Texas Association for Behavior Analysis Public Policy Group
Advocacy is What We Do
The TxABA PPG has been instrumental in legislative efforts, including the successful passage of behavior analyst licensure in Texas in 2017 and adding ABA to the Autism Services benefit through Texas Medicaid in 2019.
Behavior Analysis Licensure
Behavior analysts in Texas are regulated through a state licensure process overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Licensure helps ensure that practitioners meet established standards for education, training, and ethical practice. Requirements and application details are maintained by TDLR and may be updated periodically. Use the link below to access the most current information directly from the source.
ABA Autism Services Benefit
The Texas Autism Services Benefit provides Medicaid coverage for medically necessary services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), for eligible children with autism spectrum disorder. Implemented in 2022, this benefit supports access to evaluation and treatment for individuals under age 21 who meet clinical criteria. Services are delivered through Texas Medicaid and coordinated through managed care organizations. Use the link below to learn more about eligibility, covered services, and provider requirements through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Task Forces
The TxABA PPG Task Forces have the primary purpose of:
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Supporting the TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding their respective task force area
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Listening to the needs of members and consumers and actively works to identify, collect, and provide relevant information and to promote changes in services and in society where needed
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With the help of the TxABA PPG lobbyist, members work on legislative reform, new legislation, rulemaking and revising, establishing relationships with state representatives and senators as well as educating them and their staff on the barriers their constituents face daily (including providers and those we serve).
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Organizing resources, making resources available, and providing presentations as needed
Who We Are
About Us
The Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA) Public Policy Group (PPG) was established in November 2015 to advocate for policies that support and advance behavior analysis in Texas.
As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the PPG evolved from TxABA's earlier Behavior Analyst Public Policy Group (BAPPG-TX), reflecting a growing commitment to legislative engagement and public policy initiatives. Since its inception, the PPG has been instrumental in legislative efforts, including the successful passage of behavior analyst licensure in Texas in 2017 and adding ABA to the Autism Services benefit through Texas Medicaid in 2019.
Through collaboration with stakeholders, public outreach, and resource development, the PPG continues to ensure that behavior analytic services in Texas are accessible, ethical, and effective for those who need them most.
2015
Year of
Establishment
95
Current
Members
10
Organization
Sponsors
5
Task
Forces
Our Officers
Serving our members and advancing advocacy across Texas
Meet the dedicated officers of the TxABA Public Policy Group who help guide our mission and strategic direction. This team of leaders works collaboratively to advance advocacy efforts, support our members, and strengthen behavior analysis across Texas. Their commitment ensures our organization continues to grow, adapt, and make a meaningful impact.
Ellen Rhoads, MS, BCBA, LBA
President
Mariel Fernandez, MS, BCBA, LBA
Past-President
Anna Sciarillo, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Past-President
Lupe Castaneda, MS, BCBA, LBA
Treasurer
Michelle Castillo, MS, BCBA, LBA
Communications Chair
Our Advisor Board
Guiding advocacy and policy through expertise and collaboration
Gordon Bourland, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Berenice de la Cruz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Kate Johnson-Patagoc, MS, BCBA
Rany Thommen-Moser, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
The TxABA Public Policy Group Advisory Board brings together experienced professionals who provide guidance, insight, and strategic support to our initiatives. Their diverse perspectives help inform decision-making and strengthen our advocacy efforts across Texas. Through their expertise, the Advisory Board plays a key role in advancing the mission and long-term impact of the PPG.
Jeffrey Dillen, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Christina Martin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCBA
Wendy Maurer
Our Sponsors
Partners in advocacy, education, and access