Behavioral Health Training Opportunities

Unlocking Opportunity: Navigating Employment Systems to Work for You

Disability employment systems can be complex and overwhelming for both job seekers and the professionals who offer support. Join this session to understand the kinds of employment supports available through state systems (and services) and how they work together for success. Learn from the AZ Employment First team how these resources fit together to support employment pathways and make work possible.

• Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Presenters:
  
  • Jessica Winchester, MBA & ACRE, Employment First Program Manager
  • Gina Griffiths, MSW, Employment First Coordinator

What To Expect When You’re Expecting ABA - A Practical Discussion for Care Coordinators and Non-Behavior Analysts

Since Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began appearing in Arizona's Behavioral Health system a little more than a decade ago, it has increased in presence and demand. Due to its relative novelty in the Behavioral Health system, its considerable difference from other therapy models, and many commonly held misconceptions, it is understandable that many people don't fully understand what they are requesting or submitting referrals for. This presentation provides a practical breakdown of ABA, designed to help consumers and care coordinators better understand what they are requesting when they refer for ABA.

After attending this session, participants will be able to describe common ABA service delivery models, ABA as a methodology apart from service delivery models, and common applications and limitations of ABA.

• Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: What To Expect When You’re Expecting ABA - A Practical Discussion for Care Coordinators and Non-Behavior Analysts
• Presenter: Ehren Werntz, Ph.D. - Vice President of Family and Community Services at AZA United. His work over the past 20+ years has focused on improving the lives of people with autism as well as the families and communities that support them. These days, his work focuses on supporting the treatment and care of complex behavior among individuals with co-occurring DD and SMI diagnoses.
• What to expect when you're expecting ABA - presentation

Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) and Peer and Family Support Connections

This lunch and learn will explore the Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA), including its history, impact, and how it can assist Division members. Each OIFA Administrator has lived experience navigating the behavioral health system for themselves or an immediate family member and will share how their stories drive the work they do. We will explore peer and family support services and how these services can support Division members and their families. Participants will gain insight into outcomes related to peer and family support, as well as the importance of Peer and Family Run Organizations.

• Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) and Peer and Family Support Connections
• Presenters:
  
  • Christina Hedges - Division of Developmental Disabilities OIFA Administrator
  • Dawn McReynolds - UnitedHealthcare Community Plan OIFA Administrator
  • Tyson Gillespie - Mercy Care OIFA Administrator
    • Credentialed Peer Support and Family Support Services Presentation

Medical Considerations for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This Lunch and Learn discussed medical issues that are more common in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD often present more frequently with gastrointestinal or neurologic diagnoses. Individuals tend to present with either gastrointestinal problems (constipation, gastritis, etc) or neurological disorders (increased seizures, headaches) and some have a combination of both. We will explore how these co-occurring issues can manifest behaviorally; what risk factors may be at play, recognizing the predominant “type”, and ways to recognize an underlying medical cause for changes in behavior. Learn how to advocate for and support members and their caregivers. Medical treatments are often available and can result in significant improvement in not only behaviors, but also in one’s quality of life. Recognition can prevent more serious outcomes and can further your understanding of some of the challenges that exist for the population we serve.

• Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Medical Considerations for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Presenter: Cody Conklin, MD, FAAP, Medical Management Medical Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
  
  • Medical Considerations for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presentation

Proof Positive: Advancing Wellbeing for the Autism Community - Thriving and Flourishing Together!

This Lunch and Learn Session provided an overview of Positive Psychology and propose a framework for incorporating this discipline into current service models to increase the well-being of the autism community. The session will review specific evidence-informed practices that can be integrated into services for families, providers and members. Finally, examples of implementation from multiple providers across the country will be shared.

• Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Proof Positive: Advancing Wellbeing for the Autism Community - Thriving and Flourishing Together!
• Presenter: Paige Raetz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, Vice President of Implementation and Dissemination - Proof Positive
  
  • Thriving and Flourishing Together Presentation

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Addiction

Understand how the amount of time spent on social media impacts mental health. Recognize the ways social media algorithms connect users to illicit drugs. Identify ways to use social media while reducing mental health and addiction risks.

• Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Addiction
• Presenter: Thomas Walter, MS, LAC, LIAC, Behavioral Health Program Specialist, Phoenix Area Indian Health Service
  
  • Social Media, Mental Health, and Addiction Presentation

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trauma-Informed Care & Motivational Strategies for Clients with Sexual Behavior Problems

Participants will be updated on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational strategies used to intervene with clients with sexual behavioral problems. The essential characteristic of ASD is problems with social communication, interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. The essential characteristic of trauma is that the victim is rendered powerless by overwhelming force. The essential characteristic of sexual offending is that the client maintains deviant sexual fantasies. Traumatic events are extraordinary because they overwhelm normal human adaptations to threats. Deviant sexual fantasies are extraordinary because they allow clients to justify sexual offending behavior. Case studies will be utilized to discuss critical dynamics of sex offending and responding to the developmental and trauma needs of clients. Where there are philosophical differences in treatment approaches (offending vs. trauma vs. developmental

• Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trauma-Informed Care & Motivational Strategies for Clients with Sexual Behavior Problems
• Presenter: Lee A. Underwood, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider
• Lunch and Learn Material
  
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Strategies for Clients with Sexual Behavior Problems Presentation

Bridging the Gap Between Speech-Language Pathology and Behavioral Health / Interdisciplinary Strategies for AAC

This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, focusing on both low-tech and high-tech solutions that support individuals with complex communication needs. The session will discuss the effectiveness of these tools in various contexts, including interactions with law enforcement and caregivers, with an emphasis on their impact on behavioral health outcomes. Participants will gain insights into the legal rights of AAC users, the technological advancements in AAC, and the critical role of these systems in promoting inclusion, independence, and overall well-being. This presentation is designed for professionals working with individuals with communication disabilities, including speech-language pathologists, educators, caregivers, and behavioral health specialists. It will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to support effective communication and foster inclusive environments.

• Date: September 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Bridging the Gap Between Speech-Language Pathology and Behavioral Health / Interdisciplinary Strategies for AAC
• Presenter: Matthew Sandoval, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
• Lunch and Learn Materials
  
  • Bridging the Gap Between Speech-Language Pathology and Behavioral Health Presentation

Positive Behavior Support

This presentation will provide an overview of the history and significance of the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) approach to supporting individuals, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The key features and foundational concepts of PBS will be discussed, along with how these concepts and associated strategies can be applied within various support scenarios that might be experienced when working with individuals with disabilities. This presentation will help identify how to foster success and the overall self-determination for those that need or want support.

• Date: August 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Positive Behavior Support
• Presenter:
  
  • Brent Seymour, M.A., BCBA, LBA, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Lunch and Learn Materials
  
  • August 2025 Positive Behavior Support Presentation

Police (Mis)Understanding, Resources to Support Interactions with First Responder

This session will provide information on local and national resources, training opportunities, and considerations when supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other intellectual disabilities who may have interactions with law enforcement or other first responders.

• Date: July 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Police (Mis)Understanding, Resources to Support Interactions with First Responders
• Presenter:
  
  • Dr. Diana Davis-Wilson, DBH, LBA, BCBA, IBA, Chief Executive Advisor, Aspen Behavioral Consulting
  • Mary DeCarlo, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, CTSS-I, Program Administrator - Behavior Support and Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Lunch and Learn Materials
  
  • Police (Mis)Understanding Resources to Support Interactions with First Respondes Presentation
  • Police (Mis)Understanding Handout
  • Exploring Further Police Misinformation

Adapting Counseling Techniques to Meet the Needs of Individuals Diagnosed with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD)

This Lunch & Learn session will provide an overview of various counseling modalities and ways to modify or adapt the service to best meet the needs of individuals who are seeking counseling and have an I/DD diagnosis. The presentation will include an overview of Mindfulness Techniques, Positive Psychology Practices, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and recommended adaptations.

• Date: June 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Adapting Counseling Techniques to Meet the Needs of Individuals Diagnosed with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD)&
• Presenter:
  
  • Susanne Arnold, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Behavioral Health Administrator, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Adapting Counseling Techniques Presentation

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Self Advocacy and Lived Experience

This Lunch & Learn session will feature Lindsey’s Experience with the AZ I/DD System and a clip on the Neurodiversity Movement from the In a Different Key Toolkit: For Autism Understanding.

• Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder: Self Advocacy and Lived Experience, featuring Lindsey's Experience with the AZ I/DD System
• Presenters:
  
  • Lindsey Eaton, Self-Advocate, Member of the SARRC ASD Advisory Board
  • Mary DeCarlo, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Licensed Behavior Analyst, Program Administrator- Behavior Support and Services, Division of Developmental

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding the Fundamentals of the Diagnosis

• Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Presenter: Mary DeCarlo, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Licensed Behavior Analyst, Program Administrator- Behavior Support and Services, Division of Developmental
• Session Goal: For participants to be able to identify three areas of impairment associated with autism spectrum disorder, summarize the core characteristics of autism, and understand the differences in support needs for individuals with autism.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding the Fundamentals of the Diagnosis presentation