Strive BCS

Happy World Behavior Analysis Day! We’re proud to recognize the dedication and contributions of behavior analysts across the world. Thank you for the work you do to support individuals, families, and communities every day.

For those of us who grew up hearing things like:
“Your look so ethnic,”
“You must be Mexican,”
or “In America, we speak English.”

Gracias for the reminder that the light we carry along with our cultura (culture) matters‼️
✨It matters in .
✨It matters in .
✨It matters when we support diverse clients and families.
So, lets practice cultural humility, and choose to speak up—even if our voices are shaky.

Amigos, amigas, y famila—Will I see you dancing en la sala this Sunday!? 💛🇵🇷🙏

I searched the definition of “politics” the other day via Google—it’s really about how people in groups make decisions, solve problems, and distribute resources; fundamentally, how society works together to govern itself. In this sense, much of life is shaped by systems, including education and the field of .

Currently, the world feels divided. Now more than ever, we need to come together and ADVOCATE for marginalized communities, especially those who are fearful, unheard, or at risk.

At Strive!, we stand for evidence-based practices grounded in compassion, dignity, and cultural humility. I have spoken, and will continue to speak about the pride I feel as a first-generation Latina and as part of the 14.31% of who identify as Hispanic/Latinx.

At Strive!, we want our current/future mentees and trainees to practice cultural humility—understanding the nuances of language, reflecting on bias, prioritizing consent, and honoring the cultural context that every learner and family brings. That means translating documents, using interpreters, and finding culturally responsive resources is no longer a “perk”— its a must. It’s how we honor the dignity and humanity of the families we serve.

Lastly, having tough conversations and advocating for those we serve has to start with us. Just because science tells us we can do something, it doesn’t always mean we should, not without humanity at the center.

Hello Strivers! 🤍
I’ve been a bit quiet, but I’m still here. I’ll be honest, it’s been hard to show up “business as usual” when we’re constantly flooded with news that highlights so much pain and a lack of humanity or compassion around the world. Lately, it all has felt overwhelming. I’ve intentionally taken a small step back to focus on my mental health and well-being.

This is a gentle check-in to say: if you’re feeling the same way, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! You don’t need to feel guilty for choosing yourself, and taking time for yourself!

🙏It’s okay to log off.
🙏It’s okay to step away from the news and the nonstop information.
🙏It’s okay to slow down.
🙏It’s okay to take a break.

Show up where it matters most. Be present with your staff, colleagues, friends, and family. We never fully know what battles others are carrying, and sometimes presence is the most meaningful support we can offer.

Sending care to each of you. Take what you need, rest when you can, and know that your well-being matters too. 💛

Stokes & Baer (1977) taught us that generalization isn’t automatic. It doesn’t just “happen” once a skill is mastered in session. Too often, we teach the skill… but don’t plan for how the skill should be used and applied:
📍in new places
📍with new people
📍when life is messy and unscripted

That old idea of “train and hope” sounds good, but hope is not a strategy. If a skill can’t travel, it’s not truly learned.Let’s keep centering:
✅ Generalization in planning
✅ Examples across contexts
✅ Skills that support real autonomy

The work that we do as a or is not limited to just teaching skills; our overall goal is to help our learners use them in the real world. 💛

Strive! Community: important reminder for this season, and frankly, a great daily reminder too. 👻🎃🧡

🥳 Have a safe and happy Halloween later this week, folks!

Can we take a moment to discuss the social significance of the work that we do daily?

👆One of the 7 core dimensions of ABA is the Applied Dimension, which reminds us to always ask: Are we working on what TRULY matters?

💡 The Applied Dimension is about more than behavior change. It’s about making sure our goals are:
👆Socially significant– targeting skills that matter to the individual and their family (like communication, safety, independence, social connection).
👆Relevant to real life – bridging science with practice, not just theory.
Accountable – to families, schools, and communities, ensuring our work has lasting value.
👆Foundational – supporting all the other dimensions of ABA, from effectiveness to generalization.

✨ When setting goals, let’s not lose sight of what’s most important: outcomes that improve quality of life and honor the needs of the client and their loved ones.

At Strive!, we believe that ABA is at its best when it is compassionate, person-centered, and MEANINGFUL. 💙

With lawsuits alleging price gouging and inflated billing, these profit-first models create instability, driving unsustainable wages, overwhelming turnover, and making it harder for ethical, experienced practices to stay afloat.

At Strive!, we believe must be:

💙 People-first, not profit!
🌱 Rooted in integrity and transparency!
🌍 Built to support families and sustain ethical providers!

👉 What do you think: are big-box ABA models expanding access, OR undermining the stability of the field we’ve all worked so hard to build?

https://bhbusiness.com/2025/08/28/aba-centers-of-america-sues-publix/?utm_campaign=li&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=1756850760

Recently, announced it will phase out Certificates of Completion for students with disabilities, shifting the focus solely to diploma pathways.

At Strive!, we believe every learner’s journey deserves recognition, respect, and meaningful opportunity. That being said— we are deeply concerned about what this change means for students who work tirelessly but may not meet all traditional requirements and for the families who celebrate those milestones.

✨ Our stance is clear:
❤️Recognition matters. Every effort, skill, and step toward independence deserves acknowledgment.

❤️Access matters. Students with disabilities deserve equitable pathways that open doors to college, careers, and community participation.

❤️Belonging matters. Education should honor the dignity and achievements of all learners.

We encourage families to consult with their teams about diploma options, supports, and advocacy strategies, as no student should leave school without recognition of their hard work!

❤️Together, let’s continue to build systems that are not only compliant but compassionate and inclusive.💙

https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2025-08-20/florida-phase-out-certificates-completion-for-students-with-disabilities

Recent events in Texas revealed professionals failed to report suspected child abuse. This is a reminder for all of us in the Strive! Community: keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility; it takes a village!

In every state, adults who work with children are required to report suspected child abuse, also known as MANDATED REPORTER. This means if you see something or suspect something, you must SAY something immediately. It cannot wait, and it cannot be left to someone else!

❗️Know your state’s laws.
❗️Remember: making a report is about protecting a child; you don’t need proof, just a concern.
❗️If you’re unsure, call your state hotline.

Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. At Strive!, we believe accountability starts with each one of us. Remember to stay vigilent, and show up for our clients daily! 💙




Article read: https://abc13.com/post/texas-suspends-2-fort-bend-behavior-analysts-failing-report-child-sexual-abuse/17591335/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMYS3ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHm9V0O_LXf8YLb1ti7tLHINXVBjc3ZDZetuMgmQph_WI_5tqvUzGXH69b9zv_aem_oNnULlI1f2vtGBoBc6mkJA

☝️BCBAs, put the phone down, close the laptop, and just be present. Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your clients, team, and loved ones.

In our go-go-go world, don’t forget the power of slowing down and connecting with one another.

✨ Stop and listen.
✨ Seek to understand.
✨ Create moments where people feel like they belong.

☝️Presence is powerful. ❤️