Barbara Nelson, MsEd, LBS, BCBA has spent her career working with children from age 2-18 and their families. As teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 500 hours of Yoga and Meditation Training, Barbara draws from her vast experience when working with children and families. She is a Licensed Behavior Specialist in the state of Pennsylvania.

Barbara received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from New York University and then completed her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at City University of New York, Hunter College. She has worked extensively with children and families across diverse populations and settings.

She was a lead teacher at the Pacific Primary Preschool in San Francisco where she taught using project-based curriculum to create engaging and creative program from her students, oversaw the after-school program and worked closely with families to address the social emotional needs of the children she worked with. After the birth of her first child Barbara transitioned to working at a startup, Early Childhood Matters, focused on building curriculum aimed at educating parents on toddler brain development along with giving parents strategies on how to manage typical toddler behavior.

After taking time off to stay home with her young children she transitioned back to work with the goal to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Barbara completed her clinical training at Potential Inc, a center treating individuals with autism. There she worked with clients from ages 2 to 15 in home, the community and in the clinical setting completing assessments, writing and implementing behavior plans. Individualizing services to address the unique and specific needs of each client, Barbara worked closely with families to identify areas of need improve quality of life across different domains of functioning.

Currently, Barbara is employed at the Valley Day School where she works with students, direct support staff and teachers to improve learning for students with disabilities. Barbara works with students who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, depression and anxiety.

In clinical practice Barbara aims to identify areas of need that impact the quality of life of the children and families she works with. She uses the behavior analytic framework and incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques to create meaningful change that is attainable and measurable.