Kristen Padilla

Dr. Kristen Padilla serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in Baylor University's School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, and directs the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD). A credentialed school psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she holds multiple certifications including LBA, LSSP, BCBA, and NCSP.

Her education includes a PhD (2020) and EdS (2010) from Baylor University and a BA (2004) from the University of Texas Austin. Certifications were obtained between 2010-2019 across behavior analysis and school psychology domains.

Research focuses on applied behavior analysis in schools, specifically validity/reliability of ABA assessments, behavior analytic practices for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and training for behavior analysts. Her work addresses critical gaps in supporting emergent bilingual students with disabilities and teacher consultation in behavior management.

Major awards include NASP's Early Career Spotlight Award, TASP's Outstanding School Psychologist award, and Baylor's Task Supervisor of the Year recognition from the Diana Garland School of Social Work.

• $2,318,529 grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Autism Consortium of Texas LEND program
• $2,999,257 grant from U.S. Department of Education for Project ¡LEER! supporting English learners

As BCDD director, she supervises graduate students providing assessment/intervention services and coordinates community trainings on ASD. She teaches graduate courses in ABA practicum, assessment, and autism leadership training while authoring a textbook titled "Assessment and Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis".