Hawai'i Association for Behavior Analysis

President

Kaitlin Preciado M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

President@hawaiiaba.org

After earning my bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, my career journey led me through a series of  diverse roles and locations. I began my professional life working at a Juvenile Prison in Michigan, before moving to  Boston in 2010. In Boston, I embarked on my career as an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Counselor at Melmark New England's residential facility.  Following a six and a half-year tenure, I pursued my master's degree at UMASS Boston, after which I relocated to Oahu. It was here that I passed both my Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) tests in a single month—a milestone I'm incredibly proud of.  My career in Hawaii began at the Malama Pono Autism Center (MPAC), an experience for which I am deeply grateful. Currently, I am the Chief Executive Officer at Emergent Learning Hawaii, an organization committed to developing innovative learning solutions.  Throughout my time in Hawaii, I've organized a myriad of events for our clients—virtual proms during the pandemic, community beach cleanup activities, staff appreciation events, and educational initiatives. Organizing these events is more than a professional responsibility—it's a personal passion. This passion extends into my personal life, where I enjoy spending time with my five cats, several rescue chickens, and my supportive husband.  In an effort to continuously expand my professional knowledge and services, I'm currently enrolled in a PsyD program. My professional growth has been greatly influenced by my esteemed colleagues and observing the tireless efforts of those in the field. I am committed to constant learning and consistently strive for excellence. I've contributed to several organizations, such as the Special Education Provider Alliance, served as a marketing liaison for the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance, acted as a Best Buddies Champion Candidate, and engaged with the training program for the HPD. I am always seeking opportunities to strengthen our resources in the field.I am delighted to be a part of the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis (HABA) community and look forward to serving all members in this capacity. I'm excited to share more about myself and my work with you. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself.

President-Elect 

Kelly McCloskey BCBA, LBA

vicepresident@hawaiiaba.org

Kelly McCloskey is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in special education and behavioral analysis. With over 19 years of service as a classroom special education teacher, Kelly has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse needs. Her expertise extends to serving as a District Autism Consulting teacher for three years, where she provided invaluable guidance and resources to educators and families.

Kelly's passion for enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs led her to pursue advanced certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). In her current role with the Hawaii Department of Education, Kelly serves as a pivotal member of the school-based behavior health team (SBBH), where she applies her extensive knowledge of behavior analysis to create positive learning environments and support student success.

With a strong dedication to ongoing professional development and a genuine compassion for those she serves, Kelly is known for her collaborative approach, innovative strategies, and unwavering advocacy for students with disabilities. Her contributions to the field of special education and behavioral analysis make her a respected leader and invaluable asset to her community.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kelly enjoys spending time exploring the natural beauty of Hawaii, playing sports with her 2 teenage boys, and engaging in creative pursuits. She finds fulfillment in volunteering her time to support local initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Kelly's unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others reflects her remarkable dedication to service and compassion.

Past President

Deboarh Hoʻohuli-McKinney MA, BCBA, LBA

Pastpresident@hawaiiaba.org

Originally from West Oʻahu and now living and working as a Licensed Behavior Analyst on the island of Maui, Debi has more than 18 years of experience working in education and behavior health with exceptional children, adolescents and adults and their families. She has provided services to clients in clinics, therapeutic living programs, forensic housing programs, group homes, alternative learning centers, military facilities, preschools, publics schools, private schools, community settings, and home settings int he state of Hawaiʻi. She received her Masters in Exceptional Student Education/Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Specialization from the University of West Florida and is now pursuing a PhD in Educational Law at Liberty University. She is the founder of Maui Learning Academy, a licensed private school in Wailuku, Maui that provides academic instruction and behavioral supports to exceptional students. Debi is committed to the dissemination of ethical implementation of behavior analysis throughout Hawaiʻi Nei. 

Secretary

Adam Clemente MS, BCBA, LBA

Secretary@hawaiiaba.org

Adam Clemente is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with an extensive 15+ years in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) within the home and school settings. Since obtaining his BCBA certification in 2019, Adam continues to be an on-going learner in this ever-evolving field where he is dedicated to being of service to individuals within the Hawai’i Department of Education. He started providing ABA services as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the rural west coastal side of Oahu from 2019-‘21, Kauai from ‘21-present, and hopefully soon on the Big Island where he currently resides. 

Adam’s academic foundation includes an undergraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood and Families in 2008. In 2017, he furthered his education with a master's degree in Psychology, specializing in ABA. Driven by a passion to contribute to the improvement of educational systems in the state of Hawai’i,  Adam plans to enroll in the Educational Psychology Doctoral program next Fall. His hope is to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in a different capacity. 

Adam enjoys CrossFit, spending quality time with friends and family, nature walks, and watching movies with his two cats. He is honored to be part of the Hawai’i Association for Behavior Analysis and is looking forward to serving all members as Secretary for HABA.

Treasurer

Amanda Bolgren BCBA, LBA

Treasurer@hawaiiaba.org

I’m a BCBA at Easterseals Hawaii. I started in this field straight out of college and have never looked back. I have been a BCBA now for 7 years. I currently work with clients in a clinic setting here on Oahu as well as telehealth Parent Led cases for California clients. I have some experience serving on a board but always looking to learn more and improve in the field of ABA. When I’m not updating treatment plans you can find me playing with my dog Moose or planning my next trip somewhere. My “why” is that I love my job. I want others to love it too. More than anything I want this field to move forward with innovation, passion, and care for the clients and families we serve.

Student Representative

Melanie Aki, RBT

studentrepresentative@hawaiiaba.org

Melanie Aki is a registered behavior technician who was born and raised in Hilo, HI.  Prior to becoming a RBT, Melanie obtained her bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Biology with the intent to become a physical therapist one day. Upon returning home to Hilo, she realized her passion for helping children with special needs while doing her observation hours to pursue PT school. As a result, Melanie switched gears and stumbled upon a job as a support specialist at Goodwill working with adults with special needs within the community to become more independent but she kept following her passion to work with kids and eventually landed a job as a paraprofessional at a local elementary school. However, she wanted to do more to help the clients she served, which led her to pursuing her RBT credentials.

Since obtaining her RBT certification in 2019, Melanie has worked with children within the school, clinic, home and community settings. She is passionate and strives to keep learning and growing and as a result is pursuing her Master’s degree through FIT’s online BCBA program.

Outside of work and school, Melanie enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, listening to music, reading and watching movies with her dog on the couch. She also enjoys doing taiko and hula when time permits too.

Melanie is honored to be serving as your student representative for the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis and looks forward to a wonderful year!

Events Chair

Aulani Latorre-Holt, RBT

Events@hawaiiaba.org

Meet Aulani Latorre-Holt: a proud Oʻahu native with deep roots in the vibrant Hawaiian culture. Raised in Aiea, Hawaii, Aulani is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, where she cultivated a profound appreciation for her heritage and community. Currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Psychology with a Specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Capella University, Aulani is driven by her passion for serving others, particularly children and young adults, in both home and school settings. With a heart dedicated to uplifting her community, Aulani endeavors to integrate cultural competency and sensitivity into her work, ensuring that the unique needs of the Hawaiian community are understood and met. Outside of her professional pursuits, Aulani finds joy in perpetuating her culture through the graceful art of hula, immersing herself in literature, and cherishing moments with her beloved family and friends.As she embarks on her journey as a HABA Board Events Chair, Aulani eagerly anticipates the opportunity to lend her voice and expertise to the board, advocating for inclusivity, cultural awareness, and excellence in applied behavioral analysis. With a vision to bring a new face to the HABA board, Aulani is committed to fostering a more diverse and culturally responsive environment for all.

Neighbor Island Representative - Hawai'i Island

Marketing Chair

Dodi Pritchett MEd, BCBA, LBA

Marketing@hawaiiaba.org

Dodi Pritchett is an accomplished public educator and BCBA who is deeply passionate about shifting the culture of education. With over 15 years of experience working with children ranging from early childhood to early adulthood, she blends her expertise in behavior analysis with a dedication to educational reform. As a mother of four daughters, she has a personal understanding of the challenges facing today's youth. During her leisure time, Dodi finds peace and inspiration in her forest cabin on the Big Island, where she nurtures her connection with nature.

Neighbor Island Representative - Maui

Amanda Goodell, MA, BCBA

Prior to pursuing my Masters of Arts in ABA at FIT in 2021, I worked as an RBT and BCaBA in Detroit and was blessed with an opportunity to continue learning in that capacity here on the island of Maui. I'm passionate about progressive ABA and the client-centered, values driven movements I see happening in our field. I'd love to help influence and facilitate change and growth in the field, and am excited to have the opportunity through HABA to collaborate with colleagues who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.