The Behavior Services Department at Preferred Family Healthcare uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to change problematic behavior. This therapy is designed to:

1. Develop new skills
2. Replace previously learned behaviors with socially appropriate skills
3. Decrease problematic behaviors

Who needs behavior services?

Typically a client will reach out to us or be referred to our services because a problematic behavior is prohibiting their ability to have a positive and fulfilling place in the community. Professional assistance is sometimes needed to reduce problematic behaviors or acquire new skills.

Behavior reduction may include behaviors, such as physical aggression, verbal aggression, elopement, and property destruction.

Clients may need more skill building to help them prepare for community integration, social and relationship skills, communication, self-care tasks, and employment readiness.

How does it work?

Assessment: Our trained staff will visit with the caregiver and client conducting an in-depth interview and observation of the client in their natural environment(s).

Development of a Plan: Based on the assessment, our team will determine the behaviors or skills that need addressed and will create a plan that will include techniques of interventions, goals, and outcomes. The plan may include teaching the client new skills or appropriate replacement behaviors, as well as coping skills that may help them avoid unwanted behaviors.

Caregiver training: Caregivers play a vital role in this therapy model. Our staff will work with the caregiver to ensure they are equipped to use the behavior intervention techniques during their everyday interactions.

What can I expect?

Each plan is based on the individual’s needs and the specific behaviors and/or skills that need to be focused on. Some changes you may see include:

showing more interest in people around them

communicating with other people more effectively

learning to clearly and specifically ask for things they want (a certain toy or food)

reducing or stopping self-harming behaviors

having fewer tantrums or other outbursts

Other services offered

• Teacher consultations for students who have behavior difficulties
• Group and individual social skills classes
• Trainings on various behavior-related topics
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • AIM (Accept.Identify.Move)
  • Behavior Management Trainings
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Other Developmental Disabilities/Behavioral Disorders

The Behavior Services team is made up of Licensed Behavior Analysts/Board Certified Behavior Analysts with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with varying degrees of problematic behaviors. Our teams work in a variety of settings such as schools, clinics, natural and foster homes, Individual Supported Living (ISL) and host homes, as well as in the community. Our goal is to collaborate and work as a team to help improve the quality of life and education for individuals struggling with problematic behavior.

Our Behavior Services Department currently consists of:
Kimberly Conrad: Director of Behavior Services, MS, LPC, CBIS, BCBA, LBA
Denise Denevi: Behavior Analyst, MS, BCBA, LBA – Kansas City area
Joshua Wood: Behavior Analyst, MA, BCBA, LBA – Springfield
McKenzie Gunter, MA, BCBA, LBA - Kirksville
Desirae Peel, MS, BCBA, LBA - Springfield

For more information or to make a referral, please contact:
Kimberly Conrad, Director of Behavior Services at PFH
1111 S. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
417-849-7770
abareferrals@pfh.org

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