Dr. Cruz has been an adjunct faculty in the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis
within the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences since 2024. She teaches several
courses including the Applied Experience in ABA courses, Behavior Change Procedures,
Behavioral Assessment, and Ethical and Professional Issues in ABA.
Biography
Dr. Yulema Cruz is a doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst and a seasoned behavior expert
with well over 20 years of experience specializing in skill acquisition and behavior
reduction programming, as well as individualized training/coaching and supervision.
As an educator, researcher, coach, author, public speaker and consultant, Dr. Cruz
is dedicated to providing ethical and effective services that transform caregivers,
professionals, clients and communities. Dr. Cruz is a trailblazer in supporting neurodivergent
individuals to thrive in the workplace, community and other settings, by integrating
the science of behavior and organizational behavior management (OBM) applications.
Through a collaborative and supportive approach, she provides practical tools tailored
to each individual’s unique strengths. As a coach, she empowers caregivers and neurodivergent
professionals to succeed by building on their abilities, fostering resilience and
helping them create environments where they can excel. Her work sets a benchmark for
compassionate, evidence-based practice. Dr. Cruz earned a Ph.D. in Education with
a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Presently, she holds a part-time/adjunct
faculty position at Ouachita Baptist University and is the founder of MontyBehavior
Consultants, LLC. As part of her pro-bono work, Dr. Cruz has provided ethical advice
in the areas of supervision and training, through the international ABA Ethics hotline,
since 2018.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
- It is a faith-based university.
- The faculty are amazing. I am fortunate to have them as colleagues.
- The program is remote, graduate level.
- The program offers a rigorous curriculum.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
- Making a deeper impact through training and education
- Focus on research and scholarship
- Intellectual and professional growth
- It matched my personal values and the specific stage of my career
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most important and impactful scientific
disciplines today. It provides a systematic, evidence-based framework for understanding
and changing behavior in practical ways. ABA is the most thoroughly researched and
effective intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It has broad, real world
applications beyond autism including education, mental health and addiction, organizational
behavior management, public health and safety, among others. ABA emphasizes observable
behavior, objective measurement, experimental control and ongoing progress monitoring.
We focus on making changes that matter to the client and family, assent/consent, trauma-informed
care and positive reinforcement rather than punishment. We prioritize quality of life
and client dignity. Instead of just treating symptoms, we identify why behaviors occur
and teach replacement skills. Effective behavioral interventions reduce reliance on
more restrictive or costly services.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
- It is a rigorous program that prepares students well to become independent research
practitioners of the science of behavior.
- The faculty are experts on several areas of ABA, are leaders in the field and approach
teaching with grace, rigor and faith-based values.
- Though it is a remote program, it doesn't feel like it as the faculty are very present
throughout and provide ongoing, individualized student support.
What do you like to do in your free time?
- Work on/take care of my farm
- Read, listen to music
- Travel
- Spend time with loved ones
- Cook/bake
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall
rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants
of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."
– Isaiah 54:17
Publications
- Cruz, Y., Amed, J. (2026). The assessment of basic behavior analytic skills. Gumroad.
- Cruz, Y., Cordova, K., & Jurgens, H. (2023). The consulting supervisor handbook: Helping
newly certified BCBAs navigate supervision. KHY ABA Consulting Group, Inc.
- Cruz, Y., Kriss, J., Welsh, T. M., & Bailey, J. S. (2023). Teaching supervisory skills
to behavior analysts and improving therapist-delivered discrete trial teaching. Journal
of Organizational Behavior Management, 43(3), 256–278.
- Jurgens, H., Cordova, K. L., & Cruz, Y. (2022). The ABA supervision handbook: A guide
to quality fieldwork experience (2nd Ed.). KHY ABA Consulting Group, Inc.
- Jurgens, H., Cordova, K. L., & Cruz, Y. (2021). The ABA supervision handbook: A guide
to quality fieldwork experience. WND Press.
- Beirne, A., & Sadavoy, J. (2018). Understanding ethics in behavior analysis: Practical
applications, Taylor & Francis. Contributing author: “Reflections: An interview with
Yulema Cruz”.
