Vote for your TABA 2022 Executive Committee Members
West Student Representative
Ebony Barnes, M.S.
University of Memphis
Ebony Barnes is a second-year doctoral student in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Memphis. Ebony received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Science in General Psychology from the University of Memphis. Working in the field of ABA is the nexus of Ebony’s professional experience and passions- fostering positive youth development and education.
Ebony’s work with youth is varied and multi-faceted, ranging from Youth Coordinator for a non-profit system of care; elementary school teacher for Shelby County Schools; to Project Coordinator for the Center for the Advancement of Youth Development with the University of Memphis Department of Social Work. Ebony has worked with specialized communities, such as youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, youth impacted by trauma, and youth at-risk for detrimental social and educational outcomes. In addition, Ebony worked with adults with mental and behavioral health diagnoses and individuals with developmental disabilities for years.
West Regional Representative
Donna Ross
Donna Satterlee Ross, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA received her board certification in August 2018. Donna currently enjoys working at Autism in Motion, Collierville as a BCBA. Prior to that, she was employed as a BCBA by Cultivate Behavioral Health (formerly Advanced Behavioral Consulting) in Memphis, Tennessee. Donna also worked as a Behavior Specialist in Alcorn County School District (Mississippi) and completed her independent fieldwork at The Angel Program (Holy Rosary School) in Memphis, Tennessee. Donna is a first year doctoral student in the Instruction and Curriculum Leadership program at the University of Memphis. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University (Counselor Education,1996) and The University of Florida (Psychology/Sociology,1995). From 2012-2014, Donna served as the school board president for the Anniston City School District in Anniston, AL. Donna recently moved from Desoto County, MS to Tennessee with her family, including a daughter with special needs. Donna is the author of “That’s Life With Autism: Tales and Tips for Families with Autism” (2006, Jessica Kingsley, pub.) In her free time, Donna enjoys participating in improv and community theatre.
Middle Student Representative
Starkicia Washington
Star Washington, a native of Memphis, TN, currently serves as a Homebound Teacher with Wilson County School District. She is a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!), having earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Master of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Secondary English Education. Star is currently pursuing a Specialist of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at Tennessee Tech University.
Star’s ability to do what’s best for kids has afforded her the ability to take on several leadership roles during her teaching career, including English department chair, professional learning community leader, internship coordinator, and dance team sponsor. Star’s commitment to encouraging and supporting youth extends beyond the classroom. She frequently leads family wellness and college and career readiness activities at her local church. Star intends to leverage her studies in applied behavior analysis to continue to impact the youth and their families within our community.
Star, along with her husband, Terrell, reside in Lebanon, TN, and are blessed to be the parents of their high energy-consuming, kindhearted 6-year-old son, Ethan, whom they adore. Star loves spending quality time with her guys and is an avid reader. She believes that life is full of blessings and divine disruptions; just know that you are creating the portrait of your life each day, so autograph your life with excellence.
Middle Student Representative
Vandyk Adade-Yeboah
My name is Vandyck Adade-Yeboah and I hold a master’s degree in Special Education from East Tennessee State University. I am currently in the ABA Doctoral program at Tennessee Technological University. My passion to become a Behavior Analyst and help people with diverse form of behaviors became stronger when I completed my first degree from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. The passion led me to enroll in a master’s program in Special education where I had the opportunity to learn about the various forms of disabilities that affects learning and how best, help can be offered to those with disabilities so that they can equally succeed like those without disabilities, both in the academic and non-academic setting.
To better understand behavior across all setting, and how to provide interventions to help reduce problem behaviors motivated me to enroll in the ABA doctoral program in Tennessee Technological University of which I am currently a research assistant in the department.
I am currently conducting a study on the effectiveness of Tolerance for Delay as an intervention strategy to reduce problem behaviors among kids with different forms of disabilities. Aside being in the ABA Doctoral program, I am also preparing to take my RBT exams and become an RBT. The journey so far has been awesome.
I am very optimistic that when given the opportunity to serve on TABA 2022 committee, I will serve with all the knowledge I have, work collaboratively with everyone, and bring on board with new ideas on how the organization can always accomplish its goals.