Dear NJABA Members,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude this year. On a personal level, with my own wedding now just around the corner, I’m especially aware of how fortunate I am to have the people and communities who have supported and enriched my life. Professionally, I feel much the same way about NJABA. One of the things I value most about this association is the opportunity it gives us to connect with colleagues, learn from one another, and work together on issues that matter to our profession and the people we serve.

I’m particularly grateful for the people who volunteer their time and energy to make NJABA what it is. I’m thankful for our entire Board of Directors and the members of our committees and workgroups, much of whose work happens behind the scenes. I’m especially appreciative of our Events Committee and all that goes into creating opportunities for our members to learn and connect, as well as our Communications Committee, which does so much to keep all of us informed about those opportunities and the work happening across NJABA. I’m also very happy to welcome Kayla Fittipaldi as our new Communications Co-Chair. And I’m grateful to all of our members who volunteer, present, participate in workgroups, answer colleagues’ questions, advocate for our profession, and continue to show up for one another.

Last month also gave many of us the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Sandra Harris. I left that gathering especially grateful not only for Sandy and her extraordinary impact on our field, but for the community she helped build. Seeing so many colleagues, former students, friends, and family members together was inspiring and a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make through mentorship, leadership, and service to others.

That spirit of connection feels especially appropriate as we look ahead to our 22nd Annual Conference, April 15–16, 2027, at The Palace at Somerset Park. Our theme, Growing Together: Advancing People, Practice, and the Profession, continues to feel more fitting as we get closer. Dr. Linda LeBlanc will join us as our keynote speaker, and Dr. Nasiah Cirincione-Ulezi will lead our half-day workshop on Friday, April 16. Their work in mentorship, supervision, leadership, ethics, clinical practice, and professional development reflects much of what we hope to explore together in April.

Our Call for Papers is open, with submissions due soon on November 16. Poster submissions will remain open through January 21. I hope you’ll consider sharing your work, and I especially encourage students, early-career professionals, practitioners, and first-time presenters to submit. Our conference is strongest when it reflects the range of work happening across our community. Thank you to everyone who has already submitted. We’re excited to see this year’s program taking shape.

I also want to express my appreciation to Dr. Meredith Mates and Mandy Tiech for an excellent October Speaker Series presentation, and to everyone who joined us for the program. I’m excited to announce that Shalini Solomon, a specialist in sexual behavior analysis, will be our November Speaker Series presenter. Keep an eye on our social media pages for the presentation date, time, and registration details!

I’m equally thankful for the work of our Adult Services Workgroup, which has helped NJABA keep its finger on the pulse of several important changes affecting DDD-funded Behavioral Supports. From new authorization and billing parameters to the upcoming implementation of licensure requirements, there is a lot for providers to navigate. I deeply appreciate the members who are tracking these developments, comparing experiences, and identifying questions or concerns that may require broader attention. Our ability to share information and respond collectively is especially valuable during periods of significant change. Additional information about these DDD updates, upcoming webinars, and our next Adult Services Workgroup meeting is included in the Government Affairs section below.

As we close out the year with nearly 1,000 members, I am so grateful to you for being part of NJABA. Your involvement and support make this community possible. Thank you to everyone who has already renewed for 2027. If you haven’t renewed yet, members who join or renew now will remain active through December 2027, and student and behavior technician memberships remain free. For members who are in a position to do a little more to support NJABA’s work, I also encourage you to consider a Supporting Membership. That additional support helps us continue investing in programming, resources, and opportunities for our community, including keeping membership free for students and behavior technicians.

I want each of you to know how grateful I am for the time, expertise, and energy you contribute, not only to NJABA but to behavior analysis throughout New Jersey. Our association is ultimately a community of people willing to learn from one another, support one another, and work together toward something better. I feel very fortunate to be part of it.

Thank you for all that you do, and I wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving.

Warmly,

Rob Isenhower, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA-NJ
President, NJABA

President, NJABA