Marcella Hangen

Marcella Hangen is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University. She holds a PhD in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas, an MA in Human Services Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on token reinforcement mechanisms, early intervention strategies, and compassionate approaches to managing challenging behaviors in individuals with IDD.

Dr. Hangen's professional experience includes roles at the Neurobehavioral Unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute, early intervention services for children with disabilities, and supervising future behavior analysts. She teaches Practicum I (BEHVO 471) and Practicum II (BEHVO 472).

Her work emphasizes practical applications of behavior analysis, including staff training evaluation in IDD programs and mechanisms of token-based reinforcement systems. She actively contributes to the field through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at the Association for Behavior Analysis International conferences.