Gretchen Dittrich

Gretchen Dittrich is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University, where she also serves as Director of the Master of Science (MS) and Educational Specialist (EdS) programs. Her work focuses on applying behavior analysis to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She holds dual BAs in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Nevada, Reno, an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and a PhD in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University.

Dr. Dittrich’s research emphasizes behavioral medicine, health promotion (including obesity and inactivity prevention), functional analysis of complex behaviors, and interprofessional collaboration. She chairs the Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Her courses span behavior change methodologies, verbal behavior analysis, and supervised fieldwork training.

Her recent publications explore physical activity interventions for youth with disabilities, family-based weight loss trials, and adaptations for developmental disabilities. Though no formal awards are listed, her work reflects significant contributions to adaptive health practices. She oversees fieldwork and practicum training, emphasizing hands-on competency-based instruction.