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About Dr. Jill Harper
Dr. Harper received her Ph.D. (2012) in Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida, an M.S. (2006) in Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and a B.S. (2003) in Family Studies and Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently the Director of Professional Development, Clinical Training, and Research at Melmark New England. Dr. Harper also holds adjunct positions with the University of Massachusetts-Boston and Endicott College. Dr. Harper is a Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She received the 2013 Jerry Shook Practitioner Award from the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) for excellence in clinical practice. Her research interests include the assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders, mechanisms responsible for behavior change, and maintenance and generalization of treatment effects. Dr. Harper has published work in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and regularly presents at regional and national conferences.
About Deep Dive FA
Functional Behavioral Assessment: From Referral to Function
Most contemporary approaches to the assessment of problem behavior share a common objective: identifying the environmental variables and functional relations that influence and maintain behavior. Collectively, these approaches are referred to as Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). This seminar provides an in-depth examination of the conceptual foundations, research literature, and practical applications of FBA. The course begins with an overview of the three primary approaches to FBA: indirect assessment, descriptive assessment, and experimental analysis. Building on this foundation, the seminar will explore the historical development, current advances, and future directions of functional analysis methodology. Topics will include: (1) ethical and safety considerations in behavioral assessment; (2) the individualized design of assessments, including identification and definition of target behaviors, measurement systems, experimental design, and the selection or development of assessment conditions; and (3) data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making. Through critical analysis of seminal and contemporary research, students will evaluate methodological strengths and limitations, examine emerging trends, and consider implications for clinical practice and future research. Weekly seminar discussions will integrate scholarly literature with case-based applications to support the development of advanced assessment and decision-making skills in applied behavior analysis.
Why Take This Course?
Master the Three Pillars of Assessment
Our curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the primary approaches used to identify environmental variables and functional relations that maintain problem behavior:
Indirect Assessment: Learn the foundations of gathering data through interviews and scales.
Descriptive Assessment: Master the skills of direct observation in natural environments.
Experimental Analysis: Explore historical developments and current advances in functional analysis methodology
Comprehensive Professional Training
The seminar focuses on three critical areas of development for practitioners:
Ethics and Safety: Navigate the complex ethical and safety considerations inherent in behavioral assessment.
Individualized Design: Learn to define target behaviors, select measurement systems, and develop customized assessment conditions.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Advance your skills in data analysis and interpretation to guide clinical practice.
Why Choose This Seminar?
Beyond the rigorous curriculum, we offer a supportive learning environment designed for professional growth:
Small Class Sizes: Enjoy an intimate learning environment that fosters meaningful weekly seminar discussions.
Individualized Feedback: Benefit from personalized guidance as you integrate scholarly literature with case-based applications.
CEU Credit Availability: Earn up to 36 Continuing Education Units while developing advanced assessment and decision-making skills in applied behavior analysis.
Join us to bridge the gap between seminal research and contemporary clinical practice.
Course Dates and Times:
Course Section: ABA 761 DBO3
Fall 2026, September 11 - December 5, 2026 (8 Sessions)
Fridays 5-9 PM EST
Sept 11, Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 4
Saturdays 9-5 PM EST
Sept 12, Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 5
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