Chapter Spotlight: New Hampshire ABA

The New Hampshire Association for Behavior Analysis (NHABA) is an Affiliate Chapter of the ABAI. Its mission is to promote the development and awareness of behavioral services in the state of New Hampshire by (1) supporting the development of standards of practice for behavior analysis; (2) promoting and supporting the conduct of behavior analytic research; (3) promoting research, education, and practice-based principles in behavior analysis; (4) promoting and supporting professional development of behavior analysts; and (5) raising awareness of the association and its services.

Executive Committee
NHABA is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of a president, past vice-president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The 2021 Executive Committee is comprised of Ally Dube (president), Peg Chaffee (past vice-president), Amy Rheaume (vice-president), Jennilee Hogancamp (secretary), and Amanda Schoenberg (treasurer).

Membership
NHABA offers three categories of annual membership: Full Membership, Affiliate Membership, and Student Membership. Membership is open to all persons interested in or actively engaged in behavior analysis. Memberships start on the first day of the calendar year and remain in effect until the last day of the calendar year. Full Member status may be obtained by any individual holding a terminal degree in a discipline directly related to or involving behavior analysis and whose full-time professional commitment includes teaching, research, and/or practice in behavior analysis. An Affiliate Member status may be obtained by any member evidencing interest in the discipline of behavior analysis who does not qualify under the standards of full membership. Affiliate members enjoy all the benefits of Full Membership and are able to vote on decisions of the chapter. A Student Member status may be any individual pursuing formal training in the discipline of behavior analysis on at least a half-time basis but not yet gainfully employed therein may apply for membership in this category. Student Membership requires documentation to verify the applicant’s student status. Student members may also vote on membership decisions of the chapter.

There are multiple benefits to becoming a member of the organization. These benefits include, but are not limited to, reduced conference registration, free CEs at NHABA meetings, mentorship networking platform to connect behavior analysts with others to share expertise, notifications about continuing education opportunities, to the latest news in behavior analysis, a vote on issues pertinent to the organization, and the opportunity to hold office in the organization (Full Members only).

Events
NHABA has actively hosted events in the state since 2016. For the last five years, the organization has held an annual conference. Last year, the annual conference was held virtually on Zoom. The speakers we hosted were as follows: Camille Koli, Alyssa Wilson, Bridget Taylor, Deborah Grossett, Emily Sandoz, and Solandy Forte.

The three previous years the conference sold out and continues to be a sought-after event for professional development in the state of New Hampshire and surrounding areas. The location of the conference is rotated each year to extend the association’s reach in the state. In November 2019, NHABA held a conference in Manchester, NH. The organization had the pleasure to host Mark Dixon, Sorah Stein, Jason Simmons, Evelyn Gould, Sandy Jin, and Sarah Campau. In March 2020, NHABA hosted a community workshop on the topic of ABA Treatment for Adults with I/DD.

In September 2021, NHABA will hold its annual conference in Concord, New Hampshire and virtually.
NHABA currently hosts quarterly chapter meetings with each offering a CE in either supervision or ethics. The association continues to determine the most effective platform to offer these meetings as to reach the most members across the state. Currently, the meetings are hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic with hopes to return to in person meetings when it is safe to do so. In February, NHABA had the pleasure to host an information session on the regulation of our practice by Dr. Gina Green with a time for questions and answers. The next quarterly meeting will be held in May 2021.

Currently, NHABA membership stands at 108 members and continues to grow. Membership grows exponentially before the conference. The association continues to seek effective ways to engage in outreach and disseminate information about the association activities and opportunities.

In this year, NHABA has plans to create a mentorship directory, create resources for areas of sub-specialty, explore licensure, hold social meet ups, dissemination, community outreach, develop task forces and expand training. NHABA continues to seek to have a stronger and active presence as a resource for individuals in the state of New Hampshire interested in behavior analytic services. Through the work of NHABA the aim will remain to work towards the mission of the association as a whole and expand its reach and impact.

Contact Us
More information about New Hampshire Association for Behavior Analysis can be found on the organization’s website: https://nhaba.net.

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Aaron Barsy

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