BAAMS BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI

The 32 founding members of BAAMS at the inaugural meeting on

February 7, 2015.

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The Mississippi Autism Board was formed July 1, 2015 after the passing of House Bill 885. As outlined by the statue, the following members have be appointed to the board by Governor Bryant:

Dr. James Moore, Behavior Analyst (Chair)

Dr. Kasee Stratton, Licensed Psychologist (Secretary)

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Ms. Nicole Boyd, Public Member and Parent

Lieutenant Governor Reeves has appointed the following two Board members:

Dr. Emily Johnson, Behavior Analyst

Vacant, Behavior Analyst

Composition of the MS Autism Board

Fall 2015

Message from the President

BAAMS Membership Status:

38 Full Members

32 Student Members

1 Affiliate Member

Become a member by visiting: www.baams.org

BAAMS!

I cannot believe it was only this past February when many of us joined together to put BAAMS in motion. Since then, as a group, we have done a lot of good work. Our 501(c)6 paperwork is under review, we voted in a complete and active Executive Council (EC), we finalized our bi-laws and constitution, we have an established web presence, we have more than doubled in total membership with 71 members, and we are in the beginning stages of conference planning!

To top things off, while all this was happening the bill was officially passed allowing for insurance reimbursement of behavior analytic services and the Mississippi Autism Board was appointed to regulate licensure in the state, both of which involved members of our very own organization.

Now, I am pleased to share our first newsletter! As an EC, we want to make sure we are transparent in our actions and regularly communicate with members. This is just one of the ways we hope to do so. With so many questions about licensure, we thought it best to focus on what we know, as well as introduce you to your region representatives for any additional questions or concerns you might have. Also, please remember to check out our website, www.baams.org.

As always, if you need anything from me, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for all of your help and support in making BAAMS happen!

Dan Gadke - President

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The Mississippi Autism Board will provide the regulation and licensing of behavior analysts in the state of Mississippi. The Mississippi Autism Board was formed in July 2015 and have since held one public meeting on July 24, 2015 at 401 Mississippi Street 2nd Floor Conference Room Jackson, MS 39203. The Board is in the process of adapting their rules and regulations governing licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts. All meetings of the Board are open to the public. As BAAMS becomes aware of meetings, we will make announcements to our Facebook page: BAAMS Behavior Analyst Association of Mississippi, as well on our website: baams.org

We hope to be able to offer additional updates once the regulations have been open for discussion. Check the BAAMS Facebook page for the latest updates.

Additionally, as a result of their appointments, Drs. Moore and Stratton have resigned their executive appointments with BAAMS. Both believe it is in the best interest of the guild and the licensing body of the state to maintain separate positions. We thank them for their dedication to BAAMS.

Licensing of Behavior Analysts in Mississippi

Know your Region Representatives

Region 1: Bailey King, BCBA

King has a background in special education, and recently received her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Memphis.

Region 2: Sarah Kowalczyk, M.Ed., BCBA

Kowalczyk received her master’s degree in Special Education from Mary Baldwin College and began her career in Richmond, Virginia.

Region 3: Dr. Evan Dart

Dart received his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Louisiana State University and is currently an assistant professor of School Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Region 4: Walt Chamberlain, BCBA

Chamberlain received his master’s degree from the University of New Orleans. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in CARES Day School in Mississippi.