About Us

Beth's path to advocacy is a tale sprinkled with whimsy and a touch of rebellion. It all kicked off with a pint-sized Beth perched on her father's shoulders at an Equal Rights Amendment rally in the mid-70s–If only they had tiny picket signs for toddlers.

As the chapters unfolded, Beth seamlessly transitioned into the Proud Young Americans for Truth organization, where she wielded gel pens like weapons of non-partisan education on upcoming bills. Imagine a political Lemonade Stand, minus the spills and with an added splash of colorful activism.

Undeterred by the mundane, Beth took her cause straight to the people, clipboard in hand, collecting signatures for the Americans with Disabilities Act outside Walmart. Because, really, who needs a traditional soapbox when you can make your case at the entrance of a superstore?

In a plot twist worthy of a sitcom, Beth entered the Intercollegiate Legislature, penning bills for the Oklahoma Legislature. Who says legislative prowess can't be achieved with a healthy dose of wit and a knack for crafting impactful bills?

Not content with the ordinary, Beth decided to upskill with the Partners in Policymaking training. This is an 8-week course on disability advocacy that was offered through Boise State University.  Yes, it's a real thing – no juggling or stand-up comedy required (though we secretly wish it were).

Cue the grand finale, where Beth brought her unique brand of wisdom to the Colorado Association of Behavior Analysts (COABA) Public Policy Committee and Medicaid subcommittees. Because when HCPF hands you lemons for policy discussions, why not infuse a bit of wit to keep things engaging?

Beth's advocacy journey is a delightful blend of pint-sized protests, crayon-powered education, and clipboard-wielding Walmart activism. Making a difference has never been this entertaining. If Advocacy were an award-winning show, Beth would undoubtedly be the star of the production!

In the enchanted realm of Childkind, there dwells a most remarkable individual named Alexandra, a dedicated behavior analyst with a heart full of passion for child and youth development. Since the magical year of 2010, Alexandra has been weaving her spell of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), bringing light and positivity into the lives of countless children.

 Her journey through the land of academia led her to the prestigious University of Washington, where she completed the mystical LEND program in 2013. There, she delved into the mysteries of behavior-based feeding interventions, collaborating with other brilliant minds to conquer feeding deficits and bring joy to mealtimes.

Beyond the realm of clinical practice, Alexandra served as the diligent scribe for a local K-12 charter school for four years. With her quill and parchment, she meticulously documented the school's operations, ensuring transparency and adherence to the kingdom's standards. Her leadership and public policy skills flourished, guiding the school towards a future of enlightenment and progress.

In her quest to cultivate leadership, Alexandra has embarked on numerous advocacy initiatives. Since the inception of COABA, she has been a stalwart presence, serving on the Public Policy Committee and Medicaid Subcommittee. Her involvement blossomed in 2023, as she joined the webinar, workshop, and conference committees, presenting her wisdom at national gatherings and penning an upcoming publication in the hallowed pages of Behavior Analysis in Practice's advocacy special edition.

Currently, Alexandra reigns as the Director of Clinical Standards at BlueSprig. In this role, she collaborates with various departments to establish clinical standards and operating procedures, ensuring the highest quality of services for clients and families. She coordinates an array of clinical committees, from safeguarding to grand rounds to research, and represents Colorado on the advocacy committee. Her dedication to fostering a supportive environment for staff and promoting ongoing professional development is unparalleled.

Alexandra's unwavering commitment to child and youth development, her extensive experience in leadership and public policy, and her passion for advocating for effective clinical services make her a treasured gem in the kingdom of COABA. With a heart full of excitement, she looks forward to continuing her service in any capacity she is called upon, ever ready to sprinkle her magic and make the world a brighter place for all.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and the occasional whimsical behavior that eludes meticulous analysis –I'm Rebecca Urbano Powell, your newly minted President of the Colorado Association for Behavior Analysis (COABA). I've been navigating the thrilling labyrinth of Applied Behavior Analysis for 23 glorious years, which, in behavior analyst time, is practically a few lifetimes.

In my tenure as COABA's Treasurer since 2022, I've managed our finances with such precision that even my cats envy my budgeting skills. Picture this: Public Policy committee co-chair, Professional Development committee co-chair – it's like having a double-shot espresso of advocacy and career growth.

I'm not just passionate; I'm the Beyoncé of quality care, the Da Vinci of best practice guidelines, and the Shakespeare of advocating for families and providers. At least that’s what my mom says. 

Remember that legislation for Medically Necessary Treatment in schools in Colorado? Yeah, I was the secret sauce in that recipe. Ok, not really. That honor goes to our lobbyist, Emma Hudson. I was more like the garnish on the plate. But I did once help to facilitate the creation of an ABA department in a California school district, complete with specialized paraeducators. Kewl beans.

So, fasten your seatbelts, COABA, for under my leadership, we're not merely breaking molds; we're crafting entirely new ones. Let's embark on this journey of weaving behavioral magic together, where professionalism meets a touch of humor, creating an atmosphere of innovation and progress.

Dr. Emily Ice isn’t just the Executive Director of Step-In Autism Services—she’s a funding alchemist, a policy powerhouse, and a relentless champion for quality care. As the Public Policy Chairman for COABA, she weaves her advocacy magic to shape laws and policies that expand access to vital services. With the determination of an arctic explorer, she has successfully navigated the treacherous terrain of legislation in both Alaska and Colorado, securing services for those who need them most.

But her impact doesn’t stop when the sun sets—by moonlight, she transforms into a global sleep whisperer, mentoring behavior analysts in the art and science of treating sleep disturbances. Her research delves deep into the behavioral conceptualization of sleep, uncovering the hidden contingencies that govern our slumber. Whether she’s rallying for systemic change or unlocking the mysteries of sleep, Dr. Ice is on a mission to make the world a little more just, a lot more accessible, and infinitely more well-rested.