We’re the Psychobabble BCBAs

Lauryn & Erica

We met in 2009 at Illinois State University for graduate work in School Psychology. We bonded over our love of Rilo Kiley and bad teen melodrama shows. We became best friends while working in an early childhood program for learners with developmental disabilities. Erica adopted Lauryn’s husband’s cat, so we’re basically related. Together, we became BCBAs, practicing psychologists, wives, and moms. Our first book, Psychology Essentials for Behavior Analysts is out now through Routledge Press.

  • Dr. Lauryn Toby, PhD, BCBA, LP

    Laryn (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her work focuses primarily on the clinical assessment and diagnosis of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Toby received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Illinois State University and completed her doctoral internship and fellowship at the Neurobehavioral Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her background and training is in the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorders utilizing the techniques of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Dr. Toby has previously worked in rural settings, establishing behavioral support and diagnostic services for children with autism in areas with limited resources. She has taught for Drake University’s Masters of ABA program in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Toby has published in multiple behavior analytic journals and has been a contributing author to various books on the topic of comorbid conditions in individuals with developmental disabilities. Her current research interests include the use of decision-making models to enhance the training of BCBAs, improving and diversifying behavior analytic training practices, and enhancing diagnostic assessment tools for those with unique symptom presentations.

  • Erica S. Ranade, SSP, NCSP, BCBA, LPP

    Erica (she/her) is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has been working in the behavioral health field for the past ten years. After earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, she went on to specialize in School Psychology at Illinois State University. After completing her school-based internship with a focus on behavioral consultation, she continued her work as a bilingual (English/Spanish) school psychologist and BCBA, specializing in work with early childhood populations, autism spectrum disorders, diagnostic services, cultural humility, and naturalistic environment teaching. Erica has worked in various applied settings, including public schools, early childhood centers, and private practices. Erica works as a Licensed Psychological Practitioner (LPP) in Kentucky. Erica is currently pursuing her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Special Education). She lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her partner and young daughter.

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