Invited Panel Presentation
Gilda Panales, M.S., BCBA, OBM, School Psychologist
Mariela Feldman, Ed.D, BCBA, QBA
Jessika Feil, M.A., BCBA
Dr. Mariela Feldman, Ed.D., BCBA, QBA
Dr. Mariela Feldman is an educator and Behavior Analyst certified by the BACB since 2002 and by QABA since 2020. She is an international leader in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, collaborating with organizations across multiple countries to support the growth of ABA worldwide. She co-founded and successfully directed A Change in Trajectory, Inc. (ACT) in California for 16 years, overseeing clinical and administrative services for thousands of consumers and staff.
Dr. Feldman currently serves as Chair of the International Development Committee for the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), where she advances ethical, high-quality, and globally accessible professional standards.
She is also the founder of ArmonÃa Coaching, an educational platform offering CEUs for BACB- and QABA-certified professionals, as well as consultation for families and colleagues navigating autism services. Her work highlights leadership, ethics, and clinical innovation, with bilingual (English/Spanish) trainings designed to be inclusive and practical.
Dr. Feldman is a frequent presenter on ethics in ABA and leadership in behavior analysis. With a balance of research, clinical expertise, and lived experience, she empowers the next generation of ABA practitioners to lead with ethics, innovation, and inclusivity worldwide.
Rooted in Resilience: Latina Leadership and Legacy in ABA
This panel will feature three Latina ABA business owners with more than a decade of leadership experience, moderated by a new Latina ABA business owner. Panelists will share lessons learned in developing and sustaining ABA organizations while addressing challenges related to diversity, equity, and representation in the field.
Discussion topics will include strategies for effective business management, navigating systemic barriers, balancing cultural values with organizational growth, and supporting the professional development of future leaders. Panelists will also reflect on the impact of leadership practices on client outcomes, staff retention, and community engagement.
Attendees will gain practical insights into the skills and strategies that support long-term success in ABA service delivery, as well as an understanding of the importance of culturally responsive leadership in shaping the future of the field.