Alex McCurdy, MA, BCBA
Carla Burji, MA, BCBA
Alex has been applying the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for 5 years. Alex worked under Dr. Greg Madden at Utah State University using gamification to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary school cafeterias. He then completed his master’s at University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA, under Dr. Matthew Normand. For his master’s thesis, Alex used contingency management (interventions based on operant conditioning) to increase the physical activity of adults. At UOP, he used behavioral interventions to help a range of populations (i.e., typically developing children, children diagnosed with autism, adults diagnosed mental health diagnoses) with a range of behavioral concerns (e.g., social skills, potty training, sleep challenges, Picture Exchange Communication System, hygiene skills, pre-academic skills, self-injury, aggression, noncompliance).
Alex believes that the proof of ABA lies in the results, and that with ABA that we can change the world. In his free time, Alex likes to play ultimate frisbee, rock climb, and play with his cats.
Carla has been working with children and adolescents since 2014. She has a Bachelors degree in psychology and economics from McMaster University and an advanced diploma in Behavior Science Technology. She received her Masters degree in psychology from University of the Pacific and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst shortly after graduating. For her master’s thesis, Carla evaluated the effects of feedback during the Good Behavior Game to increase physical activity during recess. Her expertise has been applied in many settings including, center, research, schools, and homes. Carla’s experience ranges from assessments, functional communication training, and delay tolerance training, to name a few; she has publications on increasing eye contact, reducing stereotypy, and increasing physical activity.
When she is not working, she enjoys training her cats, backpacking, disc golfing, and crafting.