Cooperant Learning Podcast

Cooperant Learning Podcast | Rethinking Assessment and Goal Selection Across the Lifespan | Stu Law & Mark Malady

CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to many of our episodes by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary:

In this episode, we explore the innovative genArete Learning System, a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate human skills across the lifespan with two of the assessment's creators: Stu Law and Mark Malady. We discuss the philosophy, development, and practical applications of this womb-to-tomb approach to assessing skills using a values-based approach meaningfully  across the lifespan. 

Guests

Stu Law is a lifelong student of human learning and behavior. His work focuses on science as a human activity, language-language relationships, and building a more robust bridge between mainstream Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and familiar behavior analytic approaches to clinical psychology—such as Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (unfortunately acronymized as FAP), Acceptance and Commitment Training/Therapy (ACT), and primarily, Process-Based Therapy (PBT). He conceptualizes this bridge through an approach that could currently be called "Process-Oriented Intervention Science" (POIS).

Stu took the scenic route through graduate school, eventually earning his PhD—and, more importantly, his "Behavioralis Junkus" degree—from the University of Nevada, Reno. As the final student to leave the nest of Dr. Steven Hayes, Stu and his lab mates focused on a reticulated approach to learning science and functional analysis in the broadest sense, emphasizing an "idionomic" perspective where data is aggregated at the level of the individual before broad principles are evaluated. Stu has a nagging affinity for complex sentence structures, metaphors, and corny jokes—the latter being a functional byproduct of having a college-aged daughter and a loving spouse.

Mark Malady is an autistic behavior analyst, father, and general agent of chaos who has spent the last 19 years working with learners with various abilities from 2 to 90 years old. He is a co-creator of the genArete Learning system, a womb to tomb skill-based assessment focused on leveraging the fringes of the science of behavior to person led change processes. Mark specializes in instructional control, functional living skills, direct implementation of evidence-based approaches to learning, and theoretical approaches to working with learners with diverse abilities. Under his role as Director of Learning Systems at HSI/WARC for the last 3 years he has assisted in the development of multiple curricula including those regarding: career readiness, para-professional instruction, pre-transition employment, and a short-term low dose skill acquisition program. He has also created models for case management for Host Home providers, as well as models for day habilitation programs. Mark envisions a service of support options for all learners that expand the potential of individual humans to allow them to have meaningful experience through formalized supports using the science of behavior analysis to its fullest potential.

Listen now:

🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b

🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272

▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning

🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com

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📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/

🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

This presentation is for educational purposes only. The host and producing organization have no financial relationship with genArete related to this episode, including sponsorship, payment, or other compensation. Any mention of commercial products or services is incidental to the educational content and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or approval. Participants should exercise professional judgment, seek mentorship, and consult applicable ethical and practice standards when evaluating or implementing any procedures or tools discussed.

In Episode 4 of Behavior Business Roundtable, Kyle Steury, Dr. Steve Sparks, Dr. Kristen Byra, and Taylor Barker tackle big questions through the lens of behavior analysis itself, using the philosophical underpinnings of science to guide discussion.

Whether you're a BCBA, business owner, RBT, student, or just fascinated by where the field is headed, pull up a chair and join the roundtable.

Taylor Barker (Ebb and Flow ABA), Kristen Byra (Upskill ABA), and Steve Sparks of Sparks Behavioral Services joined the Roundtable to tackle the economics of our field.

Topics included reimbursement rates, workforce challenges, private equity in human services, industry growth, quality concerns, and the impact of bad actors. Financial realities shape clinical services, so what will it take to build a sustainable future without compromising ethical, high-quality care?

Whether you're a clinician, supervisor, business owner, or simply curious about where ABA is headed, this conversation offers plenty of perspectives to consider.

Cooperant Learning Podcast | Observational Conditioning-By-Denial | Jessica Singer-Dudek, Hung Chang, & Jennifer Longano

CEUs:

Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary:


This episode explores the research on observational learning and conditioned reinforcers in children, featuring experts Jessica Singer-Dudek, Jennifer Longano, and Hung Chang. We discuss their research on observational conditioning-by-denial and how peer versus adult models influence establishment of conditioned reinforcers. We also discuss how these findings can be applied in educational settings to enhance learning and behavior management.

Research:

Singer-Dudek, Jessica, HungChang, JenniferLongano, and R. D.Greer. 2026. “The Effects of Peers Versus Adults on Observational Conditioning-By-Denial,” Behavioral Interventions: e70100. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.70100.

Guests

Dr. Jessica Singer-Dudek is the President of the Foundation for the Advancement of a Strategic Science of Teaching and serves as the chair of the CABAS® Professional and Organizational Standards committee under FASST. She also serves as a Senior Behavior Analyst Consultant to schools implementing the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®) model, and . Dr. Dudek’s research interests include component analyses of successful behavior analytic models of education, teacher and supervisor training, verbally governed and verbally governing behaviors, establishment of early observing responses, verbal behavior development, conditioned reinforcement, and observational learning.

Dr. Hung Chang received his MA, M.Phil, and Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Chang is a program supervisor at the Fred S. Keller School located in the suburbs of New York City. He has worked for the Fred S. Keller School, a CABAS® model school, since 2016. He is supervising preschool classrooms for children with and without disabilities. His research has focused on establishing verbal developmental cusps and capabilities, conditioned reinforcement, and observational learning. 

Dr. Jennifer Longano received her BS in education from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She then earned her MA, M. Phil, and Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jennifer has worked at the Fred S. Keller school since 2008 serving as a classroom supervisor for both preschool and early intervention classrooms. In 2024, she became the director of the Fred S. Keller School White Plains campus.  Her research interests have focused on Verbal Behavior Development ranging from foundational behavior cusps related to observing responses to incidental language acquisition and observational learning.

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Behavior Business Roundtable Episode 2! Kristen @upskillaba and Taylor @ebbandflowaba join Steve Sparks to discuss BCBA education, the impact of workplace policies, and how to better prepare behavior analysts for real challenges in the field when the line between ethics and policy blurs. Our panel discusses mentorship, ethical dilemmas, and systemic issues affecting the field.

Cooperant Learning Podcast | Brain Injury and Behavior Analysis | Christina Peters and Chris Schaub

CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary:

Guests

Chris Schaub has worked in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation since 1995, focused on neurobehavioral programming for individuals with all levels of impairment. After earning his Master’s degree from Temple University- under the mentorship of Phil Hineline and Saul Axelrod- he spent 20 years as the BCBA within an interdisciplinary team, working in an intensive, neurobehavioral setting for adults with acquired brain injuries. Following his organization’s expansion, Chris transitioned into the role of national behavior analyst for Collage Rehabilitation Partners. In this capacity, he provides consultation to their BCBAs and interdisciplinary teams within their neurorehabilitation programs nationwide.

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Cooperant Learning Podcast | Assessing Social Validity in Functional Analysis | Michael Kranak & Isaac Melanson

CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary

Research:

Guests

Dr. Isaac Melanson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D). His research and clinical work focus on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of challenging behavior, the evaluation of safe and valid functional assessment methods, and the study of preference and choice patterns among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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#bcba #bcaba #registeredbehaviortechnician #rbt #appliedbehavioranalysis #behaviorscience #aba #behavioranalysis #schedulesofreinforcement #bcbasofinstagram #bcbasoftiktok

Cooperant Learning Presents: Behavior Business Roundtable | Episode 1: The Quality Crisis in ABA

What does ‘quality’ in ABA really mean? Let’s unpack this critical conversation.

In our first episode of the Behavior Business Roundtable, we dive deep into the ongoing Quality Crisis in ABA. 

Kristen Byra @upskillaba, Steve Sparks @thedocanalyzesanything and Taylor Barker @ebbandflowaba join Cooperant Miniseries "Behavior Business Roundtable" to discuss quality from a behavior analytic business owner perspective.

Let’s keep this conversation going. What does quality mean to you in your practice?

Cooperant Learning Podcast |  From Dose to Data: Tracking Behavioral Change with Precision  | Alison Cox

Quick note: We ran into some tech issues, so this episode is audio-only.

CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary:

Dr. Alison Cox returns to discuss the complexities of psychotropic medication use for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics include medication effects, monitoring strategies, the case for single case designs in med effect evaluation and research gaps, emphasizing the importance of systematic assessment and collaboration.

Guests

(from brocku.ca) Alison Cox is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Disability Studies. She completed her doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cox is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst at the doctoral level and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ont). She has over 15 years of experience working in the field of Behaviour Analysis. Throughout her research and clinical work, Dr. Cox has developed specific expertise in assessing and treating severe challenging behaviour in individuals with dual diagnosis, supporting skill acquisition in individuals with dual diagnosis, and supervising early intensive behavioural intervention programs. 

Survey Opportunity!

Drake and Brock University researchers are enacting this project to gain perspective on the status of board certified behavior analysts’ (BCBA) general understanding of psychotropic medication’s potential effects on behavior; how they have gained that understanding, and if that understanding influences their practice with regard to how psychotropic medication effects are considered during the delivery of behavioral services (e.g., reduce challenging behavior, enhance skill acquisition). If you are board-certified and interested in participating, click this link: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B1U5KVDoDbIwgS

Research

Cox AD, Pritchard D, Penney H, Eiri L, Dyer TJ. Demonstrating an Analyses of Clinical Data Evaluating Psychotropic Medication Reductions and the ACHIEVE! Program in Adolescents with Severe Problem Behavior. Perspect Behav Sci. 2021 Feb 12;45(1):125-151. doi: 10.1007/s40614-020-00279-3. PMID: 35342870; PMCID: PMC8894527.

Cox AD, Virues-Ortega J. Long-term functional stability of problem behavior exposed to psychotropic medications. J Appl Behav Anal. 2022 Feb;55(1):214-229. doi: 10.1002/jaba.873. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34329500.

Cox, A. D., Davis, S., & Feldman, M. (2022). Medication training for behavior analysts.Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 22(1), 130–142. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000240

Song M, Rubin BS, Ha JW, Ware RS, Doan TN, Harley D. Use of psychotropic medications in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2023 May;57(5):661-674. doi: 10.1177/00048674221149864. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36700564.

Stellato, S., Cox, A.D., Thillainathan, T. et al. Psychotropic Medication Adjustment Patterns in Treatment Literature Featuring Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behavior. J Dev Phys Disabil (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-025-10027-7

Valdovinos MG, Roberts C, Kennedy CH. Functional analysis of tardive dyskinesia: implications for assessment and treatment. J Appl Behav Anal. 2005 Summer;38(2):239-42. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2005.53-04. PMID: 16033170; PMCID: PMC1226159.

Listen now:

🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b

🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272

▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning 

🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com

Connect with us:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/

🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavior Analysis in Residential Care | Nick Christensen

CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!

Summary:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

Guests

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