Meet Amanda N Kelly | Advocate, Activist, & Behavior Analyst

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda N Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda N, what inspires you?
I am inspired by a desire to help others and am constantly seeking ways to do so that are effective and efficient. I enjoy people and bringing joy into their lives through compassionate interactions. As a scientist, I feel there are many useful tools for improving our lives and the lives of others, however this information is too often held up in laboratories, universities, or in the publication process. Translating research and creating access to information, which can be easily digested, is an ongoing goal and ambition of mine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was first introduced to the science of behavior analysis, after meeting a young child with autism. Upon graduating with my bachelors in Elementary Education, I moved to Massachusetts to pursue a career in applied behavior analysis (ABA). During my 11-year tenure in Massachusetts, I obtained my masters and doctoral degrees, as well as certifications in behavior analysis. In 2008, after realizing many teachers and parents were not able to freely access information on behavior analysis, I created an online persona, Behaviorbabe, which provides free information in small, digestable nuggets.

Throughout my career, I have focused on showcasing effective applications of behavior analysis, most notably extending to areas of public policy, ethics, and sustainable behavior change. In Massachusetts, I participated in legislative efforts, which resulted in the successful passage of autism insurance (2010) and licensure (2012) for behavior analysts. With the support of a small group of individuals, through a grassroots movement, I also championed autism insurance reform and successfully advocated for licensure for behavior analysts in Hawai’i (2015). In 2016, I became the first behavior analyst licensed in Hawai’i.

To many, I am considered a thought-leader in the fields of behavior analysis and education, and am sought out as a speaker at national, as well as international events. Due to my effective dissemination and advocacy efforts and my social media presence as BEHAVIORBABE, I have been awarded several recognitions, including the Jerry Shook Practitioner of the Year (2012), Advocacy Group of the Year (2015), Provider Advocate of the Year (2019), and AIRC Champion (2020). In 2020, after 7 years in Hawai’i, I began a new chapter in my career; now proudly serving as Chief Clinical Officer for Breakthrough Behavior, where I am responsible for ensuring and elevating quality clinical care for over 350 clients across 5 states.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Although I have only recently relocated to Orlando (from Oahu), I would say the best places to go involve nature and being outside (so long as the weather cooperates). If my best friend were visiting the area, I would take them kayaking or tubing in the Springs and for a walk through one of the local botanical gardens. In the evening, there is a great sushi spot I would suggest. Of course, there is also an incredible Mexican restaurant down the road we could visit. For brunch, I’d say nothing can beat the bougie avocado toast and pineapple jalapeño mimosa at Persimmons Hollows. Whether we are talking about being inside or out, mid-morning or later evening, I would say the perfect day would also include listening to live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to autistics, advocates, and parents of children with autism, specifically the Autism Law Summit, which brings all of these stakeholders together. The Autism Law Summit, which was started by a group of parents (who were advocating for access to health insurance, school resources, and independent living options) is a place where one can go and immediately feel surrounded by love and hope –and powerful information to help themselves, their children, and/or their clients live the best and brightest lives possible!

Website: www.behaviorbabe.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/behaviorbabe

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amandankelly

Twitter: www.twitter.com/behaviorbabe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/behaviorbabe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUt2qy7t0E_9dVMXw0tA7wQ