In this foundational episode (recorded 2025 as the intro to “Coaching for Change”), host Belle Stikeleather (BCBA, QBA, LBA-NY) opens up about her unexpected path to becoming a resilience coach and behavior scientist. From studying diplomacy and international relations to working aboard a luxury cruise ship, teaching in the UAE, discovering the Competent Learner Model (CLM) Program, earning her BCBA certification, and now pursuing a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a focus on coaching and global dissemination, Belle shares the pivots, realizations, and values that shaped her mission.
This episode explores:
• How cross-cultural experiences ignited a passion for meaningful, individualized change.
• The moment coaching became her calling—collaborative, constructional, and empowering (inspired by Vicci Tucci’s mentorship).
• Why the Constructional Approach (Goldiamond, 2002) shifts focus from “fixing challenging behaviors” to building strengths and repertoires.
• The power of language in learning: “coach” vs. “supervisor” (Tucci, 2009) and how it changes everything.
• The heart of this podcast: creating safe, affirming spaces for growth through science, compassion, and measurable action.
Correction: completed all required supervision hours (1,500) to be eligible to become a BCBA, check BACB for information.
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References:
•Goldiamond, I. (2002). Functional assessment and constructional analyses. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, 3(2), 19-30.
•Tucci, V. (2009). Competent Learner Model: A progressive model for behavior and learning. Tucci Learning Solutions.
Thanks for joining Resilience Coaching Collective!
We explore neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based strategies inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach (expanded by T.V. Joe Layng and rooted in B.F. Skinner’s science) that build strengths and repertoires rather than simply eliminate problem behaviors.
This episode is part of our ongoing inclusion initiative, Spectrum Speaks, a Behavioral Teaching Solutions project dedicated to amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating safe spaces for growth.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our weekly conversations that turn challenges into lasting capabilities.
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Backlog gems from 2025 + fresh episodes in 2026 — see you next time!
#ResilienceCoachingCollective #ConstructionalApproach #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutis...
