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Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate

Melissa Hunsinger-Harris, PhD, BCBA-D®️, LABA, LBA

Assistant Director, Applied Behavior Analysis; Associate Professor, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis

BA, University of Maine; MS, Simmons College, PhD, Chicago School of Professional Psychology: BCBA®, LABA

Melissa L. Hunsinger-Harris, PhD, LBA BCBA-D® (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Bay Path University. Since 2012, she has been instrumental in supervising, teaching, and developing master’s level coursework for graduate students.

Dr. Hunsinger-Harris earned her master’s degree in ABA from Simmons College in Boston, where she focused her research and professional efforts on enhancing staff training and improving access to qualified educators for individuals receiving special education services in public schools. She obtained her doctorate in ABA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where her research centered on understanding deficits in culturally responsive behavioral training and fostering culturally humble practices within ABA supervision. Her ongoing research interests include developing robust culturally responsive practices within behavior analysis, advancing the education of future behavior analysts through evidence-based supervision experiences, and promoting the professional growth and dissemination of the field.

At Bay Path University, Dr. Hunsinger-Harris merges high-level professional activity in Applied Behavior Analysis with a distinguished record of teaching and program development in the ABA Graduate Program. She has actively participated in several student research projects focusing on specialized behavior interventions, such as teaching children to put their heads underwater and educating high school football players on safe tackling techniques. These projects have resulted in the submission of manuscripts for publication. Beyond her academic responsibilities, Dr. Hunsinger-Harris has been actively involved with the Connecticut Association for Behavior Analysis (CTABA) since 2015, serving in various roles, including Executive Director.

Dr. Hunsinger-Harris has presented numerous symposia, workshops, and talks at prominent conferences such as ABAI annual conferences, ABAI Culturo-Behavioral Conference, MassABA, CTABA, as well as events at Bay Path University, The Chicago School, and other regional and local venues.

Please visit the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program page to learn about curriculum, program options and more!