Who We Are
The ABA Climate Coalition is a coalition of behavior analysts, ABA companies, and university programs working to mitigate the climate crisis. The idea was initiated by Stephen Eversole, Ed.D., BCBA-D, Founder of Behavior Development Solutions and the Center for Behavior and Climate.
Learn about our team, board, and senior advisors that make ABACC tick.
Steve Eversole, Ed.D., BCBA-D, Founder
Dr. Eversole was inspired to become a "behaviorist" in a high school psychology class after reading "Beyond Freedom and Dignity" by B. F. Skinner. He remained inspired, receiving his M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University in 1984 and his Ed.D. in Special Education from the University of Kentucky in 1995. That same year Dr. Eversole began dabbling in computer-based training and in 1998 founded Behavior Development Solutions—makers of the CBA Learning Module Series, CE products, and other training materials. Steve has practiced behavior analysis for over 35 years, working with a variety of special needs populations including individuals with autism, mental retardation, and severe emotional disturbances. Dr. Eversole has also taught classes on behavior analysis and presented research findings at professional conferences. Dr. Eversole’s current research interest is in instructional design and its application to teaching both inside and outside the field of behavior analysis. In 2019, Dr. Eversole was inspired to commit the resources of Behavior Development Solutions to the issue of our time--climate change. He founded the Center for Behavior and Climate in 2020, and in 2024, founded the ABA Climate Coalition.
A behavioral neuroscientist and marine biologist by training, Caroly has 25+ years of experience in behavior change, sustainable development, marine, freshwater, and land conservation, policy, research, and outreach in the U.S., Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. Dr. Shumway is also the Director of the Center for Behavior and Climate, founded to advance the use of behavior change tools to solve our climate crisis, enhance public climate action and climate literacy of climate science and solutions, and educate climate professionals. From 2023-2026, she was also the Executive Director of the Keeling Curve Foundation. In 2016-2017, she focused on innovations for development as USAID's Chief Scientist for the Global Development Lab, Senior Science Advisor to USAID's Administrator, and Director of the Center for Development Research; she has also been Executive Director of three environmental NGOs and held senior positions at The Nature Conservancy and the New England Aquarium.
Caroly Shumway, Ph.D., Executive Director
Rebecca Edgecumbe, MA, BCBA, Director
Rebecca Edgecumbe is a behavior analyst with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. In 2022, Rebecca joined the Center for Behavior and Climate (CBC) where she combined her education and experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with her lifelong interest in the environment and conservation. With CBC, Rebecca has participated in the development and presentation of workshops and trainings about utilizing behavioral techniques to mitigate our climate crisis. She has collaborated with environmental educators, non-profit environmental groups, and state government agencies. Rebecca is interested in the expansion of the science of ABA to address the undeniably socially significant climate crisis we all face.
Erin Mayberry, MA, BCBA, Collaborator
Erin Mayberry is the Community Engagement Manager for QBS, LLC, provider of Safety-Care, where she previously served as a Master Trainer & Consultant providing Safety-Care behavioral crisis prevention training to behavioral health organizations. In her current role, Erin collaborates with stakeholders to bring voice-of-customer insights into QBS's innovation, product design, and decision-making process through QBS's Customer Advisory Council and collaboration with special interest groups. Erin has worked in the field of ABA since 2009. Erin has also served as Director of Community Engagement and Director of Customer Success for Rethink Behavioral Health, a SaaS company providing practice management tools for ABA providers. Erin received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate and her M.S. in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. Her passions include scuba diving, traveling, and promoting sustainable choices to help make a positive impact on the environment.
Michael Glorioso is from Cancer Alley, Louisiana. Seeing the effects that environmental factors have on people and cancer first hand, he became interested in creating a better environment for his home.
Michael has a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology, and a BA in computer science from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is gaining hours for his BCBA certification.
Michael Glorioso, MA, Collaborator
AJai Hilton is a dedicated professional leveraging the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to create positive change in the community. She earned her master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University while gaining valuable experience as a behavior technician at Grafton Integrated Health Network. Following her time there, she transitioned into private practice as a BCBA, working closely with children on the autism spectrum and their families to enhance their developmental skills.
With a strong foundation in communications, AJai currently serves as a Social Media Associate where she utilizes her communications skills to engage the community and promote awareness. Her passion for advocacy and education drives her to motivate others to understand and address critical social and environment issues and she is committed to fostering a more inclusive and informed society through her work in behavior analysis and communications.
AJai Hilton, MA, Collaborator
Patrick R. Progar, Ph.D., BCBA-D serves as Chief Clinical Officer at Brett DiNovi and Associates. Patrick also served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell College (now Caldwell University). Patrick received his BA degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and his MS and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Patrick has served as a faculty member at several colleges and universities and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in developmental disabilities and applied behavior analysis at Children’s Seashore House of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Research and clinical interests include staff training, functional assessment and functional analysis techniques, choice behavior, behavioral economics, self-management, and a general interest in translational research. Patrick is married and has a 26-year-old daughter, two French bulldogs named Louie and Jazzy, and two tuxedo kittens named Ringo and Bugsy.
Patrick Progar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Collaborator
Ian Rodriguez is a behavior analyst whose work focuses on applying behavioral science to complex social systems. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Master’s degree in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University. Ian has extensive experience designing, implementing, and consulting on behavioral interventions across various environments.
Ian’s professional interests center on expanding the scope of behavior analysis beyond traditional clinical applications to address large-scale societal challenges, particularly climate change and sustainability. He is especially interested in how behavior analytic principles can be used to design scalable interventions that influence decision-making and collective climate action.
His work is driven by a strong interest in research, dissemination, and implementation, helping translate behavioral science into accessible, practical strategies that can be adopted across systems and communities. Ian is committed to advancing the emerging application of behavioral science to high-impact climate action and expanding the field’s potential to create meaningful environmental and social change.
Ian Rodriguez, M.S., BCBA, Collaborator
BOARD
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Steve Eversole was inspired to become a "behaviorist" in a high school psychology class after reading "Beyond Freedom and Dignity" by B. F. Skinner. He remained inspired, receiving his M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University in 1984 and his Ed.D. in Special Education from the University of Kentucky in 1995. That same year Dr. Eversole began dabbling in computer-based training and in 1998 founded Behavior Development Solutions—makers of the CBA Learning Module Series, CE products, and other training materials. Steve has practiced behavior analysis for over 35 years, working with a variety of special needs populations including individuals with autism, mental retardation, and severe emotional disturbances. Dr. Eversole has also taught classes on behavior analysis and presented research findings at professional conferences. Dr. Eversole’s current research interest is in instructional design and its application to teaching both inside and outside the field of behavior analysis. In 2019, Dr. Eversole was inspired to commit the resources of Behavior Development Solutions to the issue of our time--climate change. He founded the Center for Behavior and Climate in 2020, and in 2024, founded the ABA Climate Coalition.
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Wayne Fuqua is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Western Michigan University (WMU) where he served as the Chair of that Department for 14 years. Dr. Fuqua’s research and scholarly interests span a range of topics including autism, ethics, health psychology, dissemination of evidence-based practice and applications of behavior analytic concepts to novel topics, including sustainability and political issues. His contributions have been recognized with several appointments and awards including: election as a Fellow for the Association of Behavior Analysis; a Distinguished Service Award at WMU; the Jacobson Award for Dissemination of Behavior Analysis from New York State ABA; Member of the Michigan Autism Council; and, Member of the DEI Task Force for ABAI. In addition to his scholarly publications and presentations, he has also produced a series of training videos that feature interviews and demonstrations with leaders in behavior analysis (https://wmuace.com/videos).
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Kim M. Kelly is the Director of Course Development and Research at Behavior Development Solutions where she oversees the development of behavior analytic test prep materials for the national certification of behavior analysts, curriculum supplements for universities, continuing education courses, and university courses. She served as adjunct faculty for the Antioch New England Graduate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis for 11 years and is the past president of the New Hampshire Association of Behavior Analysis. Dr. Kelly has a long history of work in nonprofits, and was a founding member of a large interstate nonprofit human service organization serving people with intellectual and other disabilities with complex needs. Her interests include instructional design and eLearning, teaching behavior analysis, wildlife conservation and animal training, and communication, active listening, and education related to climate change. She has presented at local and national conferences, conducted numerous workshops and trainings, and has published in professional journals as well as co-authored a book chapter. Dr. Kelly received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, her M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Vermont, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst licensed in Massachusetts and Maryland. She holds graduate certificates in eLearning and Instructional Design from The University of California, Irvine and Sustainability and Behavior Change from The University of California, San Diego.
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Jonathan Kimball received a master's from Columbia University Teachers College and a doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education from The Ohio State University. He joined Behavior Development Solutions in 2020 as Senior Behavior Analyst, prior to which he spent more than 25 years as a clinician specializing in early intervention for children with autism. Additional professional endeavors include creating the first BACB approved course sequence in the state of Maine and co-founding the Association for Maine Behavior Analysts. Outside the realm of education, he has applied principles of behavior to a number of pro-environmental endeavors, including two grant-funded projects: one an effort to increase recycling at tailgate events during Ohio State football games, the other a project to introduce composting and divert cafeteria food waste at a Massachusetts high school. He co-authored two articles on using games of chance to promote sustainable behavior in congregate settings, an idea that subsequently was implemented at the annual conferences of several state-level chapters of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
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Dr. Pietras is a Professor of Psychology at Western Michigan University in the Behavior Analysis program. With a background in the experimental analysis of behavior, her research focuses on basic behavior processes, social behavior, behavioral economics, and applications to climate-change decision making. She has served on the editorial board, including as Associate Editor, of multiple behavior-analysis journals, and served on boards at the Association for Behavior Analysis International and affiliate chapters, and APA Div. 25. For ten years she has been a member of the WMU Climate Change Working Group, an interdisciplinary group of campus and community members aiming to provide leadership on climate-change action.
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Dr. Luke is the Chief Certification and Learning Officer at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board where she uses her expertise in behavioral systems analysis to help with large-scale credentialing and learning systems. Dr. Luke is also passionate about addressing climate change and exploring how behavior analysis can make a meaningful impact. She has published articles and a book chapter on behavioral systems approaches to environmental sustainability and practical initiatives organizations can implement to address climate change. She has also presented on the role of behavior analysis in responding to the climate crisis and has supported conservation efforts through engagement in her local community and service as a board member on the South Metro Land Conservancy nonprofit organization and Behaviorists for Social Responsibility special interest group.
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Dr. Derek Reed is Chief Behavioral Scientist at Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc. He has served as Associate Editor for the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and The Psychological Record. Dr. Reed has published over 300 scholarly works, coauthored four edited books and one textbook, and has won numerous awards for his scholarship, such as the American Psychological Association Division 25 B. F. Skinner Foundation New Applied Researcher Award, the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Don Hake Award for Translational Research, and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences Early Career Award. He currently serves on the National Board of Trustees for Boys Town and as Secretary for the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior; he previously served as Coordinator for the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s Science Board and Executive Director for the Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior. Dr. Reed’s research focuses on the application of behavioral science to improve issues of societal concern.
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Dr. Belisle is the Co-Founder of Dynamic Behavior Science and Clinical Director at Entiva Behavioral Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he oversees clinical services for autistic and other neurodivergent children and their families. Jordan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D) and earned his PhD in Rehabilitation from Southern Illinois University. He previously achieved early tenure as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Missouri State University. His research has examined human language and cognition, decision-making, altruism, stereotyping, and behavior related to climate change. As a clinician, Jordan has focused on addressing complex behavior while supporting families and the broader ecological systems in which children develop to improve quality of life. He developed Relational Density Theory, a behavioral account of complex learning and decision-making with applications spanning climate behavior, artificial intelligence, and neurodevelopment, and is the developer of the Learning and Adaptive Behavior Metatechnology (LAB-MT) to support adaptive skill development. Jordan has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and books, including ACT for Behavior Analysts. He is honored to serve on the ABA Climate Coalition Board and is committed to applying behavioral science to address climate change, particularly in ways that protect and improve the lives of children, people with disabilities, and other populations disproportionately affected by climate change.
Senior Advisors
Service Providers
Senior advisors in this category connect us to organizations in the ABA space.
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Kaitlin Preciado is the CEO of Emergent Learning. With over a decade of experience in the field of behavior analysis, Kaitlin is deeply committed to creating innovative, evidence-based solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Massachusetts and a BA from Michigan State University. Her career began in juvenile rehabilitation and progressed through leadership roles at prominent ABA organizations, ultimately bringing her to Hawai‘i, where she now serves as the CEO of Emergent Learning Hawai‘i.
At Emergent, she leads a dynamic team dedicated to delivering client-centered services that promote growth, resilience, and a deep connection to the community. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), she remains passionate about advancing the field of behavior analysis and integrating it into meaningful, sustainable practices for individuals, families, and communities.
As the immediate past president of the Hawai‘i Association for Behavior Analysis, she has collaborated with other ABA professionals to emphasize the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into behavior analysis practice. Together, they have initiated efforts to promote beach cleanups and other sustainability projects, demonstrating how our science can be a vehicle for broader community impact.
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Molly Benson is a special educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience teaching students with disabilities. She holds degrees from the University of Miami and National University, completed ABA coursework through the Florida Institute of Technology, and earned a Transition Specialist Endorsement from Cambridge College. Molly is especially passionate about the advancement of behavior analysis to promote environmental sustainability. She is active with Behaviorists for Social Responsibility, New England Behavior Analysts for Sustainability, and the Sustainability Advisory Board of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). She also serves on the Editorial Board for Behavior and Social Issues. In 2019, Molly received BABAT’s Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Award for designing a student-led composting program at Beverly High School. Molly is committed to promoting practical, inclusive strategies that support sustainable behavior and climate action across everyday settings.
Universities
Senior advisors in this category connect us to BA programs, research and educational opportunities in climate and sustainability, and to sustainability actions at a university level.
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Mary Jane Weiss is Dean of the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science and Director of the Ph.D. Program in ABA at Endicott College, where she has been for 13 years. She received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1990. She previously worked for 16 years at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University. Her interests center on defining best practice and humane ABA techniques, integrating compassionate care and cultural responsiveness into service delivery, enhancing the ethical conduct of practitioners, training staff to be effective at collaboration, and understanding caregiver experience. She serves on the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research, on the board of Association for Science in Autism Treatment, on the editorial board of Behavior Analysis in Practice, on the ABA Ethics Hotline, and as an advisor to the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.
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Dr. Lisa Tereshko is the Assistant Dean of Research for the Institute of Applied Behavioral Science at Endicott College. Lisa received her bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology and minor in education from Western New England University, a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and her doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College. Lisa has over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual and behavioral disorders in various settings. Her clinical and research interests include increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of functional analyses, ethical and compassionate feeding interventions, increasing cultural competency, identifying best pedagogical practices within higher education, and increasing sustainable practices. Lisa has published peer reviewed articles on the assessment and reduction of interfering behaviors, diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and feeding interventions. Books and chapters span the topics of culturally responsive supervision, effective collaboration, compassionate approaches to mealtimes, and effective and humane ways to partner with neurodivergent populations. She has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on many topics, serves on several committees at BABAT and at ASAT, and is on the editorial board of BAP.
OBM
Senior advisors in this category help us incorporate organizational behavior management principles for our organizational efforts.
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Nicole Postma‑Gates is the Director of Business Development for Positive Behavior Supports Corp., where she focuses on bringing Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) expertise to the education sector. She partners closely with school district leaders, helping them apply systems‑level behavioral strategies to improve organizational performance and student outcomes.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Nicole has worked across a wide range of service settings, including public school districts, adult services, in‑home ABA programs, and OBM consulting. She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree in Organizational Behavior Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Nicole’s professional passion lies in applying OBM in innovative and nontraditional environments, as well as teaching others how to adopt a systems‑oriented perspective in their work. Her leadership experience includes serving on the board of the Florida Association of Behavior Analysis, chairing its Public Policy committee, completing four years as a subject matter expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and reviewing grants for statewide initiatives aimed at expanding charter school access for students.
Carbon Offsets
Senior advisors in this category help us ensure that our carbon offset efforts are verifiable and the most impactful.
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Sean attained his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Boston University, and later an M.S. in Engineering Science with a focus on Sustainability from SUNY Buffalo. He has worked in STEM education in various roles, teaching calculus, algebra, physics, and chemistry, among other subjects. From that work, he became interested in how people process information and perceive the world around them. After learning about the science and risks of climate change, he saw how myths and misconceptions were getting in the way of better public understanding. At the start of 2024 he joined the Center for Behavior and Climate to be part of promoting the social and behavioral changes that are needed to achieve a climate-safe world. That year, he was also a Climatebase Fellow in Cohort 6, where he learned more about all aspects of the climate problem, including carbon offsets and finance.