Montana ABA – 2024 Chapter Update – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Bradley Tiefenthaler

The Montana Association for Behavior Analysis (MTABA) is an organization founded in 2013 to support the education, research, and practice of behavior analysis in the beautiful state of Montana.

In 2024, we celebrated our 11-year anniversary as an organization. At our annual chapter meeting, we congratulated Traci Shinabarger for successfully completing her two-year term as president. As she assumes her new role as past-president, we look forward to her continued guidance and mentorship in promoting the vision and mission of MTABA in 2025 and 2026.

The board has also welcomed Bradley Tiefenthaler as president (2024-2026), Adam Rudolph as president-elect (2024-2026), and Mollie Schnorr as secretary (2024-2027).

We’d also like to thank each of our continuing board members as their time is entirely voluntary. Thank you, Autumn Kostka (treasurer), for managing our finances. Thank you, Tonya Blaney (member-at-large), for organizing an amazing conference for our members. Thank you, Lisa Jones-Park (member-at-large), for your unwavering support and dedication to our members. Thank you, Jesseca Collins (member-at-large), for your enduring commitment to delivering high-quality training opportunities for our members. And thank you, Rose Filteau (member-at-large), for creating a fostering collaboration and networking among members and state chapters.

In 2024, we held our 9^th annual conference in Billings, MT, with renowned experts Drs. Tyra Sellers and Sarah Lichtenberger. These two distinguished professionals provided our members with comprehensive training in the ethics of behavior analysis, effective supervision, and managing staff performance. The MTABA members thoroughly enjoyed their guidance, charisma, and generosity. It was dazzling from start to finish.

Our Dissemination Committee remained active in 2024 by bringing in Nasiah Cirincione-Ulezi for a two-part, webinar series on Humble Behaviorism and Cultural Humility in Behavior. The Dissemination Committee also secured a grant to support tuition costs for individuals pursuing a master’s degree. Three recipients were awarded funding, along with opportunities for supervision. Hats off to those in our Dissemination Committee.

MTABA also provided a free suicide prevention CEU training to satisfy our state’s licensure requirements. Pat Friman, a native to our great state, also offered his time to present in Missoula this past year. He plans to return in 2025! Shout out to those who have convinced him for the last few years to spend time with us.

With all of the highlights, we must point out the loss of our only in-state university that provided BCBA coursework, Montana State University Billings (MSU-B). MSU-B was a cornerstone of BCBA education in Montana. The university will be sorely missed as it has been placed under moratorium.

The Montana Association for Behavior Analysis (MTABA) has experienced continued change and growth last year. Our drive to provide high quality opportunities to our members will continue into 2025 and beyond with new talent in new positions. We look forward to seeing you soon!