Ackree Peterson
Philadelphia,US
Summary
Licensed Behavior Specialist with clinical ABA expertise and leadership background in youth programming and residential care. Proficient in developing data-driven behavior support plans and enhancing team performance through staff supervision and training. Committed to delivering equitable, culturally responsive care while seeking to advance into supervisory and program development roles.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Specialist/Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Aster Children's Behavioral Health
North Wales, PA
01.2024 - Current
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans (BSPs/PBSPs) using evidence-based behavioral interventions to address challenging behaviors and increase functional and adaptive skills.
- Conduct and assist with functional behavior assessments (FBAs), analyze behavioral data, and collaborate with families, educators, BHTs/RBTs, and other professionals to guide treatment planning and ongoing progress monitoring.
- Provide clinical supervision and staff support through direct observation, feedback, training, and treatment-plan review while ensuring consistent implementation of behavioral interventions and accurate documentation of client progress.
- Delivered one-on-one ABA sessions in home, school, and community settings, targeting client-specific goals for skill development.
- Implemented individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans under BCBA oversight to reduce target behaviors
- Conducted direct and indirect assessments, including structured observations and caregiver interviews, to inform treatment strategies.
- Collected and charted behavioral data to guide BCBA treatment adjustments and session planning
- Coordinated with caregivers, teachers, and clinicians to maintain consistent behavior supports
Interim Director/Direct Support
Opportunity Adkinson Project
Philadelphia, PA
08.2023 - 12.2025
- Oversaw operations of a residential facility serving neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ youth with behavioral and mental health needs
- Supervised and supported staff, enhancing quality and cultural responsiveness of care provided to clients
- Represented youth and organization in court proceedings, coordinating services with external providers for comprehensive support
- Facilitated independent living skills groups, utilizing behavioral data to tailor and improve programming
- Conducted intake and discharge processes, including documentation and transition planning
- Supported daily client care, including appointments, school enrollment, family visits, and community outings
Personal Care Assistant
Support Brands LLC
King of Prussia, PA
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Provided one-on-one support to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), primarily individuals on the autism spectrum
- Implemented behavior support strategies aligned with IEP goals, targeting communication, social skills, and emotional regulation
- Facilitated small-group and one-on-one sessions to modify instructional content, enhancing student comprehension and engagement
- Liaised with teachers, parents, and therapists to ensure consistent behavioral and academic interventions
- Encouraged student attendance, participation, and engagement in both classroom and support settings
- Collected and documented behavioral and academic data to monitor progress and guide instructional adjustments
- Applied proactive behavior management and de-escalation strategies to support a structured learning environment
Home and Community Habilitation Specialist/PCA
Behavioral and Cultural Development Solutions
Bala Cynwyd, PA
10.2019 - 03.2021
- Delivered community-based behavioral supports that improved daily living and social participation for adults with autism
- Facilitated skill-building activities in home and community settings to promote independence and enhance emotional regulation
- Coached clients in effective communication and coping strategies to foster independent problem-solving and emotional control
- Maintained detailed records of behavioral data to ensure accurate tracking to monitor client progress and guide weekly treatment adjustments
- Transitioned services to telehealth during COVID-19 to maintain continuity of care and client engagement
Mental Health Education Instructor & Student Mentor
Colors on the Spectrum | Overbrook High School
Philadelphia, PA
01.2018 - 03.2021
- Led weekly mental health workshops for after-school students, enhancing participant engagement and attendance throughout the program
- Guided group discussions on trauma, PTSD, friendships, and peer pressure, fostering emotional literacy among students
- Created safe-space protocol for students to identify trauma responses and practice healthy coping mechanisms
- Designed interactive, developmentally tailored activities that improved students' coping skills and classroom behavior
Summer Camp Director
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Philadelphia, PA
06.2014 - 08.2020
- Designed and implemented summer curriculum that improved camper engagement across ages 5–12 and trained counselors 14–18
- Delivered counselor training on child protection, conduct, activity planning, and conflict de-escalation
- Supervised and mentored counselors, fostering a positive environment and enhancing camper experience Organized end-of-summer talent showcase and community fellowship event
- Managed inventory and budget for camp and classroom supplies, ensuring availability of essential learning resources
- Created and maintained onboarding and registration documents including contracts, schedules, and permission forms
- Communicated with parents, volunteers, and partners to establish support networks and ensure clear information flow
- Met with parents to report behaviors, create intervention plans, and address risk prevention
Afterschool Program Special Education Liaison / Instructor
Colors on the Spectrum | Martha Washington Elementary School
Philadelphia, PA
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Provided academic and behavioral support to neurodiverse students, enhancing engagement and participation in classroom activities
- Led structured activities to foster social and behavioral development, resulting in demonstrable progress in student skills
- Grew program enrollment by 62% through targeted outreach and family engagement efforts
Education
Master of Science in Educational Studies - Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA05-2021
Skills
- Behavioral Assessment
- Behavioral Data Tracking
- Crisis Intervention
- Positive behavior support
- Clinical Oversight
- Case Management
- Program Development
- Resource Advocacy
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Functional behavior assessments
Languages
Spanish, Proficient
Research Experience
- Peterson, A., Logan, F., & Montague, D. P. F. (2021, April). Exploring differences in racial socialization goals among Black or African American and White American Parents. Poster presented at the La Salle University Academic Showcase, Philadelphia, PA.
Certification
- Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), Pennsylvania — License #BH008732
- Medical Administration Certification — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services | [2025]
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) — Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) | BACB ID #1101727
Timeline
Behavior Specialist/Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Aster Children's Behavioral Health
01.2024 - Current
Interim Director/Direct Support
Opportunity Adkinson Project
08.2023 - 12.2025
Personal Care Assistant
Support Brands LLC
01.2022 - 12.2024
Home and Community Habilitation Specialist/PCA
Behavioral and Cultural Development Solutions
10.2019 - 03.2021
Mental Health Education Instructor & Student Mentor
Colors on the Spectrum | Overbrook High School
01.2018 - 03.2021
Afterschool Program Special Education Liaison / Instructor
Colors on the Spectrum | Martha Washington Elementary School
01.2018 - 06.2020
Summer Camp Director
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
06.2014 - 08.2020
Master of Science in Educational Studies - Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
La Salle University