Who is Voyage Behavior?
Amanda's Journey
"My name is Amanda Gray and I have been an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practitioner for 7 years. I am a neurodivergent Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) practicing ABA in Polk County, Florida.
I began my journey in ABA therapy as an RBT intern while pursuing a double bachelor's degree at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida from 2016-2017.
I fell in love with the field of ABA, because of the research-based implementation of behavior modification that is centered on scientific data for the improvement of the quality of life for our clients.
After FIU, I pursued a Master's in Science in ABA from National University in California, graduating in September 2020. In 2021, I began my lifelong dream of obtaining a doctoral-level degree. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in ABA at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology's DC Campus.
My interests in ABA focus on providing neuro-affirming compassionate trauma-informed client-centered ABA therapy. I do this by learning from my clients how they need to learn, and if we can help them self-advocate for any accommodations on their journey through life."
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
According to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) behavior analysis is the scientific study of the principles of learning and behavior.
Behavior Therapists, or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), work under the direct supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA).
BCaBA's have an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis and provide behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a BCBA, which may include supervising RBTs and learning the skills necessary to become a BCBA.
While BCBAs perform behavioral assessments, analyze data, and write behavior-analytic treatment plans. We also train caregivers to implement components of treatment plans and oversee the implementation of treatment plans by Behavior Technicians (RBT); Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA), or Student Analysts (RBT & BCaBA pursuing a higher credential).
Areas of Sub-Specialties in ABA:
- Advocacy for our Neurodivergent clients: Autism; ADHD; Dyslexia; Down Syndrome; ODD; and other Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities.
- Assent for all recipients of ABA
- Behavioral Gerontology
- Behavioral Pediatrics
- Behavioral Sports Psychology
- Brain Injury Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Child Maltreatment Intervention and Prevention
- Clinical Behavior Analysis
- Education
- Environmental Sustainability
- Ethical and Trauma-Informed ABA Therapy
- Food Selectivity
- Health and Fitness
- Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)
- Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment
- Public Health
- Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Our Patient Promise
Amanda's experiences in both pharmacy and ABA have given her an incredible foundation and perspective that she uses today in our unique client-centered trauma-informed ABA practice.
Our focus is to help our Neurodivergent clients to become aware of their inner strengths by learning how to communicate effectively using ABA techniques that will help build their own unique repertoires of social and life skills that will allow them to self-advocate, including:
- Accepting “No!” with an understanding of why.
- Daily living skills like Potty Training, Dressing, Handwashing, and Cleaning Up Toys.
- Expressing their wants and needs through Functional Communication Training
- Fine and gross motor imitation skills, with input from consulting occupational therapists and or physical therapists.
- Following safety directions in the home and out in the community.
- Food Therapy to expand limited food palates.
- Identifying likes and dislikes so that the client can express their sensory needs.
- Listener Responding through receptive (pointing) and expressive language (labeling/tacting).
- Making requests (Manding).
- Peer interactions and social play, with supervised group sessions available once a week.
- Sharing and accepting the removal of preferred items.
- Task Analysis or chaining tasks like tieing shoes or getting dressed.
- Transitioning between preferred and non-preferred activities.
- Waiting and other personal Safety Skills.
We promise to be there for you through every step of your journey.
Welcome to Voyage Behavior!
We appreciate your patience at this time, due to severe staffing shortages in this area of Polk County, we currently have a waiting list for ABA Therapy.
The best way to reach us is by email or text.
If you have any questions, please call us at: (305) 934 - 6378
If you would like to submit an inquiry for ABA services, please click "Contact Us" below.
Thank you, and have a great day!