Melissa Diaz

Adjunct Faculty in the Role of Section Instructor

Missie has been a BCBA since 2012 and has worked in the field as both a therapist and case manager for children with developmental delay since 2004. Missie has provided services to individuals across a wide array of environments such as school, home, center-based, and community. Missie currently works for her local school district as the Behavior Analyst for the preschool. Missie started her PhD with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Spring 2018. Missie currently serves as the recorder for the Student Board and as a Peer Mentor for the PhD in ABA program. Missie completed her thesis there and is currently working toward presentation and publication of her thesis. Missie also worked as a research assistant on two projects to date that are in publication currently. In her spare time, Missie loves to spend time with her family, friends, her cat, reading and exercising.
 

Education

January 2018 – Current
PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis- Student
Expected Graduation date June 2021
Student Board
Peer Mentor (TA)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

2011
Masters in Arts
Applied Behavior Analysis
Spalding University

2002
Bachelors in Arts
Psychology
University of Louisville

License/Certifications

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) 1-12-11464
  • Kentucky Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) KY-0034

Area of Expertise

  • Behavioral Skills Training
  • AVB
  • Pyramidal Training
  • Staff training

Courses

  • Methodologies for Behavior Change 1

Community Engagement

  • Local community trainings on APA practice and principles.

Research/Special Projects

Applied interests:

  • Verbal Behavior
  • Supervision of individuals seeking their BCBA Certificates

Research interests:

  • Behavior Skills Training (BST)
  • Verbal Behavior
  • Pyramidal Training
  • Delayed Discounting

Publications/Presentations

  • Diaz, M., Griffith, A., Jansz-Rieken, C., Ré T., (In progress) Pyramidal Training of an RBT in a Clinic Setting using Behavioral Skills Training

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
  • Kentucky Association for Behavior Analysis (KYABA)

Awards

  • IMPACT Plus Service Coordinator of the Year, 2010