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Revolutionizing Healthcare with Neuroaffirming Practices

By January 6, 2025February 12th, 2025No Comments5 min read

New Podcast Episode Explores the Future of Neurodivergent Care

January 6, 2025

In the latest episode of Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, guest host Dr. Pauline T. Pablo, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), explores the definitions of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and neuroaffirming care, and take a deep look into the state of neurodiversity within today’s behavioral health system with 3 subject matter experts, Dr. Patricia Motylewicz, Dr. Cory Cannady, and Dr. Valeria Parejo. They discuss the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in traditional healthcare settings, the role of integrated care in addressing these gaps, and the transformative impact of neuroaffirming practices on patient outcomes. From practical strategies for healthcare professionals to future innovations in neurodivergent care, this episode provides a comprehensive look at creating a more inclusive healthcare system.

Thank you to our host and subject matter experts:

  • Dr. Pauline T. Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBA
  • Dr. Cory Cannady, DBH, BCBA, LBA
  • Dr. Patricia Motylewicz, MBA, MS.SpecEd, MS.ABA, DBH, BCBA, QBA, LBA
  • Dr. Valeria Parejo, DBH, BCBA, QBA

About the Episode Host

Dr. Pauline T. Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBA

Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, CGI DBH program alumna, is a trauma-aware Board Certified Behavior Analyst, mother, wife, and healthcare advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She earned her Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies in 2023, a degree that has equipped her with the knowledge to serve her clients with a human-centered, trauma-informed, and integrated healthcare approach. Her work as a behavior analyst focuses on providing behavioral support services to neurodiverse individuals diagnosed with various developmental disabilities. Dr. Pablo co-owns and operates Symphony Behavioral Health Inc., a neurodiversity affirming ABA company serving the southern California region. She is also the co-founder of Asian and Pacific Islander Association for Behavior Analysis (APIABA), a non-profit organization that aims to disseminate the science of ABA within the Asian and Pacific Islander population, as well as promote diversity within the field to better serve diverse populations.

Connect with Dr. Pablo

Instagram: @integratedbx
Instagram: @symphonybehavior

About the Special Guests

Dr. Cory Cannady, DBH, BCBA, LBA

Dr. Cory Cannady, CGI DBH program alumnus, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Assistant Clinical Director at Elevate. He is from a small town in west Tennessee and moved to Chattanooga in 2009 to attend UTC. After earning his Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education, he taught for the Hamilton County Department of Education for 5 years. While teaching, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. He obtained his Board Certification and licensure in 2019. Cory has recently completed his Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

 

Dr. Patricia Motylewicz, MBA, MS.SpecEd, MS.ABA, DBH, BCBA, QBA, LBA

Dr. Patrycja (Patricia) Motylewicz, CGI DBH program alumna, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and a Qualified Behavior Analyst licensed in several states nationwide. She holds three master’s degrees: an MBA, an MS in Education and Special Education, and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Autism. She is the clinical director at The Perfect Child, which provides Applied Behavior Analysis services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. In her free time, she focuses on strength training and is a former competitive martial artist.

Dr. Valeria Parejo, DBH, BCBA, QBA

Dr. Valeria Parejo received her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, and has a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. She is a behavior analyst with BCBA and QBA certifications and has over 20 years of experience, working in various areas such as: Intensive behavior group homes with adults diagnosed intellectual or developmental disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and severe behaviors, Consulting in schools and clinics, Supervising and mentoring professionals in ABA and behavioral health, Teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels, students seeking international ABA certification – in English and Portuguese, Staff training and management, Clinical evaluator for accreditation of clinics in ABA focusing in best practices, OBM consultation to ABA clinics, Integrated Care, Sexual health and sexual behavior. Nowadays she teaches at Florida Institute of Technology in the approved coursework for BACB certifications, and at The Behavior Web, in the preparatory course for QABA certifications, the first course to be available in Portuguese for behavior analysts seeking international certification. She offers mentoring and supervision for professional development, and clinical and OBM consulting for clinics.

 

Connect with Dr. Parejo

Instagram: @dr.valeria_s_parejo
LinkedIn: Dr. Valeria Parejo, DBH, BCBA, QBA

Testimonials

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”

Willam Chum, LMHCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“The Doctor in Behavioral Health (DBH) program has changed my understanding of the subject and career path. Before this academic journey, my knowledge of behavioral health was primarily theoretical, including essential ideas and methods. However, the DBH curriculum combined intense academic research with practical application, helping me understand behavioral health from multiple angles. Recognizing mental health as part of total health changed my perspective. The biopsychosocial model, which showed how biological, psychological, and social variables affect mental health, was stressed in the DBH curriculum. This comprehensive approach made me realize how complex human behavior is and how important it is to address mental health issues. Effective interventions must target the individual’s surroundings, relationships, and life experiences, not just symptoms. The curriculum also gave me enhanced evidence-based practice training to execute successful solutions. Studies methods and data analysis classes improved my critical thinking and allowed me to evaluate and apply behavioral health studies. This gave me the confidence to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through practice and research.”

Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 17, 2025

“This program will change how you present to the world, not just as a professional but as an individual. Understand this is work but the work is worth it and the journey is undeniably transformative. If you are seeking a doctorate for the title, this is not the program for you. If you are seeking a doctorate to interrupt and disrupt the course of healthcare, then this is the program for you. You won’t find a more supportive program with professors who are dedicated to your success and your education. This program is not about the regurgitation of information. It is about the appropriate applied application of knowledge and information to push forward and become an advocate for equitable and quality care for all.”

Brandy K. Biglow LMHC, CCTP, QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 5, 2024

“The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program has definitely transformed my understanding of behavioral health. Understanding the links between physical and mental health has taught how to make better treatment decisions. The DBH program has also given me insights that otherwise would not be possible and allows me to view individuals through a lens that I was previously ignorant of. This program has helped me grow into a more confident individual, provider, and parent.”

Cory H. Cannady, BCBA, LBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 13, 2024

“The DBH program has reinforced my vision of viewing behavioral health (BH) as an integrated component of the healthcare system rather than a siloed service. As a practitioner in the focused BH realm of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, I observe on a regular basis how identifying and serving SUD patients is often missed, ignored and stigmatized in primary healthcare, despite the fact that early intervention at these check-points often has the potential to intervene earlier and lessen the negative SUD outcomes frequently seen by the time a patient reaches specialty SUD services. Reinforcement received in my DBH program has motivated me to promote integration as a leader in my workplace and is a primary factor in considering the long-term trajectory of my individual career path.”

Kenneth L. Roberts, MPS, LPCC, LADCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 5, 2024

“Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life.”

Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 18, 2024

“I have always wanted to pursue a higher degree but never found a program that met my needs. When I investigated the DBH program, I can honestly say I was excited. It was a program that would expand my knowledge in behavioral health but also how it relates to physical health. The philosophy of treating the whole person was exactly what I was looking for.”

Elizabeth Nekoloff, M.Ed., LPCC-S, NCCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 16, 2025

“Prior to obtaining my DBH, I practiced behavioral health within the boundaries of behavior analysis. The DBH degree has given me the ability to broaden my scope of competence allowing me to provide a higher quality of care to my clients through a person-centered approach, while still staying within my scope of practice. I was in the beginning stages of opening my business when I enrolled in the DBH program which set my trajectory towards being a stronger leader. The program equipped me with essential healthcare leadership and entrepreneurial skills, allowing me to ensure high-quality services for my clients and foster a supportive work environment for our staff. It has also given me the confidence to expand my business and pursue other healthcare ventures, reaching a broader range of patients in need.”

Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 21, 2025

“Although I have worked with many patients who have mental health diagnoses, or behaviors which make managing their medical diagnoses and day to day life difficult, the DBH program at CGI is broadening that knowledge and providing a deeper understanding of behavioral health and how best to help these individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life. This will allow me to provide and advocate for more meaningful and seamless integrated care, providing new tools for my intervention toolbox, and the confidence and skills to collaborate within and lead whole person focused interdisciplinary teams. I also anticipate building upon my knowledge as a nurse case manager and long time caregiver, as well as my personal passions and professional vision, learning about processes and operations, to be in position to start up and lead my own company one day, offering the services and care I know every person should have access to.”

Hollie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCMDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 11, 2025

“The DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.”

DeKyn Rashad Peters, MPH-CHES,BSW/BA,APCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 4, 2025

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