Deborah Napolitano Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NY

Deborah Napolitano Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NY is an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at Daemen University, a Consultant at the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disabilities Nursing at St. John Fisher University, and holds a courtesy appointment as an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.  

Debbi obtained her Ph.D. in Developmental and Child Psychology/Behavior Analysis from the University of Kansas in 2000.  Over her career Debbi has published in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavior analysis, with peer reviewed research publications in some of the field’s premier journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Debbi also serves on the board of editors for Behavior and Social Issues, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and the Journal of Mental Health Research in Developmental Disabilities. Debbi’s research and clinical interests have spanned many areas across her career, such as rigid and repetitive behavior, severe challenging behavior, and drug and behavior interactions. 

Most recently Debbi’s interests have focused on applications of behavior analysis in child welfare and juvenile justice, interprofessional collaboration, and on public policy and advocacy.  As a member of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis’ Public Policy Committee and in her personal endeavors, Debbi has worked on important legislation and policy for the field as well as centering advocacy efforts around improving appropriate, accessible, and responsive services in New York for all individuals with IDD.