2015 TxABA Award - Career Contributions to Behavior Analysis in Texas

Deborah L. Grossett 2015 TxABA Career Award for Behavior Analysis in Texas

Dr. Grossett received her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in1984. She studied under some of the founders, pioneers, and leading scholars in Behavior Analysis: Drs. Al Poling, Jack Michael, Kay Malott, and others.

Deb began her career as a researcher and published several articles with Al Poling and colleagues in The Behavior Analyst and other behaviorally-oriented journals. After she received her doctorate, she began a post-doctoral internship as a psychologist at Richmond State School in1984 under the supervision of Dr. Don Williams. Dr. Grossett worked at RSS for three years and during that time published articles in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. But also during this time, she was devoted to the individuals on her caseload and was a strong advocate for their welfare. She worked to reduce medications to their lowest therapeutic level, to reduce restraint and maintain safety. She developed behavior treatment programs to replace restraint and some medications, working closely with her team members and the psychiatric clinic. Deb’s work at Richmond was characterized by closely working with families, colleagues, and other caregivers.

Dr. Grossett was employed and/or has consulted at the following during her career in Texas: Texana Center, The Shape of Behavior, MHMRA of Harris County, The Center, The University of Houston at Clear Lake, Richmond State Supported Living Center, Denton State Supported Living Center, and various private providers. Dr. Grossett has been an ambassador for behavior analysis and an advocate for clients she has served. She exemplifies the best that behavior analysts can be. She knows behavior analysis and practices it as a consummate professional. She always adapts her practice to meet the needs of clients. She has made numerous presentations at various meetings of professionals, parents, and advocates. Dr. Grossett has supervised numerous students in various settings. She is a dynamic presenter who loves to spread behavior analysis.

Dr. Grossett currently serves as the Director of the Behavior Analysis Training Program and is a faculty member at Central Michigan University, where she also serves as co-director of the new Autism Treatment Program. Dr. Grossett is a co-author of Prevention of Severe Problem Behaviors and “Sleep Disorders”, two chapters in a forthcoming book: N. N. Singh (Ed.) Clinical Handbook of Evidence-Based Practices in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

 

Presented by Don Williams at the 2015 TxABA Annual Conference