Beyond “Just Follow the Plan”
Move beyond simple treatment-plan adherence and explore how clinical judgment, data, and ongoing assessment guide meaningful treatment decisions in ABA.
1 Supervision CEU
About This CEU
Beyond “Just Follow the Plan” explores how effective supervision can move RBTs beyond simply implementing procedures toward developing stronger clinical problem-solving skills within the boundaries of their role. Participants will examine the balance between treatment integrity, appropriate RBT autonomy, and the BCBA’s responsibility to provide clear guidance and responsive supervision.
Through practical examples and the PAUSE framework, participants will learn strategies for helping RBTs recognize when they can respond independently, when BCBA direction is needed, and how to communicate observations that may indicate a need for treatment modification. The course emphasizes supervision practices that build confidence and clinical thinking while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Learning Objectives
01 DISTINGUISH
Distinguish supported RBT autonomy from clinical decisions requiring BCBA direction.
02 IDENTIFY
Identify supervision variables associated with self-efficacy, burnout, and turnover intentions.
02 APPLY
Apply a structured model to strengthen problem-solving within the RBT role.
Meet Your Instructors
M. Beth Gartland, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Beth has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2000, beginning her career as a behavior technician before becoming a BCaBA in 2003 and a BCBA in 2009. Her experience spans autism services, traumatic brain injury, at-risk youth, clinical leadership, and quality assurance. With a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Beth is especially interested in how workplace systems, supervision, and organizational practices influence the people providing behavioral services and the quality of care they deliver.
Nicole Kanew, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Nicole has extensive experience across clinical leadership, public schools, home- and clinic-based services, and residential care. She currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Operations at JoyBridge Kids, where she supports clinical directors and staff with an emphasis on workplace culture, employee performance, and high-quality clinical care. Previously, Nicole served as the lead behavior analyst for a Tennessee public school district, where staff training was a central part of her work. A graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Nicole is passionate about developing practitioners’ clinical, communication, and leadership skills and creating supportive environments where both clinicians and clients can thrive.