In December, the BEF Board heard from Catariny De Pina and Dana DeIngenis Kenwood, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) at BEEP who received a BEF grant to attend the Black Association of Behavior Analysts (BABA) Reclaiming Our VIBES conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica.This national conference offered sessions on cultural humility, equity in schools and innovative behavior-support practices. Because BCBAs receive no district-funded professional development, despite state licensure requiring ongoing CEUs, they typically pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket each year. The BEF grant helped reduce that burden and allowed Cat and Dana to broaden their professional networks, deepen their expertise and bring fresh perspectives back to Brookline.
The conference emphasized joy, community and empowerment while uplifting voices underrepresented in the field. Sessions explored cultural humility, the experiences of Black autistic individuals, disproportionate student suspensions and creative approaches to behavior support, from hip-hop-based learning to puppetry and improv.
Beyond the learning, the conference enabled Cat and Dana to connect with BCBAs from across the country and begin building a meaningful support network, something not readily available through local workshops.
The insights learned will directly inform Cat and Dana’s work with educators and students, strengthening inclusive, culturally responsive practices across Brookline.