After receiving an autism diagnosis, there are many different services available to serve the spectrum of needs that vary from person to person. One intervention offered at the Thompson Center is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce the Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) that make up our Applied Behavioral Intervention Services (ABIS) division. Read our latest spotlight to meet Dr. Jennifer Weyman!
How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?
I have worked at the Thompson Center for two and a half years as an Assistant Teaching Professor.
What are your main job duties?
My main responsibilities include teaching graduate students about behavior analysis in Mizzou’s ABA program and to assess and treat severe problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury) in the Severe Behavior Clinic.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Miami, Florida, and now live in Columbia, Missouri.
What is your educational background?
I received undergraduate degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), then my master’s degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, while accruing hours toward my BCBA certification at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Finally, I received my PhD from University of South Florida.
Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?
I worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute, an inpatient hospital for individuals with severe problem behavior. I worked with a team of behavior analysts, psychiatrists, and speech language pathologists to assess and treat problem behavior. After that, I worked at a clinic called Engage where I took the skills I learned up to that point and adapted them to less controlled settings.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center?
I love mentoring graduate students and working as a team to help individuals with ASD. I also love that there is a strong sense of community at the Thompson Center. We are all working together to improve the lives of children with autism and their families. We also go all out for Halloween.
What got you interested in working with people with autism?
I got interested in working with people with autism because my oldest friend’s brother has autism. We spent so much time together and I learned so much from him. I also took a course on behavior analysis and autism at University of Florida. That class just clicked with me, so I quickly got involved in the behavior analysis research lab there.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?
During the last two and a half years, I learned that we need to be flexible with our clients, their families, and our students in order to provide the highest quality services. The last few years have been challenging for most everyone and we need to account for that.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I love hiking and playing with my puppy. I also enjoy eating delicious food!
What’s next for you after the Thompson Center?
I have accepted a tenure-track faculty position at California State University, Los Angeles. I will be teaching and mentoring graduate students in their ABA program. Although I will miss all of the colleagues and friends I have made at the Thompson Center, I’m excited about this new adventure!