Skip to main content
DBH Alumni SpotlightNewsPress

DBH Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBA

By January 21, 2025February 25th, 2025No Comments9 min read

From Barriers to Bridges: Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo on Advocacy, Inclusion, and Leadership

January 21, 2025

Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, has dedicated nearly two decades to providing compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a mother, wife, and healthcare advocate, her commitment to this field is both professional and deeply personal—shaped by her sister’s experience with cerebral palsy. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, Dr. Pablo further advanced her expertise by earning her Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI). The DBH program has equipped her with a human-centered, trauma-informed, and integrated approach to care. As the co-owner of Symphony Behavioral Health Inc., a neurodiversity-affirming ABA organization, Dr. Pablo is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan. Her passion for advocacy extends beyond her practice—she is also a co-founder of the Asian Pacific Islanders Association for Behavior Analysis (APIABA), a non-profit organization committed to expanding access to ABA services within API communities and fostering greater diversity in the field. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to care that upholds dignity and autonomy, she continues to champion inclusive, high-quality behavioral health services for all. In this interview, Dr. Pablo reflects on her transformative DBH journey and how it has shaped her career, fueling her passion for advocacy, diversity, and supporting individuals with special needs.


How has the DBH program transformed your understanding of behavioral health and influenced your career?

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.

What innovative approaches or strategies do you believe have the potential to revolutionize the behavioral health landscape?

We live in a technological age where access to communication has significantly improved. Healthcare providers should utilize technological advances towards increasing interdisciplinary collaboration towards a more integrative model of care. We need to recognize that all systems are connected and we can no longer work in silos. The biodyne model provides an innovative approach as it promotes the use of the biopsychosocial model. This model teaches us to recognize that all systems such as healthcare, education, community services, finances, and policy all contribute to our overall healthcare outcomes.

Looking back at your DBH journey, what specific insights or skills have you gained that have been instrumental in your professional development?

Many healthcare professionals have witnessed our healthcare system fail patients and oftentimes, we do not have the knowledge or resources to help them. The DBH program gave me the skills in medical literacy to recognize co-occurring health conditions, identify barriers, conduct research, and provide evidence-based solutions for my clients. I have also gained a stronger understanding of how medical oversight such as diagnostic overshadowing or lack of access to non-pharmacological interventions could be detrimental to health outcomes. This knowledge has strengthened my ability to be a better advocate for my clients.

What are your future career goals within the behavioral health sector and how do you envision the DBH program contributing to your success?

My next goal is to bring life to my culminating project by providing integrated behavioral gerontology services to elderly patients in my community. I envision my DBH degree being an integral part of leading my organization towards disseminating information to stakeholders such as patients, caregivers, nurses, and other elderly care providers who will benefit from our services.

How do you view the role of leadership in advancing behavioral health outcomes, and in what ways has the DBH program prepared you for leadership positions?

As a co-owner and executive clinical director of a growing ABA company, strong leadership skills are essential. The DBH degree has equipped me with the skills to implement quality improvement measures for the benefit of both my clients and employees. The program introduced me to the quintuple aim framework which prompts me as a leader to balance key components of running a healthcare business which are, population health, cost reduction, patient experience, health equity, and provider wellbeing. The DBH degree also emphasizes the importance of professional quality of life (ProQOL) which is influential to why I promote a culture of psychological safety in my organization.

What advice would you give to prospective students or professionals considering the DBH program?

It is extremely rare to find an educational institution that provides both the educational and practical skills to be able to transform healthcare for the better. My advice is to be a sponge and absorb everything you can from your instructors and from the material being taught. I also highly recommend learning from your classmates who have different professional and personal experiences. Learning from the unique perspectives of my classmates provided me with a broader understanding of our current healthcare system. It also gave me a glimpse of the positive impact interdisciplinary collaboration could have on myself and in my work. Lastly, follow your values and know that your doctoral journey is unique to you so give yourself grace.


Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo’s journey through the Doctor of Behavioral Health program has not only expanded her expertise but also deepened her commitment to transforming behavioral healthcare. Through her leadership at Symphony Behavioral Health Inc. and her advocacy within APIABA, she continues to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, trauma-informed care, and greater accessibility for underserved communities. With a vision for integrating behavioral gerontology into her practice and a passion for shaping the future of healthcare, Dr. Pablo exemplifies the profound impact that education, advocacy, and leadership can have on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. As she looks ahead, she remains dedicated to fostering inclusive, high-quality care and inspiring the next generation of behavioral health professionals.


Connect with Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo

Instagram: @integratedbx
Instagram: @symphonybehavior
Symphony Behavioral Health Inc: www.symphonybh.com


Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo Shares How the DBH Impacted Her Career

Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo Shares How Her Cultural Background has Influenced her Approach to Integrated Care


Learn More About Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo’s DBH Culminating Project Research

Dr. Pauline Tolentino’s culminating project, Finding the Silver Lining: Integrating Behavioral Gerontology in Elderly Care Settings, introduces a new program under Symphony Behavioral Health Inc., aimed at integrating behavioral gerontology services into geriatric care settings to improve healthcare outcomes and overall quality of life of elderly adults.

Read more


Check Out Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, episode: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Neuroaffirming Practices with Dr. Pauline T. Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBA; Dr. Patricia Motylewicz, MBA, MS.SpecEd, MS.ABA, DBH, BCBA, QBA, LBA; Dr. Cory Cannady, DBH, BCBA, LBA, and Dr. Valeria Parejo, DBH, BCBA, QBA.

Read more

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, episode: DBH Students on the Frontline: Roe v. Wade Decision – Where do we go from here? with Jeny Rodrigue, LAC, SAP, SAE, Shadiase Jack LCSW-c, Jerrika Henderson, MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rhea Hill, LPC, CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCD, and Pauline Tolentino Pablo, BCBA, IBA.

Read more


Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo Contributes to Upcoming Book: Integrated Behavioral Health: Applying the Biodyne Mindset in Healthcare

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is proud to announce the upcoming release of the groundbreaking new book, Integrated Behavioral Health: Applying the Biodyne Mindset in Healthcare, set for publication in January 2026. This new book builds on the foundation laid by Dr. Nicholas A. Cummings and Dr. Janet Cummings, renowned psychologists and co-founders of both the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program and CGI, who previously introduced the influential Biodyne Model in their seminal work Refocused Psychotherapy as the First Line Intervention in Behavioral Health.

Read more

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 DBH represents something that I've always embraced in my professional career. And that's collaboration and working across a lot of different disciplines to make sure you’re delivering the best care for the patient. Everything is about being patient centered about finding innovative ways and creative ways to collaborate with other professionals.

CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCDDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 10, 2023

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 been a pivotal turning point in my understanding and application of behavioral health principles. Recently, the concept of ‘whole person health’ has gained widespread attention in healthcare circles, becoming somewhat of a buzzword. Like many others, I embraced this term, believing in my capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Prior to my engagement with the program, my approach, albeit well-intentioned, lacked an appreciation for the intricate interplay between physical and mental health. More importantly, the role of unmet social needs as a catalyst for health disparities was a dimension I had not fully integrated into my practice. The DBH program illuminated these connections, offering me a robust framework to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals, especially within marginalized communities.

Additionally, the confidence I have gained through the DBH program extends beyond theoretical knowledge. My role as a connector and advocate for these individuals has become more pronounced, driven by a deep-seated commitment to fostering accessibility, equity, and comprehensiveness in care.

Michelle Stroebel MA, NCC, LCMHC, NADD-CCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - June 12, 2024

I have worked in behavioral health for the entirety of my professional career starting with college internships up to my current role as Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. While I have years of experience in the field, the DBH program at Cummings has framed my perspective as leveraging therapy as a first line of intervention. As a public servant, much of the work I do is usually in the aftermath of crises or when the system is being forced to respond to a service gap. However, the DBH program takes a much more proactive and integrative approach to health. This perspective/approach has the potential to positively shape policy in Texas in my role as a public servant charged with addressing the safety net needs of the most vulnerable constituents in Texas.

Trina K. Ita, MA, LPCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 10, 2024

CGI feels like a community of long-lost cousins that finally met as adults and we realized that we share the same goals. The support from the faculty and classmates have been nothing short of amazing. I can reach out to my advisor at any given time to discuss course work, career endeavors, or to just vent about life. There is a feeling of closeness and belongingness at CGI that is just unmatched. I am very happy to be a member of the family and will continue to spread the word of how great this DBH program is.

Michelle Francis, LCSW/LICSW-QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 10, 2024

The DBH program’s mission, purpose, and objective say it all: We strive for intentional care outcome improvement practices that exemplify whole person-centered integrated healthcare advanced competency. The program of study drives insights and awareness of the ever-changing patient population and multidisciplinary practice environments to change how the world experiences healthcare. This is further reinforced by the pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health intervention, and entrepreneurship skills and expertise. Development growth is needed to prepare the aspiring DBH for the future of the shifting healthcare marketplace through international networking in a growing community of disruptive innovators and an evolving movement toward systemic healthcare change. I feel that I will be positioned alongside a fellowship of like-minded professionals trying to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery value and outcome sustainability.

Jose Mathew, LCSW, LAC, ACS, EMDR-T, CCTP-IIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 8, 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

By becoming a DBH, I have found that I am able to have different conversations with different people. Before having my doctorate degree, I was able to speak to certain items in behavioral health, but was only seen as a licensed therapist where as a doctor, I am able to speak to the changemakers and policy makers in a more collaborative manner which then allows us as a group to enhance the services we are providing. I also found that as a DBH, my confidence in the treatment room has improved immensely and cases that may have been more difficult for me before are no longer as difficult due to the training I have received in the program.

Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-SDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 13, 2024

I think the DBH is quite groundbreaking, it allows you to study from anywhere in the world. The support is fantastic, and you can make out of the DBH what you want. Unlike standard professional doctorates, the DBH was trying to break new ground, not trying to go over just old ground. It greatly encourages its students to be those people who break new ground.

As a person who actually has a disability, I found CGI staff to be very supportive, very accommodating. If I need extensions, they are always there. In fact the staff will reach out and check on you, if they haven’t heard from you in a very short period of time. Which I have never had from any other university.

I find the community of fellow DBH students absolutely wonderful, we reach out across numerous social media platforms, we email each other. Doesn’t matter where I am in the world or where they are in the world, everyone is supportive. Its support, support and encouragement with the DBH.

Jason P. Sargent, B Policing, GDip Psych, MSW, JPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 10, 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 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

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

The DBH program has been integral in preparing me for leadership roles by providing a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership within the behavioral health sector. Through coursework, case studies, and hands-on experiences, I have learned to lead with empathy, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning. The program has also honed my skills in organizational development, communication, and policy advocacy, equipping me to effectively lead teams, drive impactful change, and foster environments that promote positive behavioral health outcomes. With this training, I am confident in my ability to lead initiatives that address systemic barriers and improve care delivery.

Dr. Jerrika Henderson, DBH, CMHCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 18, 2025

Accreditation & Affiliates

Partners