 

Finally, Ashley shares what happened when she presented this work very early in her graduate career at an Ontario behaviour analysis conference. What began with uncertainty about whether she belonged turned into productive interdisciplinary conversations and a poster award. 

Contact Ashley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyvrod/

Links

Living Organisms Lab

https://www.livingorganismslearninglab.ca/

For another perspective on autism, relationships, and interpersonal violence, listen to my conversation with Amy Pearson about autistic lived experience, masking, relationships, and her research into intimate partner violence and abuse. 

🎧 The Hidden Cost of Masking: Autism, Identity and Authenticity with Dr. Amy Pearson

Dr. Don Togade came to behaviour analysis through a deeply personal journey, one that began with trying to better understand himself.

Don and Ben explore how that journey now shapes the way he teaches future behaviour analysts, from mindfulness, gratitude, and self-monitoring to cultural humility, feedback, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They also discuss AI, professional regulation, Mindful Seeds, and what Don sees as perhaps the most meaningful outcome of his career: becoming a kinder person.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mIe-KuWHadQ

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Learning

Follow us!

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

George Brown Polytechnic School of Behavioural Science

If you’d like to continue exploring themes from this conversation:

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Ben Reiman sits down with Indigenous educator, consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur Len Pierre. Grounding the discussion in his Coast Salish identity and his roots in Katzie First Nation, Len shares his journey of cultural reclamation, receiving his ancestral name, and learning to navigate both Indigenous and colonial worlds.

Len explores the history and teachings of Katzie territory, the importance of language revitalization, and the role of community in identity, healing, and belonging. He discusses how Indigenous worldviews challenge Western assumptions about individualism, perfectionism, privilege, trauma, and leadership. 

The conversation also examines reconciliation in contemporary Canada, the distinction between reconciliation and conventional DEI initiatives, and why meaningful change must move at the speed of trust rather than the speed of institutions. Len shares lessons from building Len Pierre Consulting, supporting organizations on their reconciliation journeys, and helping people understand that Indigenous peoples are not defined by trauma but by generations of strength, resilience, and wisdom.

Whether you work in education, healthcare, social services, leadership, or want to deepen your understanding of Indigenous perspectives, this episode offers a thought-provoking and hopeful exploration of how relationships, culture, and community can help us all navigate today's challenges.

If this conversation with Len Pierre resonated with you, we encourage you to explore more Indigenous voices featured on Behaviour Speak. These episodes offer diverse perspectives on reconciliation, Indigenous rights, leadership, disability, community wellness, allyship, and social justice. Together, they provide a deeper understanding of the lived experiences, strengths, knowledge systems, and leadership of Indigenous peoples across Canada. 

Dr. Tibetha Kemble

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/what-are-you-willing-to-lose-settler-colonialism-and-reconciliation-with-dr-tibetha-kemble/

Katisha Paul

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/one-heart-one-mind-indigenous-sovereignty-climate-leadership-and-the-future/

Raven Lacerte

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/raven-lacerte-ending-gender-based-violence-one-conversation-at-a-time/

Grant Bruno

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-37-the-realities-of-autism-in-first-nations-communities-in-canada-with-grant-bruno-phd/

Behaviour Speak has featured many Indigenous guests over the years, including scholars, advocates, practitioners, Elders, activists, and community leaders. To browse the full collection of Indigenous-focused episodes, visit:

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/indigenous-voices

These conversations reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives, reminding us that Indigenous peoples are not a single story. They are diverse nations, communities, cultures, and knowledge keepers whose voices continue to shape conversations about reconciliation, social justice, health, education, disability, leadership, and belonging

What happens when community, culture, behavioural science, and public health intersect?

In this inspiring conversation, Ben Reiman sits down with sisters Ruaa Hassaballa and Ithar Hassaballa, two behavioural scientists whose journey began in Sudan and evolved into careers dedicated to health equity, systems change, community engagement, and global health.

The sisters share how their upbringing in Sudan, immigration to the United States, and the influence of parents rooted in teaching, anthropology, and service shaped their understanding of humanity, resilience, and collective care. They discuss the values that continue to guide their work, including curiosity, integrity, community, and cultural humility.

The conversation explores how behavioural science extends far beyond individual behaviour change and can be applied to entire communities and systems. Through stories from diabetes prevention, Ebola response efforts, COVID-19 equity initiatives, global health leadership, and maternal health work, Ruaa and Ithar illustrate why trust, relationships, and lived experience are essential ingredients for meaningful change.

Listeners will also discover how community members serve as experts in their own lives, why cultural humility may be more powerful than cultural competence, and what it takes to create conditions where individuals and communities can truly thrive.

This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking, health equity, behavioural science, and the power of listening.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Gc0T_tU6Pw

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Ithar Hassaballa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ithar-hassaballa/

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/ithar-hassaballa-mph-phd-who-fellow

https://common-ground-advisors.com/

Ruaa Hassaballa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruaa-hassaballa/

KU Center for Community Health and Development

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/

Dr. Stephen Fawcett

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/stephen-b-fawcett-phd

Hzssaballa Omar Hassabala

https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/tangled-roots-exhibition-2020

https://youtu.be/O4mVCfPfVDQ?si=U4t_jdwxH-QrY53y

Research Discussed

Munodawafa, D., Moeti, M.R., Phori, P.M. et al. Monitoring and Evaluating the Ebola Response Effort in Two Liberian Communities. J Community Health 43, 321–327 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0425-5

Watson-Thompson, J., Hassaballa, R.H., Valentini, S.H. et al. Actively Addressing Systemic Racism Using a Behavioral Community Approach. Behav. Soc. Iss. 31, 297–326 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-022-00101-6