(REC) Building Systems that Support Employee Wellness

Behavior science is powerful. As behaviorists, we use tools to build repertoires and relationships that facilitate meaningful change for the individuals we serve. All too often we neglect to give our professional relationships the same careful consideration. In this presentation, attendees will interact with the presenters to develop applicable strategies for identifying and promoting a healthy workplace. Together we will determine how to identify common problems among helping professionals, like burnout and care fatigue. We will explore strategies for supporting mental and physical well-being through supervisory relationships. Finally, we will discuss systems designed to encourage wellness in the workplace. Attendees will leave with actionable items to pursue organic engagement among colleagues.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The participants will define and identify signs of burnout and care fatigue
• The participants will identify strategies that encourage mental and physical wellness
• he participants will describe 3 ways to increase rates of organic participation in the supervisory relationship

PRESENTER BIOS

Emily Wilson, MA, BCBA, LBA, CCTSI 

Emily’s behavior analytic practice is built on a diverse foundation of interests in the liberal arts and sciences. As an undergraduate at James Madison University, she studied Sociology with a minor in Religion. She is involved in politics and social activism. The daughter of a mental health counselor and an educator, she also routinely draws inspiration from evidence-based practices in parallel fields. She got her first job in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2012 and earned her master’s degree and board certification in 2016. She co-owns Blossom Behavioral Services in Newport News, VA. Her approach to service provision emphasizes learner assent and self-advocacy. Beyond the BCBA, Emily has additional training and experience in a variety of subject areas, including Precision Teaching, Organizational Behavior Management, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Training, feeding and sleep interventions, as well as instruction on implementing several ABA-based assessment tools. She is certified to provide Early Intervention services in Virginia. Emily is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Individual (CCTSI). Her diverse learning history is reflected in her clinical approach, which relies on a wide lens assessment to ultimately develop focused supportive interventions.

Elizabeth Matthews, BCBA

Elizabeth Matthews (Liz) is the Owner and Executive Director of EMG Consulting, established in 2008 and identified as one of Virginia’s 2023 Best Places to Work. After graduating from Wells College and Simmons College, she became a BCBA in 2006. Currently, Liz is a doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University, studying leadership. Liz has presented at multiple conferences including the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis International’s Annual Conference. Her volunteer work has earned her Sponsor of the Year from the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia. Liz serves on the Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis board and is the board liaison to the association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Liz is a military spouse and lives in Virginia Beach with her husband Charles, son Peyton, and their golden retriever Gracie. Having watched behavior analysis grow exponentially in Virginia, Liz is passionate about ongoing networking, camaraderie, and quality communication for practitioners.