ABAI 2026 Outstanding Mentor – Dr. Cynthia Livingston

Cynthia Livingston, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor and board-certified behavior analyst in the Specialized Behavior Intervention Department (formerly, Severe Behavior Department) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Livingston’s clinical and research work focuses on the assessment and treatment of severe, challenging behavior using the scientist–practitioner model. Her research emphasizes the application of functional analysis to inform individualized intervention, with a particular interest in optimizing functional communication training (FCT).

Within this line of work, she examines mand modality preference assessments to better understand how response form, effort, and individual preference influence treatment outcomes, efficiency, and durability within the context of FCT. Her goal is to enhance the precision and social validity of behavioral interventions by integrating empirical rigor with client-centered decision making.

At MMI, Dr. Livingston serves as a case manager across day treatment, intensive outpatient, and follow-up clinics, providing evidence-based assessment and intervention for children with severe problem behavior. She works closely with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers to translate behavioral science into practical, sustainable strategies that promote challenging behavior reduction, skill acquisition, and long-term quality of life.

Dr. Livingston teaches and advises in the UNMC masters and Ph.D. programs and is deeply committed to mentorship and training the next generation of behavior analysts. She views mentorship as an extension of the scientist–practitioner model— training students to implement evidence-based procedures, think analytically, evaluate data, and adapt interventions in complex clinical contexts. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, trying new Trader Joe’s snacks, and maintaining a respectable bedtime.