SHAWN NICOLE GIRTLER
Bloomington,MN
Summary
Licensed, doctoral-level behavior analyst with with experience providing evidenced-based support for individuals and caregivers in a non-profit environment. Known for team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs.
- Clinical Experience: behavior and skills assessment, person-centered planning, crisis intervention, multidisciplinary team consultation
- Leadership & Management: Staff training, program development, team leadership
- Research & Analysis: Data analysis, statistical competency, evidence-based practice
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director
Fraser
08.2023 - Current
- Development of new program Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Positive Support Services (PSS) sites and models for Fraser, Minnesota's largest non-profit for autism, mental/behavioral health, and disability services, in accordance with best practice.
- Maintain BACB ACE provider requirements and develop continuing education program for entire ABA team, including BCBA trainees, BCaBA trainees, and RBTs.
- Provide supervisory, clinical, and professional oversight for the PBS/PSS program to assure the program follows best practice and is consistent with Fraser philosophy, BACB ethics, and state standards.
- Assure high quality and efficient ABA services using best practice guidelines.
- Provide input to develop, maintain, and monitor the budget for PBS/PSS services.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments to ensure alignment on project objectives.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
- Work with the Director to develop and implement quality indicators and clinical pathways to assist in program improvements and demonstrate program outcomes.
Behavior Professional, Behavior Professional Advisor
Fraser
08.2018 - 08.2023
- Provided consultation of behavioral assessment, intervention, and training for staff in the intensive applied behavior analysis program.
- Collaborated with leadership to create meaningful and evidence-based training.
- Provided supervision, direction, and training for staff in the applied behavior analysis program, including registered behavior technicians and board certified behavior analyst supervisees.
- Developed tailored strategies to address client needs, fostering long-term relationships and trust.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff to improve service delivery and support client objectives.
Research Assistant
University of Minnesota
09.2017 - 06.2022
- Conduct sessions with participants via telehealth, data review, and analysis.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research initiatives and project development.
- Assisted in data collection using statistical software to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Collaborated with faculty on experimental design, enhancing study methodologies and outcomes.
- Organized research materials and resources, streamlining access for team members.
Graduate Instructor
University of Minnesota
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Created and delivered master's level ABA practicum content via an online and in-person format.
- Mentored undergraduate students, fostering academic growth and critical thinking skills.
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with faculty to design assessments that align with course objectives.
- Facilitated interactive discussions to encourage student participation and engagement.
Behavior Professional, Services Lead
Fraser
10.2015 - 08.2018
- Provided behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation for preschool aged children within the autism program.
- Conducted curriculum assessment, developed data collection systems, data analysis, conducted functional behavior assessments, and goal and treatment plan formation/implementation.
- Provided supervision, direction, and training for staff in the applied behavior analysis program, including registered behavior technicians and board certified behavior analyst supervisees.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Colorado Autism Consultants
06.2013 - 09.2015
- Provided behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation for individuals diagnosed with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan.
- Conducted curriculum assessment, developed data collection systems, data analysis, conducted functional behavior assessments, and goal and treatment plan formation/implementation.
- Provided direct intervention in clients' homes, schools, communities, and vocational settings.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior intervention plans for diverse client populations.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify triggers and design appropriate interventions.
- Trained and supervised junior staff on behavior analysis techniques and data collection methods.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic approaches in client treatment plans.
- Monitored client progress through systematic data collection, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices.
- Analyzed behavioral data to refine strategies, enhancing client engagement and outcomes.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Center-Based Director
Firefly Autism
11.2012 - 05.2013
- Provided behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation for school-aged children within the autism program.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
- Mentored senior staff, promoting professional development and facilitating knowledge transfer across departments.
- Conducted curriculum assessment, developed data collection systems, data analysis, conducted functional behavior assessments, and goal and treatment plan formation/implementation.
- Provided supervision, direction, and training for staff in the applied behavior analysis program, including registered behavior technicians and board certified behavior analyst supervisees.
BCBA, Program Coordinator
Firefly Autism
11.2009 - 06.2012
- Provided behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation for school-aged children within the autism program.
- Conducted curriculum assessment, developed data collection systems, data analysis, conducted functional behavior assessments, and goal and treatment plan formation/implementation.
- Provided supervision, direction, and training for staff in the applied behavior analysis program, including registered behavior technicians and board certified behavior analyst supervisees.
- Coordinated program logistics, ensuring timely delivery of services to clients and families.
- Developed and implemented training materials for staff, enhancing program effectiveness and compliance.
- Managed communication between stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and facilitating feedback loops.
- Streamlined administrative processes, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times for service requests.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Psychology, Special Education
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN05-2023
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Russell Sage College
Troy, NY01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Sociology/Anthropology
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN01.2007
Skills
- Staff training & supervision
- Data analysis
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Client-centered approach
- Multicultural competence
- Administration and management
- Crisis intervention
- Behavioral assessment
- Multidisciplinary team consultation
- Research
- Behavior analysis
Affiliations
- Applied Behavior Analysis International
- Minnesota Northland Association for Applied Behavior Analysis
- Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP)
Certification
- Licensed Behavior Analyst, Minnesota, LBA0161, November 2024-present
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, #1-11-9272, August 2023-present
- Safety Care Trainer, October 2024-present
- Person Centered Planner, May 2022
- Certified BCBA Supervisor, December 2014-present
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst, #1-11-9272, September 2011-August 2023
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, August 2009-August 2011
LANGUAGES
English– native language
Spanish– speak, read, and write with basic competence
Publications & Presentations
- Ringdahl, J., Schieltz, Kelly., O’Brien, M., McComas, J., Morlino, R., Zabala-Snow, K., Unholz-Bowden, E., & Girtler, S. (2024). Communication Modality Preference and the Social Validity of Functional Communication and Mand Training. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. 37. 411-428. 10.1007/s10882-024-09956-6.
- McComas, J., Kolb, R., & Girtler, S. (2024). The Effect of Caregiver-Implemented Training on Augmentative Alternative Communication Use by Individuals with Rett Syndrome: Remote Coaching via Telehealth. Developmental Neurorehabilitation. 26. 1-14. 10.1080/17518423.2023.2301617.
- Girtler, S. N., Unholz-Bowden, E. K., Shipchandler, A., Kolb, R. L., & McComas, J. J. (2023). Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Individuals with Rett Syndrome Part 1: Page-Linking. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. 36. 10.1007/s10882-023-09903-x.
- Unholz-Bowden, E., Girtler, S., & Shipchandler, A., & Kolb, R., & McComas, J. (2023). Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Individuals with Rett Syndrome Part 2: High-Tech and Low-Tech Modalities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. 36. 147-167. 10.1007/s10882-023-09902-y.
- Unholz-Bowden, E., McComas, J.J., McMaster, K.L., Girtler, Shawn N., Kolb, Rebecca L., & Shipchandler, Alefyah. (2020). Caregiver training via telehealth on behavioral procedures: A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-020-09381-7.
- McComas, J. J., Pennington, B., Noor, N., Girtler, S., Simacek, J., & Dimian, A. (2018). Telehealth-supported assessment and intervention to improve communication outcomes in Rett syndrome. Paper presented at the annual Gatlinburg Conference of Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. San Diego, CA.
- Kolb, R., McComas, J., Shipchandler, A., Unholz, E., & Girtler, S. (2019). The Effects of Functional Communication Training Coached via Telehealth for Individuals with Rett Syndrome. Paper presented at the International meeting of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Stockholm, Sweden.
- Girtler, S., Kolb, R., & McComas, J (May 2019) Levels of regulation and self-injury in a female subject with Rett syndrome. Poster presented at ABAI Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, USA
- Girtler, S., Kolb, R., & McComas, J (April 2019) Levels of regulation and self-injury in a female subject with Rett syndrome. Poster presented at MnABA Data Blitz, Mankato, MN, USA
- Girtler, S., & Hughes, D. (May 2013). Differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior to reduce loud vocal stereotypy. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Girtler, S. (May, 2013). Individualized token economy and momentary time sampling effect on the occurrence of on-task behavior. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Girtler, S. & Long, N. (May 2012). A comparison of teaching strategies on skill acquisition. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, USA
- Girtler, S. & Barton, D. (May 2012). A replication study of demand fading protocol effect on the occurrence of maladaptive behavior and rate of skill acquisition. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, USA
- Scott, C. & Girtler, S. (May 2011). Demand fading protocol effect on the occurrence of maladaptive behavior and rate of skill acquisition. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Conference, Denver, CO, USA
- Scott, C. & Girtler, S. (January 2011). Demand fading protocol effect on the occurrence of maladaptive behavior and rate of skill acquisition. Poster presented at ABAi Annual Autism Conference, Washington DC., USA
Timeline
Assistant Director
Fraser
08.2023 - Current
Graduate Instructor
University of Minnesota
09.2019 - 12.2020
Behavior Professional, Behavior Professional Advisor
Fraser
08.2018 - 08.2023
Research Assistant
University of Minnesota
09.2017 - 06.2022
Behavior Professional, Services Lead
Fraser
10.2015 - 08.2018
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Colorado Autism Consultants
06.2013 - 09.2015
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Center-Based Director
Firefly Autism
11.2012 - 05.2013
BCBA, Program Coordinator
Firefly Autism
11.2009 - 06.2012
Ph.D. - Educational Psychology, Special Education
University of Minnesota
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Russell Sage College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Sociology/Anthropology
Gustavus Adolphus College
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