Missouri ABA – 2025 Chapter Update – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Ali DuCharme

The Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis (MOABA) is dedicated to supporting and advancing scientific research and the ethical application of behavior analysis across the state of Missouri.

This year, we welcomed Natalie Parks (president-elect), Madison Nieuwenhuizen (student representative-elect), and Andresa De Souza (treasurer) to the board. Returning board members include Miin-An Hošić (secretary), Sadiqa Reza (member-at-large), John Guercio (member-at-large), Madison Imler (student representative), Ali DuCharme (president), and Jordan Belisle (past president). We extend our gratitude to Madeline Burke (former past president) for her dedication to MOABA and her contributions to the field of behavior analysis in Missouri.

MOABA had a highly productive 2024, offering valuable professional development opportunities to behavior analysts statewide. On August 21, 2024, MOABA hosted a virtual summer workshop featuring Dr. John Guercio and Valeria Pascale, who presented Conducting Ecologically Valid Research with Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Building Meaningful Life Skills in Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. This workshop focused on evidence-based strategies for improving the lives of adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Later in the year, MOABA’s annual conference took place on November 21-22, 2024, in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate either in person or virtually. The event featured five presentations and two workshops, covering a wide range of topics relevant to behavior analysts. Discussions addressed neurodivergent-affirming practices, workplace stress and burnout in ABA, leadership development, acceptance and commitment training (ACT), interprofessional collaboration, and strategies for supporting individuals with severe challenging behavior and trauma.

The conference brought together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dana Palilunas, Aaron Libman, Stuart Libman, Lina Slim, Joe Dracobly, Ashton Benedickt, Lindsey LeBrun, Julie Slowiak, and ShiQuita Lane. Their insights contributed to an engaging and informative experience, reinforcing MOABA’s commitment to providing high-quality continuing education opportunities for behavior analysts across Missouri.

MOABA continued to support student research and professional development by hosting a student poster session during the conference, where students presented their research and received valuable feedback from experts in the field. For the first time, student poster-presenters attended the conference for free and cash prizes were awarded to outstanding posters, recognizing excellence in behavior analytic research. The top three winners also received free admission to the 2025 Annual Conference. MOABA remains committed to fostering the next generation of behavior analysts by providing meaningful opportunities for students to showcase their work and engage with leaders in the field.

Looking ahead, MOABA will continue its mission in 2025 by providing high-quality professional development, expanding diversity and inclusion efforts, and enhancing member engagement. The 2025 Annual Conference will be held in November in St. Louis, Missouri, once again offering a hybrid format to accommodate both in-person and virtual attendees. MOABA will also host a virtual summer workshop, with details on speakers and topics to be announced.

MOABA remains dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by ensuring diverse representation in speaker selection and presentation topics. In preparation for the 2024 Annual Conference, board members participated in a training on creating inclusive spaces, reinforcing MOABA’s efforts to foster equitable learning and networking opportunities. These efforts will continue in 2025 as the organization remains focused on making all events welcoming and accessible.

The Student Poster Session and Contest will return at the 2025 Annual Conference, providing students with the opportunity to present their research, receive feedback, and compete for recognition and awards.

Enhancing member resources and networking opportunities remains a priority for MOABA. The board is actively working to identify new collaborations and initiatives that bring more value to members, with an emphasis on professional development and engagement. Membership dues remain bundled with the annual conference registration fee, and members are encouraged to take advantage of networking and continuing education opportunities throughout the year.

As MOABA moves into 2025, the organization remains dedicated to its core mission of supporting behavior analysts across Missouri by offering high-quality continuing education, expanding DEI efforts, and fostering professional growth. We are grateful for our members’ dedication to using behavior analysis to improve lives, and we encourage continued engagement through events, research, and collaboration.