Ohio ABA – 2025 Chapter Update – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Kim Wolff

Founded in 2008, The Ohio Association for Behavior Analysis (OHABA) is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). OHABA is an organization for people interested in behavior analysis and is primarily an interest group.

The purpose of this nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization is to promote the science and theory of behavior analysis through the support of research, education and practice.

Supporting the certification process of Certified Ohio Behavior Analysts (herein referred to as “COBA”). Supporting the national certification process of Behavior Analysts and assistant Behavior Analysts (herein referred to as “BCBA” and “BCaBA”).
Advocating for behavior analytic services and the profession of behavior analysis. Enhancing quality assurance in behavior analytic services. Promoting behavior analysis and university programs that specialize in applied behavior analysis.
Providing continuing education opportunities for behavior analysts. Providing resources and information related to behavior analysis.
Organizing an annual conference which shall serve as a forum for the presentation of scientific and technological achievements as well as the discussion of the affairs of the organization.
Maintaining a group site or website containing information about the organization and about behavior analysis in Ohio and elsewhere.
Alerting Members to regional and national issues affecting the practice of applied behavior analysis.
Functioning as the Ohio contact for and representative of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

OHABA works to promote behavior analysis by a.) promoting behavior analysis in the educational setting b.) promoting behavior analysis and university programs that specialize in applied behavior analysis c.) provides a forum for the discussion of research and conceptual issues in behavior analysis d.) maintains a website containing information about the organization and about behavior analysis in Ohio and elsewhere and e.) functions as the Ohio contact for and representative of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The OHABA Executive Board Members from March 2024-March 2025 were held by the following professionals listed below.

President, Nikki Williams, PhD, BCBA, COBA

Past President, Janet Hansen, PhD, BCBA-D, COBA

President-Elect, Ron DeMuesy, BCBA, COBA

Secretary, Kim Wolff, MS, BCBA, COBA

Treasurer, Dacia McCoy, PhD, BCBA-D, COBA

The OHABA Full Board Members from March 2024-March 2025 were held by the following professionals listed below.

DEI Chair, Juliana Carrus, M.Ed, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, COBA

Education Chair, Kate Anderson, BCBA, COBA

Membership Chair, Alexa Galloway, BCBA, COBA

Public Policy Chair, Jen Ghonda, BCBA, COBA

Professional Standards Chair, Dr. Bryan Droesch, LPC, BCBA, COBA

Program Co-Chairs, Cara Brown, MA, BCBA, COBA and Ashley Showalter, PhD, BCBA-D, COBA

Technology Chair, Kately Wallace, M.Ed, COBA, BCBA

Student Chair, Sara Martin

On March 8th and 9th of 2024, OHABA was proud to offer a two-day conference in-person at Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. Some of our speakers for the conference were Dr. Bruce Tino, Ron DeMuesey, Lor Choca, Anesa Doyle, Ulema Cruz, and Meredith, just to name a few.

In the past year, the board continued to focus on advocacy related to Medicaid and educational needs and changes, offered continuing education events for our members, and planned social gatherings such as a walk along a trail across different areas in Ohio.

Membership Information

Increasing membership across the state has been a primary focus for OHABA. The following table shows the growth in membership since December of 2012.

Year	Number of Members
December 2012	46
December 2013	114
December 2014	127
December 2015	148
December 2016	208
December 2017	226
December 2018	280
December 2019	389
December 2020	248
December 2021	270
December 2022	211
December 2023	236
December 2024	341

# of members not ABAI members

Individuals interested in joining OHABA, can find a membership form on our website at www.ohaba.org. Our Membership level and fees are as follows:

Full Membership $50.00

3 Year Full Membership $125.00

Affiliate Membership $40.00

Student, Registered Behavior Technician, or Behavior Technician $20.00

Parent/Guardian Member $20.00

Annual Conference 2024

The Conference was held on March 8th and March 9th at the Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio.

Certification in the State of Ohio

The OHABA board has worked closely with the Ohio State Board of Psychology to educate BCBAs in the state on the process and importance of becoming Certified Ohio Behavior Analysts (COBAs). Only individuals who have the COBA can practice behavior analysis in the state, except in exempt settings. The last step in obtaining the certification requires candidates to attend a half day workshop and pass an exam covering the rules and regulations regarding behavior analytic practice in Ohio. The Board has committed to having representation at each of these workshops to assist in answering questions and to ensure newly certified members are aware of OHABA as a resource.

Future Direction

OHABA Board is committed to making the organization a resource for members. The Board continues to stay engaged with lobbyists on potential legislation that affects the practice of applied behavior analysis. We continue our commitment with legislative efforts to ensure the practice of applied behavior analysis continues to be recognized with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and other insurances as a medically necessary service. Alternatively, we are also engaged in any rules and policies related to the practice of applied behavior analysis in school settings under the direction of the Ohio Department of Education.