- Need Technical Assistance? geneva-symposium@getvfairs.io
The event will take place on the V-Fairs platform, which is a virtual replica of what you would expect to see in-person and live at the event.
Interactive features will allow participants to engage with each other and build relationships with friends and colleagues with direct messaging and video chats.
We are pleased to also incorporate virtual stands for our research poster presentations and artists. Delegates will be able to interact with artists and poster presentations as well.
Watch speaker presentations live and engage in live Q&A as per the conference agenda.
Some presentations will be recorded and made available for viewing on-demand. We will also make presentations and handouts available for download, post event, as approved by participating speakers.
As we get closer to the event, all registered attendees will receive unique login details to access the virtual event. This will be shared via email.
If you have any technical issues, please contact symposium@autism.net for immediate support.
We will be using CEU Helper to issue credits. Please visit the accreditation page for updates.
All fees are listed on the registration page.
All registrations are processed online.
Some sessions will be recorded. Please check the conference agenda for this information. Please note, we are only able to record speakers who provide us with permission to do so.
All recorded content will be available on-demand to registered delegates for one month after the event.
You can access the event with a smartphone, a desktop computer or laptop. You will need a good internet connection.
The event will operate on Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Dr. Noor Syed (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Coordinator, and founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Services (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State College. She has also recently been named the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy. The Center’s primary initiative is to help SUNY Empire become a fully inclusive and supportive college for those who identify as neurodiverse through a multi-tiered system of support framework; this work is being conducted alongside autistic colleagues and caregivers in autism. Dr. Syed also directs a Master’s of Science program in ABA through SUNY Empire. She is the Executive Director of Anderson Center International, an organization dedicated to building compassionate, sustainable resources for evidenced-based practices globally, an Adjunct Doctoral Advisor in ABA with Endicott College, and a certified general and special education teacher. Dr. Syed also serves on the ABA Ethics Hotline. Her interests lie in compassionate care, cultural humility, and social justice through an analysis of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She received her undergraduate degree in behavior analysis under Dr. Raymond G. Romanczyk in the Institute of Child Development at Binghamton University and completed her PhD in ABA with Dr. R. Douglas Greer at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Sean Healy is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy, and Community Health at Dublin City University, Ireland. Previously, after completed his PhD at the University of Virginia, Dr. Healy worked as an Assistant Professor at Humboldt State University, California, and the University of Delaware.
Dr. Healy’s career has focused on the promotion of physical activity among autistic individuals, in the pursuit of improved and more equitable health and wellbeing in this population. Specifically, his research aims to deepen our understanding of 24-hour movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) among autistic individuals, and refine the use of scalable and sustainable interventions to increase healthful movement among this population. Recently, Dr. Healy was identified as the second most productive author on physical activity research related to autism. In addition to his research, Dr. Healy has extensive experience in teaching and program development related to movement and autism. One such venture was his development of Surfing on the Spectrum, a Northern California-based surfing program for autistic children. Dr. Healy is thrilled and humbled to participate in the Geneva Centre for Autism International Virtual Symposium.
An Autistic advocate, behavior analyst, clinical director, and adjunct professor that has personally experienced the ills of ableism, racism, and flawed social validity related to my intersectional identities in ABA and society in general. I am committed to contributing to the eradication of ableism and racism as well as the facilitation of inclusion and acceptance of Autistic community norms in ABA and society in general. As an Autistic behavior analyst, I strive to provide the services my community deserves and contribute to the reframing of social validity and consequent reform of ABA ethics and practices. It is my hope that with the help of other Autistic community members and allied behavior analysts alike the necessary changes can be pursued in a manner that empirically validates Autistic community voices and in turn indisputably govern that standard ABA practices encompass Autistic children and adults receiving ethical services that consider and align with Autistic community values and norms. The ultimate goal being that generalization processes that will naturally occur and extend beyond ABA will greatly serve to model and reshape societal norms that reinforce inclusion and that Autistic community members are being comprehensively accommodated, accepted, and supported in navigating the world without compromise of their Autistic identity
Dr. Amanda N. Kelly is well-known, trusted, and respected throughout the global autism and behavior analytic communities. Over the course of her career, she has focused on showcasing effective applications of behavior analysis, most notably extending from autism to areas of public policy, ethics, and sustainable behavior change. Dr. Kelly’s commitment to increasing access to behavior analytic services and to elevating the quality of providers is evident through her advocacy for behavior analyst licensure legislation and perhaps most notably through her dissemination of free content on her Behaviorbabe website and social media platforms. Dr. Kelly has experience as a practitioner in multiple states (Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Florida) and is someone who shows admirable concern for the profession, as demonstrated by her active involvement in several state ABA chapters, her authorship of a forthcoming ethics textbook, and her leadership in The Council of Autism Service Providers, where she co-chairs the all-important “Promoting ABA” Special Interest Group. In honor of her steadfast and unwavering commitment to quality, Dr. Kelly has been recognized by several well-respected organizations, including the University of Massachusetts Autism Insurance Resource Center, the Autism Law Summit, and BABAT, from whom she received the Jerry Shook Practitioner of the Year award.
Dr. Chris Jenson is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Loyola Medical School. He completed his physician residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and launched into a career in emergency medicine and urgent care. During his time in the E.R., Dr. Jenson developed a love for teaching medical students and residents. This unexpected passion led to a life transition, and an exciting career in public education.
Dr. Jenson was awarded Kansas First Year Teacher of the Year and successfully completed a competitive science education fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC). For the past five years, Dr. Jenson has consulted for school districts and businesses, addressing complex health issues in education, and proudly serves as a senior health advisor for multiple clients. His recent book, After the Mask: A Guide to Caring for Students and Schools, peaked at Amazon #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release during the summer of 2021, making an impact in multiple educational and mental health related categories.
Dr. Jenson is extremely fortunate to live with his loving wife and two energetic daughters – they inspire him daily to work hard, play hard, and love often.
Dr. Hanley has been applying the principles of learning to improve socially important behaviors of children and adults with and without disabilities just over 30 years. He worked and trained at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, was degreed at the University of Florida, was tenured at the University of Kansas, and directed the Behavior Analysis Doctoral Program and Life Skills Clinic at Western New England University (WNEU).
Dr. Hanley has published over 100 book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals in areas such as the assessment and prevention of problem behavior, teaching tactics for young children, and evidence-based values. Dr. Hanley is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Div. 25), past Associate Editor of The Behavior Analyst, and past Editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and of Behavior Analysis in Practice.
He currently serves as a Research Professor at WNEU and CEO of FTF Behavioral, an international training and consulting group based in Worcester Massachusetts. This group of researcher-practitioners supports professionals attempting to create meaningful outcomes with practical functional assessment processes and skill-based treatments for addressing emerging and severe problem behavior, intractable stereotypy, food selectivity and mealtime problem behavior, and sleep problems.
Jennifer Krumins is the founder/owner of Autism Aspirations and Autism Aspirations Academy. A passionate international speaker, educator, Certified Leadership Coach, and author of three autism books, Jennifer is a firm believer that with autism are here to teach us, to lead and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves as individuals, families and as a society. An educator in Ontario, Canada for 26 years, she holds a Master of Education in Applied Psychology and has studied extensively Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is married with three young adult children (one of whom has autism).
Professor Liane Holliday Willey, who holds a doctorate in psycholinguistics, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 35 years old. Since her diagnosis Liane has focused her academic research on female’s with Asperger syndrome and communication skills for people on the spectrum.
Liane is the author of the new book Safety Skills for Asperger Women: How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life, and the author of the international best selling books Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence: Living with the Ups, the Downs and Things in Between, Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal. She and her books have earned prestigious awards from around the globe.
Liane is a proud serves on autism advocacy and education boards on every level from local to international. Liane has been featured in USA Today, The Associated Press, The New York Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, Autism One Radio, Oxygen TV, BBC Radio, several NPR stations and many other media outlets. She also contributes to a variety of autism focused grants and academic papers.
In her spare time, Liane enjoys her favorite passion- her two horses who despite lots of encouragement, decline an invitation into her kitchen.
Nekeshia Hammond is the host of BWE Mental Health Moment with Dr. Hammond garnering an audience of almost 1 million listeners on Facebook Live, an Amazon international best-selling author, speaker, and psychologist. She is the Founder and CEO of Hammond Psychology & Associates and former President of the Florida Psychological Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ryan Nece Foundation
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond is a licensed psychologist and owner of Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A., a private practice serving children, teens, families, and adults. Her current focus is on completing psychological evaluations (Gifted, learning disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.). She was one of 25 psychologists in the country to receive the Early Career Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. As well as one of 30 individuals selected out of hundreds of applicants to receive an Up and Comers Award from the Tampa Bay Business Journal for the Under 40 years old category. Dr. Hammond often consults with the media to increase public education about mental health issues, and she has been featured in Life Improvement Radio, CBS Boston, Essence, Tampa Bay Times, Deseret News, Tampa Bay Parenting, AM 1150 WTMP, Ebony, 105.5 WDUV, News 4 San Antonio, and more.
Involved heavily in the community, Dr. Hammond has been active with numerous associations, where she is a key psychologist at the state and federal levels. She advocates for patients' mental health and mental health professionals. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ryan Nece Foundation, where the mission is to “be a beacon to teens by empowering them to impact giving in their communities”. In 2016 and 2017, she served on the Executive Committee of the Ryan Nece Foundation.
Executive Director, Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance
Dr. Patricia Wright’s commitment to ensuring all individuals with autism have access to effective services and supports has guided her work for more than 30 years, from her earliest responsibilities as a special educator, to state and national-level program management. Specific examples of her advocacy include the management in the design of a statewide system of support for children with autism for the state of Hawaii, several years as the National Director of Autism Services for Easter Seals, her industry positions leveraging technology and her current role at Proof Positive spreading the science and skills of happiness.
Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.
All In: 18 Ways to Include All Students in Virtual Classrooms is Paula’s newest book. She is also the author or co-author of 15 other titles including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, and “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms. She is also the author of a few books for children including Coaster, a story of a puppy with wonderful wheels.
Paula has won several awards in her field. She is the recipient of the PEAK Parent Center’s Ally for Inclusion Award; The PEAL [Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership] Center’s Inclusive Education Champion Award; The National Down Syndrome Congress’s Educator of the Year; The Belle Center of Chicago’s Inclusion Advocate of the Year; and the University of Wisconsin’s “Forward Under 40” Award.
Shawn Thomas Capell, MS., BCBA., LBA, graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2007 with an Associate of Science in Restaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. After five years in the field of hospitality, Mr. Capell returned to Caldwell University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. In March 2017, Mr. Capell completed all requirements to obtain certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) and successfully passed his board certification exam. Mr. Capell currently holds the position of Regional Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) for the Northern New Jersey Region of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a human services organization dedicated to changing the lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral, or cognitive differences. In addition to his current full-time position Mr. Capell is the Owner and Clinical Director of Covenant 15:16 LLC, an agency based from the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Mr. Capell’s clinical and research interests include parent/staff training, adults with disabilities, multicultural and diversity concerns within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and aggression in adults and working with sexual offenders with dual diagnosis. Mr. Capell maintains membership in the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis (NJABA), and the Association of Professional Behavior Analyst (APBA). Mr. Capell additionally holds the (LBA) license within the state of Texas.
Zachary Houston is the Assistant Director for Applied Behavior Analysis for the Boston Public Schools. As a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, Zachary has over 15 years of experience supporting students and adults with disabilities. He also served as President on the board of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT). For the past 9 years, working in the Boston Public Schools, Zachary has worked to support consistency and program development within the Applied Behavior Analysis programs and for students across the district. A major focus of this work has been addressing the assumptions, biases, and stigmas about Applied Behavior Analysis interventions in the public schools - specifically the idea that Applied Behavior Analysis is for Autism.
In service of that work, the mission of the Applied Behavior Analysis team in Boston Public Schools is: "Through collaboration with educational and community stakeholders, we will cultivate engaging environments that grow students’ abilities and ensure that they develop the tools needed to be fully included members of the ever-changing and diverse communities in which they live." This mission embodies Zachary's passion in his work in public education and serves as the guiding force in making Applied Behavior Analysis toward socially significant outcomes available to all of our students.
Originally from Edmonton, and now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after teacher, researcher, speaker and storyteller and has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world, in supporting and promoting equity for all learners. Her first book entitled, “One Without the Other” was released in July 2016 to follow up her TEDx talk. Shelley completed an undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her masters at Simon Fraser University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia.
Jennifer is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is the Clinical Director of the New Haven Learning Centre, a not-for-profit treatment and education centre for children and adults with autism and related disorders. Jennifer received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph and her Masters of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, with a specialization in developmental psychology and education. She completed her Board Certified Behaviour Analyses course work at the University of North Texas.
Jennifer has presented at many local, national and international conferences and Universities on topics related to autism and ABA. She is an adjunct college professor, teaching undergraduate courses in applied behaviour analysis. Jennifer is also the chair of the board of directors for JaneFinch ReachingUp, an after school homework and music club for at risk children. She is very passionate about autism, adult services and supported employment and is thrilled to be a part of the Geneva Centre Symposium.