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Lisa Thomas wins 'Ted Carr Early Career Practitioner Award'

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Thomas, Devereux Center for Effective Schools consulting and research psychologist, who was the first recipient of the Association for Positive Behavior Support’s (APBS) “Ted Carr Early Career Practitioner Award.” 

The award is presented to an early career practitioner whose work in positive behavior support (PBS) demonstrates outstanding achievement in mentorship, service and commitment to the application of PBS principles and technology. APBS is dedicated to improving the support of individuals to reduce behavioral challenges, increasing independence and ensuring the development of constructive behaviors to meet life goals. Click here to learn more. 

“Lisa has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children with, and at risk for, behavior disorders,” said Center for Effective Schools Director Dr. Barry McCurdy. “Her work is focused on advancing the adoption of positive behavior support by individuals and systems dedicated to serving this population. In her short tenure as a professional, she has managed to accomplish what many professionals take years to do.” 

A passion for improving students’ lives

Among her many achievements, Thomas serves on the Pennsylvania’s State Leadership Team for School-Based Behavioral Health and the State Coordination Team for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. She also mentors several practitioners, has published her research and presents on various topics at national conferences. Lisa holds a doctorate in school psychology from Lehigh University. 

“Devereux was founded by Helena Devereux, who was passionate about improving the lives of students with special learning needs. I, too, share our founder’s passion for improving the lives of students, particularly students with and at risk for behavior disorders,” explained Thomas. “I am humbled and ecstatic about winning this award. It affirms the value of the work I am doing to increase the adoption of positive behavioral interventions and supports in child-serving systems to improve the lives of youth and adults working in these settings.”  

Thomas will officially accept the award during APBS’ 14^th International Conference on Positive Behavior Support next March in Denver, Colo. “I am honored to represent Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health at the APBS Conference,” she said. “Winning this award will allow me to put the spotlight on Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health at an international conference, which will include experts and practitioners dedicated to the implementation of positive behavior support. This will further position our organization as a leader in the field of PBS.”  

Click here to learn more about APBS or click here to learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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