BREN is pleased to announce the expansion of our educational tools with our new Learn at Lunch series. Each session will feature an interview with an expert on a narrow specific topic. The series is designed to fit neatly into participant’s lunch hour, beginning at 12:10pm and ending at 12:50pm. When you register, you will be asked to submit questions for the expert. By gathering questions early, we can ensure that the session goes smoothly.
Your input will shape our topics. To suggest future topics for our Learn at Lunch series, click here.
Our first expert is Dr. Amanda Nicolson, Ph.D, BCBA-D. She will be addressing how neuro-atypical behaviors are often misunderstood and share tools for helping parents, neighbors, caregivers, teachers, and others respond with patience and respect so every child feels safe and understood. Register now for Learn at Lunch: Misunderstanding Neurodiverse Behaviors, Wednesday, September 17, 12:10-12:50p by clicking here.
Dr. Nicolson received her M.A. in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and her Ph.D. from Florida State University. She became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2000. Early professional experience includes being the lead behavior analyst for Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada, from 2003-2006. In 2006, Dr. Nicolson moved to Fresno to accept a faculty position at Fresno State where she was an associate professor in the Psychology department. She served as the coordinator for the master’s program in ABA and founded the Fresno State Autism Center. She then moved into the Fresno community and has served in leadership roles for several autism centers. Dr. Nicolson has been a school consultant for over a decade, traveling across the state to provide consulting services to school districts in several capacities, including training for school teams and serving as an independent evaluator on FBAs and IEEs. In 2021, she founded Education Behavior Consultants to bring together a diverse team with focus specifically on providing behavior support for schools.
Dr. Nicolson has received several awards, including University Provost Awards, and the Marjoree Mason Top Professional Women award in 2019. She has served on the CalABA Board of Directors for many years serving as conference chair and President, currently in the role of marketing chair. She has published peer-reviewed articles, magazine columns, and book chapters and regularly presents at regional and national conferences. Among other special experiences, Dr. Nicolson has traveled to Bosnia, Jordan, and the country of Georgia to work on autism projects in those countries. On a personal note, she is the mother of two beautiful children, is a huge movie buff, teaches yoga and fitness, and loves traveling in California and beyond.
Back by Popular Demand
Q & A with Dr. Amanda Nicolson
October 1, 2025 from 12:10-12:50p