In this episode of Behavior Bridge, Dr Han and Sean welcome Heather Gonzales, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, MAT, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in the autism service field. Join us as we explore Heather's journey and her advocacy for a transformative approach to ABA—one that is neurodivergence-affirming, trauma-informed, and deeply meaningful to the autistic community. Heather shares her insights on the importance of de-stigmatizing mental illness and fostering openness about our collective needs. Tune in for a compelling conversation that bridges perspectives and highlights the significance of inclusive, empathetic practices in ABA.

Who is Heather Gonzales? Heather Gonzales is a distinguished professional with a robust background in autism services and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She holds a BA from Trinity University and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on early childhood education from the same institution. Heather furthered her expertise with an M.Ed. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

With 20 years of experience in the autism service field, Heather has dedicated 14 of those years to ABA. She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for 12 years and a BCBA-D for 8 years. Heather is a passionate advocate for transforming ABA practices to be more neurodivergence-affirming, trauma-informed, and meaningful to the learners.

Heather is also committed to de-stigmatizing mental illness and promoting openness about our collective needs. As a survivor of postpartum psychosis, she advocates for maternal mental health and shares her experiences and insights through her blog, Mentally Ill Motherhood.

Connect with Heather professionally at [email protected] or visit her blog at www.mentallyillmotherhood.wordpress.com. For personal correspondence regarding mental health and maternal mental health advocacy, she can be reached at [email protected].