Delaware ABA – 2025 Annual Report – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Melissa Tice Martin

The Delaware Association for Behavior Analysis (DEABA) was established as an Affiliate Chapter of ABAI in 2011.

The Delaware Association for Behavior Analysis was created with the mission to promote the science, understanding, and practice of behavior analysis. Specifically, the organization shall:

(a) Serve as a scientific and professional reference and networking group for its members.

(b) Disseminate information to promote its mission to a wider audience.

Governance

Current Board Members of DEABA consist of:

President – Melissa Tice Martin, M.S., BCBA

Vice-President – Diliana Henry, M.S., BCBA, MPA

Treasurer-Victoria Hetrick, M.A., BCBA, LPCMH

Secretary- Sarah D’Amico, M.S., BCBA

Membership Director – Dafne Carnright, M.S., BCBA, LPCMH

Member-at-Large-Alia Bonner El, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS, LBA

Member-at-Large-Josefien O’Regan, M.A., BCBA

Membership

Membership is open to all persons interested in or actively engaged in behavior analysis. Being a DEABA member ensures timely access to news about upcoming events, CEs, and initiatives. DEABA offers an opportunity for connection and collaboration with behavior analytic colleagues across the state. Our members bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the ABA community and work as a collective voice for the profession of behavior analysis.

As an Affiliate Chapter of ABAI, DEABA members are able to obtain discounts on ABAI Annual Conference Registration by requesting a letter from the chapter verifying proof of membership.

Membership is annual by the calendar year starting September 1st. Anyone wishing to become a member must submit a completed application form and pay the annual membership dues:

Full Member: Those certified as a BCBA-D, BCBA, BCaBA, RBT; Licensed Behavior Analysts; or a professional in a discipline directly related to behavior analysis whose professional commitment includes teaching, research, and/or practice in behavior analysis may apply for membership in this category. Full members may vote on membership decisions of the chapter. Annual dues are $35.

Affiliate Member: Individuals evidencing an interest in the discipline of behavior analysis, but without formal training, licensure, or credential (e.g., students, parents, community providers, educators, etc.) may apply for membership in this category. Affiliate members may not vote on membership decisions of the chapter. Annual dues are $20.

Conferences

In 2024, board representatives attended chapter training online and attended the ABAI Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA in May.

In 2025, DEABA board representatives participated in ABAI chapter training opportunities online and attended the ABAI Autism Conference in January in New Orleans, LA, and the Annual ABAI Convention in May in Washington, D.C. A poster session and a social gathering were held to promote the chapter and to build interest in the organization. Planning for a conference to be held in Delaware 2025 is ongoing.

Activities for 2024–2025

The DEABA board members met quarterly during 2024-2025 to conduct business and plan for events and activities.

In September 2024, DEABA applied for and received determination from the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donors can deduct contributions and DEABA is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts as a public charity.

DEABA hosted two virtual Continuing Education events during 2024-2025 as a BACB-approved ACE provider.

DEABA board representatives acknowledged World Behavior Analysis Day celebrations on the DEABA Facebook page in 2024.

DEABA updated the DEABA.org website and made enhancements to ensure a smooth application and payment process for new and renewing members.

DEABA also started a digital newsletter and an Instagram account in order to expand and enhance our outreach and communication efforts.

DEABA continues to explore effective ways to promote behavior analysis and to increase the number of active members, as well as the benefits offered to our membership, through social media, meetings, social opportunities, interest surveys, and CE events.