Tyra P. Sellers
Tyra P. Sellers, PhD, BCBA-D
Department of Special Education & Rehabilitation
Utah State University
2865 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-2865
435.797.8639
Curriculum Vitae
October, 2015
Educational History
Utah State University - Logan, UT
Major: Disability Disciplines -Applied Behavior Analysis
Degree: Doctorate of Philosophy, 2011
Dissertation Title: “Increasing Mand Variability In Preschoolers With Autism”
Advisor: Thomas S. Higbee, PhD, BCBA-D
San Francisco State University –San Francisco, CA
Advisor: Nicholas Certo, PhD
Major: Special Education -Vocational Education
Degree: Masters of Arts, 2002
University of San Francisco –San Francisco, CA
Major: Law
Degree: Juris Doctorate, 1998
San Francisco State University –San Francisco, CA
Major: Philosophy -Cum Laude
Degree: Bachelors of Arts, 1995
Professional Certifications
Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D™), Certification Number: 1.03.1167 (BCBA-D June 2011-present, BCBA June 2003-2011)
Membership in Professional Associations and Other Appointments
· Association for Behavior Analysis International
· Association for Professional Behavior Analysts
· Utah Association for Behavior Analysis (Secretary 2013-2015)
Work History
Academic Position -Current
August, 2014-Present Assistant Professor Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
Current Courses Taught
Undergraduate
· SPED 5050 Educational Applications of Behavior Analysis II -Undergraduate
Graduate
· SPED 6700 Introduction to Behavioral Research in Education –Master’s Distance Education Course
· SPED 6730 Educational Applications of Behavior Analysis II –Master’s Distance Education Course
· SPED 6750 Practicum Individual Supervision –Master’s
· SPED 6760 Practicum Group Supervision -–Master’s Distance Education Course
· SPED 6780 Ethics –Master’s Distance Education Course
· SPED 7720 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis –Doctoral
Honors Received
· Teacher of the Year –Department of Special Education -2014-15
· Faculty Fellow –Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities -20014-present
Academic Positions -Previous
Fall 2013 Adjunct Instructor -Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT
· SPED 6700 Introduction to Behavioral Research in Education –Master’s Distance Education Course
Fall 2009 Graduate Instructor -Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT
· SPED 5010 Applied Behavior Analysis I –Undergraduate Distance Education
Advisor: Thomas S. Higbee, Ph. D., BCBA-D
Spring 2009 Graduate Teaching Assistant -Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT
· SPED 5050 Applied Behavior Analysis II -Undergraduate Distance Education
Advisor: Robert Morgan, Ph. D.
Fall 2008 Graduate Teaching Assistant -Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, Logan, UT
· SPED 5010 Applied Behavior Analysis I –Undergraduate Distance Education
Advisor: Thomas S. Higbee, Ph. D., BCBA-D
Fall 2002 Adjunct Instructor -Chapman University -Concord CA Campus
· Master’s Level Course in Behavior Analysis & Classroom Management
Work History
Clinical Positions -Current
· Director of the Utah Behavior Support Clinic –Utah State University, Logan, UT
August, 2014 - Present
o Duties: Provide evidence-based assessment and intervention for individuals with severe problem behavior in the clinic, home, school, and other community settings across Utah and on neighboring states. Recruit, train, and supervise graduate and undergraduate students working as clinicians and therapists through the clinic. Provide training and workshops to stakeholders (parents, teachers, other professionals). Conduct applied research studies.
· Approved Professional Development Provider - Utah Professional Development Network
(UPDN)
October 2014 - Present
o Duties: Provide requested targeted professional development activities and coaching in the areas of behavior assessment and reduction, skill acquisition, social skills, etc.
Clinical Positions -Past
· Regional Director (AZ, CO, IL, KS, MO, OH, TX, WY) - Trumpet Behavioral Health (TBH), Lakewood CO
February 2012 - August 2014
o Oversaw 13 centers/offices with a total in $6+ million revenue across 8 states. Responsible for ensuring excellence in all clinical, financial, and operational/systems functions for center and home-based ABA programming (approx. 375 clients and 175 staff); hired and trained clinical leaders and other professionals; supervised staff; conducted performance and clinical assessments; developed assessments, interventions, and curriculum; developed and maintain regional budgets; assessed and carried out business development and growth (oversaw the creation of 6 new service locations across 6 states), worked with funding sources and insurance contracting (prepare and submit RFPs); worked in conjunction with other community and state agencies; assisted in conducting research projects; worked on TBH committees to develop policies, revenue cycle management tools, data collection best practice guidelines and tools, among other best practice guidelines and tools.
· Clinical Director (CO) - Trumpet Behavioral Health (TBH), Lakewood, CO
February 2012 - October 2012
o Oversaw in-home and center-based clinical services; developed training, assessment, and programming protocol and materials, developed relationships with local agencies, prepared and submitted RFPs to local agencies for service contracts; hired and trained team staff; assisted on research projects; worked on TBH committees to create policies and other needed materials and trainings
· Regional Director (CO) - STE Consultants, Bay Area, CA
December 2010 - February 2012
o Managed the CO division of a national behavior consulting business –hired and trained staff; train other professionals and parents; conducted educational and behavioral assessments; developed behavior analytic educational programs and behavior interventions; monitored staff; developed relationships with schools and other agencies.
· Behavior Consultant - Park City School District, via Utah State University
August 2009 – July 2010
o Trained professional and direct-line staff to design and implement behavior analytic-based preschool and elementary programs, adhering to an LRBI model, for children with autism; monitored staff performance; conducted educational and behavior assessments; and designed curriculum and positive behavior intervention plans.
· Co Director of Program Quality - Behavior Intervention Specialists of Los Angeles, telecommuted
April 2008 – October 2010
o Reviewed progress reports and initial assessment to ensure quality, trained and supervised clinical staff
· Assistant Director –ASSERT Preschool, Utah State University, Logan, UT
April 2008 – October 2010
o Provided case management, assessment, curriculum development, staff supervision and training, and parent consultation and training, as well as consulting schools, as needed
· Director & Owner –SBEC, Santa Clara & San Jose, CA
July 2005 – December 2010
o Held contracts with several large school districts providing behavior and inclusion services for all grade levels (e.g., Functional Behavior Assessments, Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, staff and parent training), as well as developing preschool services and curriculum for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and district-wide staff training
· Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist –Northwest Regional Education Service District, Beaverton, OR
October 2004 – May 2005
o Conducted initial Autism eligibility evaluations using a variety of standardized and observational tools, as well as provided ongoing consultative support for educational team members and students, primarily for Early Intervention students. Developed and gave small & large group trainings.
· Behavior & Education Consultant –Self Employed, Bay Area, CA
July 2002 – August 2004
o Held contracts with several large public school districts, non-public schools, group homes, and private individuals. Worked with IEP team members and families to best meet the needs of each individual through direct observation, consultation, collaborative meetings, and training. Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments, Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, Emergency Plans, educational goals, and curriculum; trained parents, teachers, school psychologists, paraprofessionals and other staff; ran Social Language/Skills Groups. Provided direct ABA services where required
· Behavior Analyst & Partner - Communication & Behavior Consultants (CBC), East Bay, CA
July 2002 – August 2004
o Developed curriculum/materials and ran social skills groups for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, and other cognitive impairments. Conducted training for parents and others.
· District Behavior Analyst - West Contra Costa Unified School District, Richmond, CA
October 2000 - July 2002
o Provided all needed behavior services for students attending Early Intervention, Special Education and Alternative Programs, as well as those on a 504 plan within a school district comprised of approximately 60 schools. Duties included: Functional Behavior Analysis, Positive Behavior Intervention Plan, full inclusion, staff/parent training, and transition services.
· Education Specialist (held various positions from 1992-1998) –Spectrum Center, Pinole CA
August 1998 – October 2000
o Supervised 3-5 classrooms comprised of 8-12 students and 4-8 staff. Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments, developed Positive Behavior Intervention Plans. Aided the teachers in drafting educational goals, conducted weekly supervision meetings with the classroom teachers and weekly clinical meetings with classroom staff. Worked with a team to develop, set up, and run and early intervention service for 3-6 year old children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Worked directly with staff, families, administrators, and other community agencies to provide program development and training. Held various positions from One-to-One Aide to Teacher to Education Specialist throughout time at Spectrum from July 1992 – October 2000.
Publications -Peer Reviewed Journals
Sellers, T. P., Valentio, A. L., LeBlanc, L. A. (accepted, pending revisions).
Recommended Practices for Individual Supervision in Practicum and Fieldwork Experiences in Preparation for Certification as Behavior Analyst. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Sellers, T. P., Kelley, K., Higbee, T.S., Wolfe, K. (accepted, pending revisions). Effects of
Simultaneous Script Training on Mand Variability in Preschoolers with Autism. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior.
LeBlanc, L. A., Raetz, P. B, Sellers, T. P. & Carr, J.E. (2015).A Model
for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Sellers, T.P., Bloom, S.E., Samaha, A.L., Dayton, E., Lambert, J.M., & Keyl-Austin, A.A.,
(2013) Some components of choice making. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 455-464.
Betz, A.M., Higbee, T.S., Kelley, K.N., Sellers, T.P., & Pollard, J.S. (2011). Increasing
response variability of mand frames with script training and extinction. Journal of
Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 357-362.
Sellers, T. & Higbee, T.S. (2010). A review of: Julia Moor: Playing, Laughing, and Learning
with Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for
Parents and Careers (Second Edition). Journal of Autism and Developmental
Disorders.
Morgan, B., Sellers, T., & Keyl, A. (2009). How to change behavior in the context of an
FBA-based intervention. Utah Special Educator, 31, 28-31.
Book Chapters
Higbee, T.S. & Sellers, T.P. (2011). Verbal behavior and communication training. In
J.L. Matson & P. Sturmey (Eds.), International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive
Developmental Disorders. New York: Springer.
Presentations
Sellers, T. P. (2015, October). Naturalistic Environmental Teaching and Pivotal Response
Training. Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. Boise, ID.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, October). Treatment Selection and Intervention Planning. Idaho
Partnerships Conference on Human Services. Boise, ID.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, October). Evidence-Based Training and Supervision for Professional Staff.
Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. Boise, ID.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, October). Family Training (Part I & Part II). Idaho Partnerships Conference
on Human Services. Boise, ID.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, September). Best-Practices for Conducting Functional Behavioral
Assessments (FBA) And Formulating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). Chemewa School, BIE. Funded through TAESE. Salem, OR.
Collins, S. D., & Sellers, T. S. (2015, June). Conducting Research in Community Settings. Utah
Association for Behavior Analysis, Layton, UT.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, May). Intervention Treatment Selection and Planning for Effective
Implementation and Sustained Outcomes. Granite School District funded through UPDN, Salt Lake, UT.
Sellers, T. P. (2015, January). Post-Secondary Supports Education Supports & Programs. BYU
Best Practices in Autism: Autism in Adolescence conference, Provo, UT.
Sellers, T.P. (2014, September). Trial-Based Functional Analysis Design and Implementation.
Workshop presented at Chrysalis’ yearly professional development conference, Cedar City, UT.
Sellers, T.P. (2013, September). Addressing those ever elusive social skills. Workshop
presented at Chrysalis’ yearly professional development conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Sellers, T.P., Higbeen, T.S., & Kelley, K.N. (2012, May). Assessing the effects of extinction and
antecedent interventions on mand variability in preschool children with autism. Paper presented at the 38th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.
Sellers, T.P., Higbee, T.S., Snyder, K., & Kelley, K.N. (2012, February). The application of script
fading and extinction procedures to increase response variability and novel mand
frames in young children with autism. Paper presented at the 30th annual western
regional conference of the California Association for Behavior Analysis, Garden Grove,
CA.
Sellers, T.P., Bloom, S.E., Samaha, A.L., Dayton, E., Lambert, J.M, & Keyl-Austin, A.A. (2011,
February). Evaluating choice as a reinforcer. Symposium presented at the 29th annual Western Regional Conference of the California Association for Behavior Analysis, Burlingame, CA.
Sellers, T. P., Keyl-Austin, A. A., Brodhead, M. T., Higbee, T. S. (2011, February) Ethical
Considerations for Clinical Applied Behavior Analysts. Workshop presented at the 29th annual Western Regional Conference of the California Association for Behavior Analysis, Burlingame, CA.
Sellers, T. P. (2010, October). Strategies for Promoting Language. Workshop presented at
Utah’s 2010 Early Childhood Conference, Provo, UT.
Sellers, T. P. (2010, June). Effective Teaching Strategies and Interventions for Children with
Autism. Workshop presented at the June Institute for Granite School District educators,
Salt Lake City, UT.
Sellers, T. P. (2010, June). Increasing Language for Individuals with Autism and
Communication Disorders. Lecture presented at the annual Effective Practices Conference, Logan, UT.
Sellers, T.P., Bloom, S.E., Samaha, A.L., Dayton, E., Lambert, J.M., & Keyl-Austin, A. A. (2010).
Evaluating choice as a reinforcer. Symposium presented at annual Utah State
University Intermountain Graduate Research Symposium.
Sellers, T. P., Higbee, T. S., & Snyder, K. (2010). Using Progressive-Ratio Schedules to Validate
Results of Preference Assessments. Poster presented at annual Utah State University
Intermountain Graduate Research Symposium.
Bloom, S.E., Lambert, J.M., Pollard, J.S., Sellers, T.P., Dayton, E., Samaha, A.L., & Keyl Austin,
A.A. (2010, May). Evaluation of a teacher-conducted trial-based functional analysis. In
S.E. Bloom, Chair, Functional Assessment of Problem Behavior and Factors that Influence Effectiveness of Interventions. Symposium presented at 36th annual meeting of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio,