Training Director: Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Website: www.mayinstitute.org

Fellowship Term: Begins on or after August 2, 2021

Training Leadership:

Cynthia Anderson, Senior Vice President, Applied Behavior Analysis / Director of the National Autism Center at May Institute 
e. canderson@mayinstitute.org

Ivy Chong, Senior Vice President, Children's Services 
e. ichong@mayinstitute.org

Training Philosophy

Postdoctoral fellowships in applied behavior analysis at the May Institute provide advanced training in the science and practice of behavior analysis and prepare fellows to function independently in their profession (psychology, behavior analysis, special education). The goals of fellowship training include: advanced training in assessment, treatment, case management, research, supervision, and ethical and professional behavior.

Fellows will be able to accrue supervision hours towards Board Licensure in Psychology and/or practicum hours towards certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

Training Opportunities

Fellowships provide specialized training in one or more of the following areas: applied verbal behavior, severe problem behavior, school consultation, parent training, and systems-change. Fellows complete their fellowships (1-2 years) in one or more of the following programs: May Center Schools; Home, School, and Center-Based Services; Adult Services; or research-funded projects.

May Center Schools for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Disabilities

The May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, Mass., applies the principles of behavior analysis (ABA) to the assessment and treatment of core and associated features of autism spectrum disorder including communication, social interaction, addressing repetitive behaviors, and severe problem behavior. Students served in the schools typically present with significant behavioral and/or learning challenges.

A video overview of the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Randolph, Mass.

Home, School, and Center-based Services

The Home, School, and Center-based program offers a unique, comprehensive continuum of consultation services to schools, private agencies, and families. Our clinicians provide consultation and training to families and school staff; supervision to ABA Direct Therapists; and develop programs to enhance the quality of life for students with behavioral, learning, and/or cognitive challenges.  Our services range from intensive center-based programs, in-home behavioral treatment, to consultation and technical assistance for system-wide organizational change. The training experience includes a unique opportunity to provide clinical support within a large, urban school setting with students from a variety of cultural, ethnic, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. The training experience also includes systems-level work with potential opportunities for learning the implementation of School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in a variety of districts and schools. 

A video overview of the May Center for ABA Services 

Adult Services

May Institute serves approximately 450 individuals in residential and day habilitation services across Massachusetts. The fellowship will be located in Randolph, MA and will involve overseeing research and training projects with the clinical teams in our adult services programs. The focus of our clinical work is on improving quality of life for adults with disabilities through teaching new skills and decreasing problem behavior. We are also developing new programs to increase healthy lifestyles and develop positive relationships. 

A video from the May Center for Adult Services: Meet Nancy 

Research

Fellows may choose to focus primarily on applied research during their fellowship. A research fellowship at May Institute is dependent on grant unding and provides fellows with training in any or all of the following areas: the pre-award process, post-award management, coordination of multi-site projects, implementation of randomized controlled research trials, and implementation science. Current or pending research includes:(a) a randomized, controlled trial of early-intensive behavioral intervention, (b) a randomized, controlled trial of a modular, school-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder, (c) a feasibility study of an intervention for secondary students with challenging behavior, (d) a feasibility study of a virtual framework for training and coaching teachers to implement behavior intervention plans, and (e) a feasibility study of a virtual parent-training program. In addition to participating in the research studies, fellows will have the opportunity to receive mentoring in developing their own line of independent research. There also may be opportunities to pursue research questions using single-subject research designs and program evaluation. 

Supervision and Training Activities

Each postdoctoral fellow will work with their supervisor to develop an individualized training plan that is aligned with the fellow’s goals for training. Depending on interests, these experiences could include opportunities for direct clinical work, consultation, supervision of others, the conduct of research, providing workshops or other trainings, and administrative activities. Fellows are required to complete a minimum of 2000 hours of fellowship. Supervision occurs during individual supervision for at least two hours per week in addition to at least 2 hours of group supervision. Postdoctoral fellows have funding to attend national conferences and professional development activities within the May Institute through our Continuing Education series.
 

Application Guidelines

Qualifications for Fellowship in Applied Behavior Analysis include:

• Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree in psychology, behavior analysis, or special education from a regionally accredited institute of higher education.
• Prior supervised experience working in schools, residential services, or clinical settings individuals with autism spectrum disorder or related disorders.

To apply for a Fellowship in Applied Behavior Analysis, please submit:

• Cover letter describing the fellowship program(s) you are applying for, the reasons why the fellowship is of interest to you, and a summary of your academic preparation and professional experiences that are related to the fellowship.
• Curriculum vita
• Letters of recommendation from two professors or professional supervisors (sent directly to Dr. Zarcone).

Before beginning the fellowship, you will also need to submit:

• Official transcripts from your graduate program(s)
• Verification letter that you have completed all requirements for your Ph.D. (to be completed by your dissertation chair or the director of your training program), if your transcripts do not reflect that your degree has been awarded.
   

Review of applications will begin on January 10, 2021, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by the APPIC uniform notification date (2/22/21), if desired.

Please direct all questions to Jennifer Zarcone or any of the faculty listed above.

Please send application materials to Dr. Jennifer Zarcone at jzarcone@mayinstitute.org.

Fellowship term begins on or after August 2, 2021.

“Completing a post-doctoral fellowship at May Institute allowed me to hone my clinical skills in Applied Behavior Analysis, introduce me to new and current trends in research, and learn from some incredible psychologists who are leaders in the field.”

─ Dan Clark