"Abilities Behavior Services has expanded our capacity to utilize BCBAs and RBTs across the lifespan. We handle behavioral health issues from ages 3-100, support people with a broad range of needs, including complex challenging behaviors, and improve the lives of families across generations."

-Dr. Thane Dkystra, PhD
President and CEO of
Trinity Services, Inc.



"Maranda and Amanda are dynamic, passionate, and extremely insightful when it comes to issues related to senior care - no matter if the person is neuro-typical, neuro-cognitive, or neuro-divergent! If you have a question related to an older adult, I highly recommend services from Maranda and Amanda!!!

Kim Shontz
Deputy Director of 
 
Illinois Crisis Prevention Network


"All Americans will be affected by the life of a senior. We are outnumbering young people!! It's essential that more practitioners learn how to practice in gerontology, especially dementia care. Behavior interventions are safe, effective, and more preferred for caregivers like me.

-Sharon Parker-Love,
RN, LCSW, and
Family caregiver for dementia

Meet Your Instructors!

Dr. Maranda Trahan, PhD, BCBA

& Amanda Ripley, BCBA



Maranda and Amanda are BCBAs who work at Abilities Behavior Services, a non-profit agency providing ABA services across the lifespan. Both therapists are specialized in the assessment and management of behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (e.g., aggression, disruption, wandering). Dr. Trahan was born in Louisiana, attended SIUC for graduate school, and completed a postdoc at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Before returning to Illinois, she started the first ABA clinical practice in 2014 for individuals with dementia living in Florida. Amanda Ripley works with individuals with challenging behaviors across all ages. Amanda is from Chicago, graduated with her master’s degree from SIUC, and worked in a several states providing ABA services, including Michigan, Colorado, and Illinois.

Both clinicians contributed to the development and production of our ABA in Gerontology curriculum. Maranda and Amanda are both available for video consultations, on-site training, and customized synchronized continuing education credits. For a quote or more information, contact us below.