Kelly M. Carrero

Kelly M. Carrero, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA-TX, serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education within East Texas A&M University's College of Education and Human Services, where she has held academic positions since 2015 following promotion from Assistant to Associate Professor in 2019.

Her educational credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Special Education (Behavioral Disorders), University of North Texas (2012)
• M.Ed. in Special Education, University of North Texas (2007)
• B.A. (cum laude) in Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas (2005)

Dr. Carrero's research program investigates applied behavior analysis techniques for autism spectrum disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders, emphasizing cultural responsivity in educational settings and special education policy reform. She actively explores methods to promote causal agency in individuals with autism and improve crisis response protocols for youth with exceptionalities interacting with law enforcement.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on evidence-based special education practices, with recent works examining legal frameworks for student discipline and technology-assisted communication interventions for autistic learners, reflecting interdisciplinary connections between behavioral science, disability law, and assistive technology.

Recognition for her scholarly contributions includes:

• Joyce Miller Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award (Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education, 2020)
• International Conference on College Teaching and Learning Distinguished New Faculty Award (2014)
• Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Graduate Student Member Award (2012)

Dr. Carrero mentors graduate students in the Psychology (MS) program while leading current research on police interactions with youth in crisis, collaborating with educational and disability service providers to develop preparedness protocols. Her work integrates clinical practice with policy advocacy to support vulnerable student populations.

She maintains active affiliations with the university's Assistive Technology Lab and Community Psychology Clinic, leveraging these resources for intervention development and community-based research initiatives in special education and behavioral health.