Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers

Season 1 Episode 18: The Special Education System Reset: Leadership, Behavior, and Structural Change

What happens when the systems designed to support students begin signaling that something isn’t working? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Ashlee Brown to explore a critical and timely question: Is it time to reset how special education systems operate?

Drawing from experience as a teacher, administrator, researcher, and parent, Dr. Brown examines the structural signals that suggest misalignment between system design and student needs.

Together, they unpack:

• The growing special education workforce shortage
• Rising family disputes and due process requests
• The tension between compliance and meaningful learning outcomes
• How behavioral contingencies shape adult decision-making in education systems
• Why fear of conflict often drives placement and service decisions
• How leadership can redesign contingencies to prioritize learning, relationships, and student outcomes

Using behavioral science as a lens, this conversation reframes system challenges not as individual failures, but as predictable outcomes of the contingencies leaders create.

This episode is essential listening for:

• Educational leaders
• Behavior analysts
• Special education professionals
• Policy leaders
• Advocates and families

Because if behavior is shaped by contingencies, then systems can be redesigned to produce better outcomes for students, educators, and families.

Guest:

Dr. Ashlee M. Brown, Ph.D., BCBA, LBS, Assistant Professor, Special Education

Dr. Brown’s Bio

Dr. Brown has spent approximately 18 years serving children with disabilities and their families in the Philadelphia area. Throughout those years, Dr. Brown served as a Special Education Teacher, as well as a Special Education Administrator. She is a certified Special and General Education Teacher, a certified Supervisor of Special Education in PA, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). Dr. Brown received her Ph.D. in Special Education at Temple University in 2019 and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at a local University.

Prior to transitioning to higher education, Dr. Brown spent 11 years as a special education leader in the Preschool Early Intervention system. Her leadership efforts included serving as the Director of a Private Academic School for young children with Autism, the implementation of large-scale program improvement efforts across Philadelphia, coaching support in the application of special education regulations, spearheading professional development for approximately 2,000 special education teachers, paraprofessionals and related service personnel, multiple family engagement initiatives and numerous research projects alongside several local universities. Dr. Brown has also served as an Adjunct Professor since 2015 and on the Executive Board of the PA Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC) since 2021.

Dr. Brown is dedicated to improving special education services for children and families. Her research interests include the equitable application of special education regulations in diverse settings, the implementation of evidence-based practices for young children with disabilities and their families and developing effective professional development structures for pre-service and in-service educators.

Season 1 Episode 17: What’s Really Happening Under Stress: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and Behavior

Series Title: Regulated to Lead: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and the Responsive Systems That Shape Behavior

Episode Title: What’s Really Happening Under Stress: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and Behavior

What if leadership is really nervous‑system work? In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb speaks with Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC—licensed professional counselor, longtime county human‑services leader, and trauma‑informed care champion—about how toxic stress reshapes behavior and what responsive systems can do to buffer it. We unpack trauma‑informed leadership and supervision, psychological safety, the 4F responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn), and why regulation before strategy is the lever for sustainable change. Key ideas you’ll hear: “heal or hurt,” “universal precaution,” and “regulation is not a soft skill: it’s leadership infrastructure.”

This conversation challenges leaders to shift from performance correction to capacity building and from asking “What’s wrong?” to “What’s happened?”

If you lead people, this episode is essential listening. Listen for practical co‑regulation moves, trauma‑informed supervision cues, and meeting rituals that lower threat and raise learning.

Guest: Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC; Licensed Professional Counselor; former Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services and Court & Community Connections Administrator (Delaware County DHS); adjunct professor (Immaculata University & Eastern University); owner, LPC Counseling Services, Newtown Square.

Bio: Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, LPC Counseling Services

Ms. Thomas is a licensed professional counselor and has been working in the field of Behavioral Health for the last 34 years. She has provided therapeutic services in a variety of clinical settings including residential treatment, inpatient and outpatient. Shannon is recently retired from the County of Delaware, Department of Human Services where during her 25 years she served in a variety of roles including Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services and Court and Community Connections Administrator. One of her greatest accomplishments was bringing the concept of Trauma Informed Care into the local government offices, community and schools.

Shannon is currently in private practice at LPC Counseling Services in Newtown Square and specializes in a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment for general anxiety, depression, stress and related concerns in children, adolescents and adults. She utilizes a combination of treatment approaches to a customize therapy for maximum effectiveness.

Ms. Thomas is a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova and received her undergraduate degree in Sociology/Psychology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University and is currently an adjunct professor in their Department of Civil Engagement teaching Trauma and various Sociology & Psychology classes.  For the last 6 years, she has also been teaching Trauma at Eastern University in their Department of Education.

During her free time, you can find her at an ice rick cheering on her daughter, Joy, who is on the Philadelphia Little Flyers Girl’s U19 Ice Hockey Team or playing Pickleball with her husband Larry.

Season 1 Episode 16: Human-Centered Leadership: What Behavior Consultants Teach Us About Change

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Licensed Behavior Consultant Yatta Pewa to explore what human-centered leadership looks like in applied behavior analysis and systems of care.

Yatta shares how her work, grounded in data-driven assessment, individualized intervention planning, and collaborative coaching, has taught her a critical leadership truth: “People don’t follow data. They follow trust.”

Together, they discuss:

• Why listening is the foundation of leadership
• How transparency strengthens team culture
• The role of compassion in behavior consultation
• Celebrating small wins to sustain momentum
• Honoring culture and practicing humility in diverse communities
• Supporting teams without judgment
• Leading with both analytical precision and empathy
• Maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout
• Leadership takeaways: Lead with clarity. Lead with compassion. Lead with collaboration.

From graphing trend lines to building psychological safety, this conversation bridges science and humanity, reminding us that sustainable change requires both.

If you’re a behavior analyst, licensed behavior consultant, educator, school leader, consultant, or change-maker seeking to lead with clarity and compassion, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and explore more leadership reflections at https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/podcast and https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog.

Yatta’s Bio:

My name is Yatta Pewa, and I am a behavior consultant specializing in data‑driven assessment, individualized intervention planning, and collaborative coaching across home, school, and community settings. My work is grounded in evidence‑based practice, compassionate care, and a commitment to empowering children, families, and teams through accessible, meaningful support.

I bring a strong analytical lens to every case, with expertise in synthesizing raw behavioral data into clear, actionable insights that guide treatment planning and progress monitoring. My strengths include operational definitions, data visualization, narrative synthesis, and translating complex behavioral patterns into recommendations that are both practical and sustainable for caregivers and staff.

Collaboration is central to my approach. I excel in modeling intervention strategies, coaching caregivers and personal care assistants, and supporting generalization across environments. I prioritize inclusive, person‑centered language and strive to create systems of support that honor each individual’s identity, strengths, and needs.

My professional journey includes serving as a behavioral consultant at Allied, where I partnered closely with families and interdisciplinary teams. Looking ahead, I remain committed to advancing sustainable, community‑based support and pursuing my long‑term goal of becoming a certified behavior analyst.

I am driven by a blend of technical precision, empathy, and creativity — always aiming to make behavioral support more accessible, more collaborative, and more impactful for the people I serve.

Season 1, Episode15: From Mentor to Movement Builder: Developing Leaders who Design for System Change

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for ChangeMakers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Stephen F. Corsi, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Advanced Leadership Certification in the Graduate School of Education at Gannon University.

With more than four decades in education, as a music director, building principal, service coordinator, and graduate leadership mentor, Stephen shares what it truly means to develop leaders who design systems for change. Drawing from years of mentoring educators, supervising internships, redesigning programs, and expanding leadership pathways, he offers practical insight into preparing candidates for real-world complexity and widening equitable access.

Together, they explore:

• The evolution of leadership pipelines and equitable access
• Why leadership is behavior—not position—and the role intentionality plays in growing leaders
• The power of integrity, humility, consistency, and “checking your ego at the door”
• How field experiences and mentorship move leaders from theory to practice
• Why practitioner-led preparation strengthens graduate leadership programs
• How STEM education fosters innovation, risk-taking, and systems thinking
• The importance of constructive, honest feedback in shaping future leaders

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How relationships and partnerships fuel leadership development
• Why behavioral principles—modeling, consistency, professionalism—shape leadership impact
• How real-world fieldwork and reflection turn theory into authentic leadership practice
• What it means to lead through change fatigue with clarity, purpose, and a focus on students

Stephen reminds us that education is a team sport and meaningful change happens when leaders model purpose, consistency, and compassion.

This episode offers practical wisdom for educators, graduate students, aspiring administrators, higher education faculty, and anyone committed to designing systems that create meaningful, sustainable change.

Stephen’s Bio:

Assistant Professor and Program Director for Advanced Leadership Certification, M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Academic Partnerships, and STEM Endorsement programs in the Graduate School of Education. Advanced Leadership Certification programs include Principal, Superintendent, and District-Wide Supervisory in Curriculum and Instruction.

I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Music Education and Master of Music Degree from Duquesne University. My elementary/middle school principal and music supervision certificates are from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with further post graduate studies at Ithaca College and IUP.

For 15 years, I taught instrumental and vocal music in grades K-12, while teaching as an adjunct professor at Slippery Rock University, Grove City College, and Duquesne University. For 13 years I was the Professor of Percussion at Allegheny College, where I taught Applied Percussion, World Percussion, in addition to conducting the University Percussion & Mallet Ensemble & Jazz Band.

Over the last 21 years of my public-school career, I was a Middle School Assistant Principal in the General McLane SD for 5 years, and the Elementary Principal at Conneaut Valley Elementary School in the Conneaut SD for 16 years, retiring in June of 2014.

I began teaching at Gannon University in May of 2014, and have really enjoyed teaching in the Graduate Education Program, working with terrific colleagues and virtually supporting and working with educators in our program.

I enjoy spending time with my family, church, biking, woodworking, teaching percussion students and Drum Circles, and repurposing recyclables to create musical instruments.

Season 1 Episode 14: From Grad Student to BCBA: Applying Behavioral Science to People, Systems, Change, and Leadership

What happens when behavioral science moves beyond client programming and becomes a leadership framework?

In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Victoria “Tori” Perko, BCBA, Director of Behavior Services and BCBA Coordinator of ABA Clinics, to explore how applied behavior analysis shapes leadership across people, systems, and organizational change.

Tori shares her journey from graduate student to leading multi-site preschool ABA clinics, including opening three clinics in one year, and how her path was shaped by a path shaped by mentorship, family, and unexpected moments of purpose.

They discuss:

• How leaders can adjust environments to help people bloom
• The role of humility, growth mindset, and compassion in team development
• Balancing authority with approachability and compassion with accountability
• Avoiding learned helplessness in teams
• Why practicality is the most underrated leadership skill
• Using the “five whys” for systems-level problem solving
• How to develop future leaders by supporting their values, barriers, and strengths
• Why behavior analysts belong in every industry, not just education or mental health

This episode is rich with reflection, vulnerability, and actionable insights for clinicians, rising leaders, seasoned supervisors, and anyone committed to creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Listen in and reflect: What environment are you shaping today?

Tori’s Bio:

Victoria Perko is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with experience leading ABA-based programs across clinic, school, home, and community settings. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in accountability, empathy, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on creating inclusive, learner-centered environments where evidence-based practice and human-centered care coexist. Through strategic supervision, professional development, and systems-level problem solving, Victoria promotes high standards of clinical excellence while supporting access to effective behavioral services.

In her roles as Director of Behavior Services and BCBA Coordinator of ABA Clinics, Victoria has provided clinical and operational oversight for multi-site programs, supervising BCBAs, behavior specialists, and direct care staff. She has led initiatives to strengthen assessment practices, ensure fidelity to evidence-based interventions, and maintain compliance with state regulations, insurance requirements, and IBHS standards. Her work emphasizes clear systems, data-informed decision-making, and staff development to promote consistent, ethical service delivery across settings. Victoria is deeply committed to collaborative leadership, working closely with families, educators, medical providers, and community partners to develop individualized, functional programming that supports meaningful outcomes and long-term skill generalization.

Season 1 Episode 13: Leadership in Early Childhood Systems: From Early Intervention to Safety, Service, and Advocacy

In this heart-centered conversation, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Kathleen (Kathy) Mignone, a Local Education Agency Representative with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood special education. Together, they explore what leadership looks like when it’s grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in human potential. 

Kathy shares her evolution from autistic support teacher to systems-level service coordinator, reflecting on the lessons she learned from children, families, and colleagues along the way. She offers insight into behavior science as a tool for shaping adult behavior, the emotional intelligence needed to manage complex team dynamics, and the importance of slowing down in a field that pushes us to rush. 

This episode explores: 
• Why leadership is rooted in daily actions, not titles 
• How early teaching experiences shape coaching and adult learning 
• The rise of staff turnover and how leaders stay grounded in the “cracks” 
• Safety, dignity, and regulation as foundations for early childhood environments 
• How to balance compliance with human-centered decision-making 
• What it takes to empower families as true partners 
• The power of listening with curiosity 

If you’re an educator, leader, caregiver, or anyone working within early childhood systems, this episode will leave you encouraged, affirmed, and reminded of the humanity at the center of our work. 

Kathy’s Bio: 

I graduated from West Chester University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education (birth to 21 years of age). I hold Pennsylvania Teaching Certifications in Special Education (2003) and Elementary Education with a focus on literacy (2013). Additionally, I completed a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2013.  

I have worked professionally in the field of education at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) since November 2004. During my nearly 15 years in autistic support classrooms, I focused on programming for preschoolers with autism. I was trained in and participated in PATTAN’s VB Project, implementing programming using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment Placement Program (VB-MAPP), and attained model status within the project. My time in these classrooms included both full-day (November 2004 – December 2015) and half-day (July 2016 – August 2019) roles.  

In September 2019, I transitioned into my current position as a Service Coordinator, also known as the Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative for Early Intervention at the DCIU. My focus in this role is two-fold: supporting families and supporting staff. For families, I guide them in understanding their child’s strengths, needs, and special education program, and fully connect them to necessary resources. For DCIU staff, I coordinate services throughout the year, review obligations and systems, and promote best practices for data-driven decisions and effective communication across staff and families.  

Realizing the overall need for safety supports, I became a trainer for our Positive Behavior Supports Program, Safety Cares. My intention is to work with staff, families, and preschools to ensure safe and research-based de-escalation practices are consistently used for preschoolers.  

As a leader in special education, particularly in early childhood, I believe in sharing knowledge with kindness and compassion. My practice is deeply influenced by the many mentors and colleagues who have shaped my approach, beginning with my own parents and teachers. Leading with intentionality and a "person first" approach across students, families, and staff drives me to do the best we can every day. 

Season 1 Episode 12: Leading with Creativity: Inspiring Behavioral Change in Education

What does leadership look like when creativity, culture, and behavior science meet in the classroom?

In this inspiring conversation, Grenadian educator Alina Roberts shares how a lineage of teachers shaped her calling, how she intentionally models leadership for her students, and how cultural values, from friendliness to community accountability, strengthen school culture and student behavior.

Alina talks about using creativity as a powerful behavioral tool: music, poetry, role‑play, hands‑on learning, and culturally relevant engagement that keeps students motivated and connected. She also opens up about what it means to build trust, promote belonging, engage families, and stay grounded as an educator navigating real‑world challenges.

We explore:

• The impact of early influences and family legacy
• Behavior science in action through classroom motivation
• The role of culture and community in shaping respectful behavior
• Creativity as a leadership strategy
• Building belonging and confidence for all students
• Well‑roundedness as a core educational goal
• Resilience, spirituality, and hope for the future

This episode is a celebration of Grenadian leadership, culturally responsive teaching, and the belief that every child has greatness within them.

Alina’s Bio:

Simple, spiritual and talented are just a few words which best describes me – Alina Roberts. Born and bred in the coastal village of Marquis, St. Andrew, Grenada, I attended the humble St. Giles Anglican School then later the prestigious all-girls school, St. Joseph’s Convent, Grenville. My educational journey continued at the TA Marryshow Community College and later the St. George’s University achieving a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

My first job was in the field of Environmental Health. Later, I transitioned to the role of primary school educator at my alma mater, St. Giles for over seventeen (17) years. My teaching philosophy is “Creating a safe, fun filled learning environment for all students.” 

I am also active in the Sunday Ministry at my local church and a dynamic member of the Grenada Girl Guides Association. I enjoy poetry and creative arts. My hobbies include cake decorating, journaling, and outdoor activities such as hiking. My Philosophy in life is “Aim for the top because the bottom is already overcrowded.”

Season 1 Episode 11: From Chalkboards to Change Makers: Lessons in Leadership from 40+ Years in Education with Lois Bubb

What does leadership look like in a classroom, and how do everyday teaching behaviors shape lives far beyond school walls?

In this heartwarming and deeply personal episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with her sister, Ms. Lois Bubb, a beloved educator whose 40+ years of teaching and mentoring have shaped thousands of lives across Grenada.

Ms. Bubb shares stories from her journey into teaching, the values that anchored her through challenges, and the moments that reminded her why education is a calling, not just a job. From cultivating positive classroom cultures and supporting struggling learners to balancing discipline with compassion and honoring cultural identity, this conversation highlights how leadership shows up in daily actions.

Together, they explore how classrooms become leadership labs, how compassion and consistency transform student behavior, and how cultural identity influences how we teach, learn, and lead.

Listeners will hear stories of:

• A quiet student whose simple act of gratitude changed the course of Lois’s career
• How modeling respect and setting clear expectations became pillars of her classroom
• Why embracing mistakes, persistence, and small wins builds confident learners
• How restorative practices and family engagement lead to healthier school communities
• The leadership values that sustained her through challenging seasons: integrity, resilience, empathy, service, and consistency

Whether you’re an educator, a leader, a parent, or someone who believes in the power of human connection, this episode, rooted in humanity, equity, and care, will touch your heart and strengthen your practice.

Ms. Bubb’s Bio:

Ms. Lois Bubb spent over forty years in the classroom, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Since beginning her teaching journey in 1983, she has been more than an educator; she has been a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration. Her instruction spanned multiple disciplines, with specialization in Mathematics. Generations of students remember her not only for the lessons she taught in Mathematics, but also for the encouragement she gave when they doubted themselves, and the joy she brought to learning.

Her classroom was always a place of warmth, where curiosity was celebrated and every student felt seen and valued. Ms. Bubb’s ability to make each child believe in their true potential, and her passion for ensuring that no child was left behind,  has left a lasting impact, with many of her former students crediting her influence for their success in life. Colleagues admire her generosity of spirit and her willingness to share her experience, while members of the wider community cherish her as a role model who gave her heart to education.

Even after four decades, Ms. Bubb’s passion for teaching never dimmed. Her legacy is not measured only in years, but in the thousands of lives she has shaped with her compassion, patience, and love for teaching and learning. She will always be remembered as a teacher who gave her very best, and whose impact will continue to flow through the generations she inspired.