Lauren Weaver, M.S., BCBA, LBA, associate director of Behavior Analysis Education and director of Community Engagement at VKC TRIAD, has been elected as president of the Tennessee Association of Behavior Analysis (TABA). Weaver brings 12 years of experience as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to her new leadership role, as well as a collaborative and innovative spirit, situating her to make a significant impact on the association and its members. She has been actively involved with TABA since 2012.
TABA is a chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, a membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis. TABA’s mission is to advance awareness, development, and access to the practice of behavior analysis in Tennessee.
As president, Weaver’s responsibilities include addressing membership at the annual conference, presiding over TABA Executive Committee and Business Meetings, supervising nominations and elections, and general supervision over the affairs of TABA. Weaver says she sees her role as one that serves the organization of members, including providers and researchers of ABA, but also the consumers.
“I’m thankful for my experiences in the last decade working at TRIAD with individuals, families, educators, community organizations, as well as other behavior analysts and behavior technicians across the state,” said Weaver. “All of these experiences have shaped my perspective on strengths and opportunities for improvement for our field. I am proud to be a part of TRIAD and work with very smart colleagues who will undoubtedly support me in being successful in this role.”
Weaver’s priorities as president include continued support in area of public policy and encouraging a goal of TABA’s to serve as a national model in creating one of the first advisory committees to integrate ongoing opportunities for consumers of ABA to inform practice.
“A large criticism of our field is our lack of input from consumers,” said Weaver. “We need input on goals, procedures, and outcomes from those who have lived experience. I’m proud that our state is prioritizing this as an initiative of our state association.”
“As a leader of TRIAD’s behavior analysis services within Tennessee schools, Lauren has contributed to the depth, growth, and quality of those services within classrooms and schools across the state,” said Pablo Juárez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, co-director of TRIAD. “She was already an important figure in the world of Tennessee behavior analysis, so it’s no surprise she has been elected to the presidency of TABA. She’ll be a tremendous leader in this role, and I look forward to her continued success.”
