This workshop will also deepen participants’ own understanding of experiential avoidance, with particular attention to how attempts to reduce or escape one’s own internal experiences (e.g., anxiety, frustration, uncertainty) can unintentionally limit client autonomy, skill generalization, and quality of life.
Through case examples, experiential exercises, and guided discussion, attendees will explore how ACT shifts intervention goals from symptom reduction alone to supporting values-based living as defined by the client. Emphasis will be placed on practical integration while maintaining alignment with behavior-analytic principles. By the end of the workshop, BCBAs will leave with concrete tools for embedding ACT into adult services in ways that honor client choice, amplify self-advocacy, and strengthen collaborative, compassionate care.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe/define the 6 components of the ACT Hexaflex
- Enhance your own self-awareness by identifying experiential avoidance in your own practice
- Integrate one ACT intervention into the program or conversation of a current case
Alison Beauvais Carris, Founder of Behavioral Learning, BCBA, LCPC. Ali is a passionate wife, partner, voracious reader, karaoke junkie, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with two humans who call her mom. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, she moved to Chicago to pursue her love of theatre and accidentally fell into the world of behavior analysis. Ali earned a Master of Arts degree in 2011 in Clinical Psychology with specializations in both Applied Behavior Analysis and Counseling. Since then, she has developed extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults within our neurodiverse community.
With a foundation in Contextual Behavior Science, Ali began Behavioral Learning in 2020, a clinical behavior analytic organization focused on supporting individuals, families, and supervisees develop psychological flexibility and ultimately live a life they value. Professionally, Ali’s experience over the past 15+ years is expansive, as a graduate-level instructor, community mental health provider, school therapist, behavior health clinician, supervisor, and counselor.
She is a dynamic speaker with a resume of professional speaking engagements at various organizations such as Black Applied Behavior Analysts, Illinois Counseling Association, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and others. Ali has most recently served as a Board Member of the Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis as Communications Coordinator and is a reviewer for the professional journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice. Ali is an empathic provider who seeks to bridge the gap between mental and behavioral health through compassionate care.
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Helen Maritim-Adipo, MS, BCBA, LBA, NCC, LCPC
Helen has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for 15 years. Helen is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Helen has worked with a diverse population, including children and adults of varying ages. Currently, Helen leads the behavioral health division at Glenkirk, overseeing the behavioral team, the therapy team, and the Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC). Helen started in Glenkirk as a BCBA in 2015 and has served in other capacities at the agency.
Helen is a member of senior leadership at Glenkirk. During her tenure as the head of the Behavioral Health Division, Glenkirk has become an Approved Continuing Education (ACE) provider for BCBA trainings. The department has grown in the number of BCBAs, therapists, and interns. Helen enjoys coaching and collaborating with others. Helen enjoys hiking, travelling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Vlada Bruk, LCSW, BCBA, LBA
Vlada Bruk has been part of the Glenkirk team since 2009. She began her career as a Level 2 behaviorist, became a BCBA in 2016, and now serves as a Lead BCBA. Also an LCSW, Vlada is deeply passionate about advocating for her clients and helping improve their quality of life through thoughtful behavior management and skill-building services.
Sanju Acharya, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Sanju earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in psychology from Bellevue University in Omaha and a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University. She has experience working with children and adolescents (ages 2–18) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across multiple states. Since joining Glenkirk as a Behaviorist in July 2021, Sanju has remained committed to advancing the organization’s mission and improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lexie Mader, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Lexie has been a BCBA since 2011 and has worked in in-home settings, clinics, and adult residential programs with individuals ranging in age from 18 months to the elderly. I have been at Glenkirk for 4 years and currently work with individuals in our CILAs, our CLF setting, and our FNL program. Her clients either participate in our Landwehr or Next Generation Glenview Day Program during the week, or have community employment through our group employment program, or work independently.
Aileen Tobias, MS, BCBA, LBA
Aileen has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2022 and has spent the past decade contributing to Glenkirk's mission. Her work focuses on supporting individuals in CILA settings who participate in the Mundelein Day Program and those engaged in part-time community employment.
Yao Ma, PhD, BCBA, LBA
Yao Ma has been working at Glenkirk since 2006 and currently supports individuals in CILA, FLA, and community-based programs who attend Glenkirk's day programs.
