ShaeLyn Harris
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT), and Certified Nutritionist (PN1). As a BCBA, ShaeLyn has worked with a variety of individuals using behavioral science to increase opportunities, build friendships, and work towards personalized goals. Growing up as a gymnast and dancer, her days were spent in either the gym or the studio.
Through continued work in this field, it became increasingly apparent that children, particularly those with special needs, had limited access to not only sports teams, but exercise in general. When paired with nutritional deficits due to limited food preferences, this community experiences an increased likelihood of being overweight compared to their peers. Parents of this population also have less likelihood of engaging in these behaviors due to the intensive needs of their children, often forgoing their own health for the betterment of their children. This revelation led her to create Cusp Collective, a community built on creating environments for people with all needs to increase health and for parents to invest in themselves. Cusp is a community seeking to build strength and skills that reach beyond the gym and the dinner table.
What is/is not ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the method of using human behavior science to increase desired behavior. ABA places an emphasis on environmental factors that impact an individuals behavior. Environmental changes are made based on personal values and goals to increase likelihood of achieving a desired outcome. The science of behavior is backed by years of research, shown to be beneficial in increasing healthy lifestyles, growing businesses, and is most commonly associated with increasing socially significant behaviors within the autism population.
Common misconceptions regarding ABA:
Can only be used with those who have autism or “challenging” behavior
ABA is a behavioral science that creates environmental contingencies to increase desired behavior. ABA can be used for individuals looking to increase fitness goals, create a healthier lifestyle, increase desired daily habits, along with numerous other behaviors we all encounter daily.
ABA creates robotic, compliant individuals through rigid programming.
At Cusp, ABA provides a foundation for reaching individualized goals. Goals are set by the client, based on desired outcomes. Cusp uses ABA to guide clients in achieving these goals through antecedent interventions, data collection, precision teaching, and other methods to increase likelihood of achieving goals. Throughout the process, the client has a voice in goal setting, interventions, and methods used. With ABA, changes are made based on the data. Following the data provides insight into the individuals strengths and barriers, guiding the way to a healthier lifestyle.
