Putting the Human Back in Behaviour Support

During this presentation, Mary will provide an overview of the ACT Matrix and Pro-Social Matrix and its use not only in the field of behaviour support, but also in our day-to-day lives. Evolved from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Training), the ACT Matrix is a visual process that increases psychological flexibility from a “Functional Contextual” point of view, “the why we do what we do, in any given environment”. It addresses behaviour change by examining the relationship between behaviour and the environment in which it occurs from the observer self-view, and therefore increases our own internal motivation for change. You will learn to provide effective facilitation for person-centered planning from a non-judgemental, culturally responsive, and trauma informed lens.  Aimed at behaviour change, effective facilitation is less about being the “content expert” and more about being the process expert.

Mary Penrice-Edmondson, M.S., BCBA - District Behaviour Specialist at the Richmond School District

Mary is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been working in the field of intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) since 1999. Supporting a wide range of individuals with a variety of diverse abilities, Mary’s experience has focused on supporting individuals with complex needs who exhibit severe aggression and self-injury; and working collaboratively as part of a team of multi-disciplinary professionals in residential settings, in-patient tertiary settings, homes, schools, and community settings.

Mary has presented at a number of behaviour analytic conferences and has provided a number of training sessions for caregivers, school staff, agencies, and supervisees. She enjoys supporting teams as they develop their skills to better support the individuals who they support, regardless of their role. Mary works from a point of view that promotes psychological flexibility, and psychological safety using both the ACT Matrix and Pro-Social Matrix.

Target Audience:  Education Assistants only

Time: 12:45 – 2:45 pm