Tiffiny Moore, Director of School Based Behavioral Interventionist Support Services at Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) is this year’s recipient of the Ed Sbardellati Award for Excellence and Innovation in School-Based Mental Health Services, also known as the “Eddie.” The award was presented at the annual Success Beyond Six Behavioral Interventionist Conference held virtually. The Eddie is awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of behavioral intervention in the state of Vermont. This is the eighth year the award has been presented.
Ed Sbardellati is credited for bringing behavior analysis to the state of Vermont, helping to establish the first behavioral interventionist (BI) program in the state at WCMHS and working for years to launch and maintain the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program at Northern Vermont University-Johnson formerly known as Johnson State. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the practice of modifying unhealthy behaviors. The practice is used most extensively in special education and the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but is also used in healthcare, animal training, and even business. ABA is widely recognized as the only scientifically valid therapy available for treating behavioral issues associated with ASD. A behavioral interventionist works with individuals to eliminate disruptive and negative behaviors and replace them with positive behaviors and actions.
Tiffiny was the first behavioral interventionist in Vermont, a role that began in 1995 at WCMHS. She has continued to serve as an advocate for Vermont’s youth for nearly 27 years serving as a case manager, coordinator at the former Tapas Program (now School-Based Services Program), interning at the former Woodside Juvenile Detention Center and ultimately becoming the Director of the School Based Behavioral Interventionist Services program at WCMHS in 2010. Tiffiny’s services extended beyond Washington County, often serving as support and as a “go-to” person for many clinicians serving youth throughout Vermont due to her dedication and profound knowledge in serving challenged children.
In accepting this recognition, Tiffiny spoke to how honored she was to be the recipient of the 2021 Eddie Award and to work every day alongside the incredible staff at WCMHS. She also expressed her appreciation to the youth, families and school systems with whom she works.
Having a positive impact on the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges can be tough work. Yet the rewards of serving as a behavioral interventionist are innumerable and beyond gratifying. These opportunities can serve as invaluable practical experience leading to a rewarding career providing mental health services.
To learn more about behavioral interventionists, become one or any other career opportunities at WCMHS, contact 802.476.1777.
About Washington County Mental Health Services
For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services has been advocating for the inclusion of all persons into our communities and actively encourages Self-Determination and Recovery. We serve all individuals and families coping with the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health, and substance use by providing trauma-informed services to support them as they achieve their highest potential and best possible quality of life.