Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association

By Tricia Clement-James

Mission and History:
The mission of the Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association (LaBAA) is to promote ABAI’s mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis (BA) through research, education, and practice, and to promote access to responsible BA services by professionals sufficiently trained in the discipline of BA and compliance with relevant ethics standards.
LaBAA was established in April of 2012 as a 501c(4) and became an ABAI affiliate state chapter in the fall of 2012. LaBAA is also an affiliate of APBA and a BACB ACE provider. LaBAA serves as a scientific, professional, and networking group for its members. LaBAA also promotes access to behavior analysis services in the state of Louisiana.

Officers:
LaBAA is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of a president, past president, president-elect, treasurer, and secretary. 2023–2024 officers are: Tricia Clement-James, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, president; Savannah Joseph, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, president-elect; Megan Matherne Perkins, MA, BCBA, LBA, treasurer; Tara Williamson, MA, BCBA, LBA, secretary; and Scott Williamson, MA, BCBA, LBA, past president. The LaBAA Board of Directors is comprised of regional representatives from across the state, a parent representative and a student representative. 2022–2023 regional representatives are Chad Favre, BCBA, LBA; Jenny Cronier, BCBA, LBA; Katie Jenkins, BCBA, LBA; Danica Savoie, BCBA, LBA; and Danielle Bratton, BCBA, LBA. Loretta Bateman is the student representative and Sara McCumsey is the parent representative. The legislative chair is Grant Gautreaux, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA. Elections for all officers and representatives are conducted in May/June every other year.

Membership:
There are three classes of membership: Full, Affiliate, and Student.
Benefits of Full/Affiliate Membership Professional representation: LaBAA is committed to protecting the interests of LaBAA
BCBAs in the Louisiana state legislature.

Consumer/affiliate representation:
LaBAA is committed to protecting the interests of consumers of ABA
The right of Full Members to vote in all matters brought before LaBAA
The option for Full and Affiliate Members to post employment opportunities on the LaBAA website
Professional, advocacy, and networking opportunities for all levels of membership

Benefits of Student Membership:
Opportunities to network with other students and professionals in the field
Opportunities to assist with planning and hosting of annual LaBAA conference
Opportunities to serve on LaBAA committees

LaBAA currently has 369 members.

2023 Conference:
LaBAA celebrated 10 years of hosting the Gulf Coast ABA Conference in the fall of 2023. This past conference was the first return to an in-person conference since the fall of 2019. Conference co-chairs were Katie Jenkins and Janice Huber. Presenters included Dr. Megan DeLeon, Dr. T.V. Joe Layng, Dr. Pat Friman, Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, Dr. Denise Ross-Page, Dr. James Moore, and local LaBAA member presentations.

Other Activities and Initiatives:
2024 Conference:
LaBAA is currently planning the 2024 Gulf Coast ABA conference. Conference co-chairs are Katie Jenkins and Daniel NoackLeSage. The Gulf Coast ABA Conference will be held October 4–5, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Conference highlights include a keynote and invited presenters, a workshop, poster session, student poster competition, and will provide a venue for local and regional behavior analysts researchers to share their research. To learn more about LaBAA and the conference, visit: www.labaa.net.

Louisiana Coalition for Access to Autism Services (LCASS):
LaBAA has partnered with LCAAS to secure professional legislative services. As the state of behavior analysis continues to take shape within Louisiana, LaBAA has been very active in ensuring that the development and growth of behavior analysis remains beneficial to further developing the science of behavior analysis, the practice of behavior analysts, the mentoring of students of behavior analysis, and most importantly advocating for consumers of behavior analytic services. In addition, the coalition has worked with LaBAA to educate the public and raise awareness about the science of behavior, ABA services, and legislative advocacy.

Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board (LBAB) Appointments LaBAA collaborated with LBAB to conduct an election for open board positions. LaBAA submitted four nominees to the governor’s office, all of which were LaBAA members.