Teagan Sims, M.S., BCBA, CAS
Hello! I am a school-based BCBA and the creator of Ice Cream and Cuss Words. My journey began during my undergraduate studies in legal psychology, working with the St. Louis juvenile justice system, supporting young girls in court-mandated group homes and substance abuse residential programs. In both roles, I focused on behavior-based interventions and replacement skills to help them transition back into their communities. Those early years taught me that behavior change isn’t just about data – it’s about survival, resilience, and finding a path forward when things feel impossible. That same passion for behavior science eventually led me to the classroom, where I now support children with special needs – driven by a deep commitment to supporting the independence of our future generations. I believe that every child deserves the tools to navigate their world with autonomy, but I also realized that the path to get there can be messy. I started this blog because while the science of ABA is powerful, it doesn’t always account for the day you’ve had or the cold coffee you’ve reheated four times. Whether we’re celebrating the “Ice Cream” wins or navigating the “Cuss Word” meltdowns, I wanted to create a space for evidence-based strategies and deep-seated honesty. I’m here to make sure fellow behavior analysis, educators, and parents feel welcome and seen – knowing they are not alone on this journey. No judgement, just honesty.
Amanda Ferrera
I am a behavior specialist and special educator with a background in psychology and autism studies, currently completing graduate training in Applied Behavior Analysis. My work spans school-based systems, individualized behavior support, and family-centered advocacy—but the foundation of everything I do was built long before my credentials. I didn’t choose this work from a textbook or a lecture hall—I chose it from life. I learned it while advocating for my son in classrooms that didn’t yet know how to see him, while navigating the daily realities of behavior, communication challenges, and the emotional weight that follows families home. I learned it in late-night reflections, difficult meetings, and the constant question so many parents carry: Am I doing enough? And then I learned something else. I learned that progress often lives in quiet moments. In connection before correction. In systems that support rather than punish. In approaches that honor dignity and recognize behavior as communication. When the right supports were finally in place, I watched my son find success—and I knew this was work I couldn’t walk away from. This work is personal. It’s rooted in lived experience, professional training, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to be understood before they are expected to comply. I do this because I’ve lived both sides of the table—as a professional & as a parent—and I’ve seen what happens when we finally get it right.
Erica Long
Hi, I am Erica! I am currently in a Masters program for ABA and a BCBA in training. I work with Teagan and the gang as a Behavior Specialist for the school district in our county. Of the things that I’ve noticed while working as a Behavior Specialist is that professionals, parents, and even coworkers all have different views and amazing ideas on how to provide support for our kiddos. Collaborating with each other with open lines of communication is such a powerful tool to being successful. Ice Cream and Cuss Words is a great opportunity to start communicating so thank you for being here!
Samantha Dube
Samantha Dube is a Southwest Florida-based Behavior Specialist and BCBA in training currently completing her Master of Science at Endicott College with a minor concentration in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM).
An alumna of Northeastern University, Samantha’s clinical expertise is supported by a deep foundation in psychological research across multiple domains. Her background includes work in the Social-Emotional Lab, utilizing scripted experimental acting to maintain procedural integrity, and the Health Technology Lab, where she conducted cognitive testing to measure the impact of physical activity on performance. Following a year of intensive work in the Social Interaction Lab—contributing to meta-analyses and data management for numerous experiments—she was elected by faculty and the Department Chair as a Paul and Grace Ward Martinez Research Fellow.
An active voice in research dissemination, Samantha has presented several posters at various professional conferences, including a notable presentation at the National Patient Safety Foundation that resulted in a subsequent research grant. With a professional history ranging from Regional Coordinator in Boston to school-based ABA Specialist, she is set to graduate in Summer 2026. She is dedicated to the intersection of OBM and Sports ABA and intends to return to academia to pursue a PhD.