Yrenka Sunderlin, MS, BCBA, LBA

     Yrenka is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with an extensive background working with individuals with special needs. Her path to a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) started with working in a residential facility (Level 12) 29 years ago. While there, she learned to identify a myriad of challenging behaviors, but observed that the treatment of choice at the facility was not effective in achieving lasting, positive behavior change. She knew that she wanted to make a difference, and that using evidence-based practices, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), was most likely going to make this a reality. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of La Verne, she then attended California State University, Los Angeles to complete her Master's Degree in ABA under the mentor-ship of Dr. Randy Campbell, Dr. Michele Wallace, and Dr. Henry D. Schlinger, Jr. During this time, she began receiving extensive formal training by Kari Berquist, Ph.D. BCBA-D in ABA methodologies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Discrete Trial Training, Picture Exchange Communication System, Pivotal Response Treatment, Verbal Behavior, Positive Behavior Support, Functional Communication Training, Functional Behavior Assessments, completed the Autism Certification Program and UCLA PEERS® certification program.  She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the California Association for Applied Behavior Analysis. She subscribes to scholarly journals, participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains close ties with a network of professionals in the field.

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In addition to being a respected Behavior Analyst, she has been an adjunct faculty member at National University (Camarillo), teaching BCBA course sequence for 3 years. She has served as an Advisory Board Member for Reid's Gift, in Ventura County Ca., has been a Board Member for the Autism Society of Treasure Valley, ID. and an Ambassador for the Boise Chamber of Commerce.

 

In an effort to reach out to the under-served Spanish speaking community, Yrenka provides parent education work shops across, Portland, Los Angeles, and Boise. 

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In 2023, a dynamic mother-son duo, Yrenka and Gavin Sunderlin, united their passions and expertise to revolutionize social skills development for children, teens, and young adults. Their brainchild, "The Adventures of Bouncy Bear and Curious Cat: A Flexible Thinking Journey," is just the tip of the iceberg in their arsenal of empowering resources. What sets us apart? Our unwavering commitment to creating engaging, effective tools that resonate with young minds. With a background in behavior therapy and a deep understanding of child development, Gavin infuses each project with actionable insights and practical techniques.

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"The Adventures of Bouncy Bear and Curious Cat" is just the beginning of an exciting lineup. Seven groundbreaking projects are in the pipeline, promising to touch on essential aspects of social skills in unique and impactful ways. Ready to dive in? Discover the magic of flexible thinking on Kindle and Amazon now! Click below to explore a world of growth, connection, and boundless possibilities!

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