(REC) Cultivating Change: Enhancing Educational Outcomes through the Integration of Skill-Based Treatment and Motivational Interviewing

This presentation delves into the critical role of Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) within educational settings. It offers strategies to enhance implementation and tackle educator resistance to compassionate approaches for managing severe problem behavior. By exploring the historical context of compliance in education, participants will understand why some educators resist such methods. A significant focus will be on integrating Motivational Interviewing (MI) with SBT, equipping participants with the knowledge to define MI, identify supporting research, and understand its four processes aligning with SBT principles. Additionally, common scenarios where MI can be integrated into the SBT training process will be reviewed, providing participants with practical examples of how to respond to skepticism using MI strategies. This presentation aims to empower professionals with actionable insights and strategies to foster a more compassionate, pragmatic approach to education and behavior management, ultimately enhancing the learning environment for students with severe problem behaviors.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhancing the Implementation of Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) in Educational Settings -The participant will be able to identify teaching strategies that facilitate the implementation of Skill-Based Treatment in educational settings. -The participant will be able to recognize the necessity for additional strategies to engage educators resistant to compassionate approaches to severe problem behavior and Skill-Based Treatment.
• Exploring the Historical Context of Compliance in Education -The participant will be able to identify legitimate reasons why some educators resist compassionate approaches to severe problem behavior and Skill-Based Treatment.
• Integrating Motivational Interviewing within the Implementation of Skill-Based Treatment -The participant will be able to define Motivational Interviewing and its core principles. -The participant will be able to identify empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing. -The participant will be able to describe the four processes of Motivational Interviewing and illustrate how each process aligns with the principles and values of Skill-Based Treatment.
• Review Common Scenarios -The participant will be able to recognize common scenarios where Motivational Interviewing can be effectively integrated into the Skill-Based Treatment training process, including addressing misconceptions such as “you’re just going to give the student whatever he wants, how will he learn?” -The participant will be able to propose multiple examples of responsive strategies using Motivational Interviewing techniques when faced with these scenarios.

PRESENTERS: Emily Esparza with Megan Miller, BCBA-D

Emily Esparza, a licensed school social worker with over a decade of experience, serves as an Autism Coach for Local & Regional Programs at Kent ISD, an educational service agency in Kent County, Michigan. Emily approaches her work with a solid commitment to collaborative partnership, believing that coaching is a shared process where her expertise in facilitating growth and change is paired with the educators’ deep knowledge of their classrooms. Holding an FTF Level 6 PFA-SBT Credential and LMSW licensure, Emily emphasizes empowering potential and helping educators draw on their strengths, values, and priorities to drive their professional growth.
In her practice, she adopts a stance of respectful understanding, approaching every coaching interaction with empathy, recognizing each educator’s unique perspectives, and honoring their informed choices for development. Her compassionate support prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of the educators she works with, creating a nurturing environment where they can confidently pursue meaningful growth. Emily’s dedication to safe, dignified, and person-centered support reflects her values-driven approach to improving outcomes for Autistic students, their families, and the educators who support them.

In this webinar, Emily will share insights and strategies that underscore her commitment to fostering collaborative, respectful, and empowering partnerships with educators.

Megan Miller, BCBA-D

Global Behavior Analyst | Neurodiversity-Affirming Advocate | Author & Innovator | Resource Queen Expertise in Autism & Behavior Analysis: Over 20 years of experience in autism and behavior analysis, focusing on translating research into practical, individualized, and person-centered interventions. Published Author & Contributor: Author of 2 book chapters, several peer-reviewed articles, and a widely recognized expert in advancing compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming practices. Extensive Global Presentation Experience: Invited speaker at conferences across the globe, with over 116 conference presentations and a reputation for bringing innovative, research-informed perspectives to the field. Leader in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training: Global trainer and coach for behavior analysts, parents, and service providers, specializing in neurodiversity- affirming, person-centered approaches that promote autonomy and social communication. Founder of the Do Better Collective: Creator of an international community empowering behavior analysts and related service providers to deliver more compassionate and effective interventions, combining evidence-based practice with humanity.