Faculty: Tanya Tovar, MS

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Tanya Tovar, MS

Faculty, Organizational and Leadership Psychology Department

Email
tanya_tovar@williamjames.edu
Degree Major/Emphasis Institution Year
MS Applied Behavior Analysis Bay Path University 2021
BA Psychology (Major), Neuroscience and Business (Minors) Framingham State University 2018

Courses

  • Capstone

Research and Practice Interests

  • Leadership psychology
  • Organizational development
  • Neuroscience-informed leadership
  • Applied behavior analysis
  • Trauma-informed leadership and practice
  • Inclusive leadership
  • Psychological safety
  • Organizational culture and change
  • Leadership development
  • Education and K–12 leadership
  • Difficult and critical conversations
  • The application of behavioral science to leadership and organizational effectiveness

Professional Licenses and Certifications

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Publications and Presentations

  • Tovar, T. (2025, August 10). Leading with Purpose and Shaping Effective Teams in the ABA Field [Conference presentation]. PBS Northeast Symposium. Cherry Hill, NJ, USA.
  • Tovar, T. (2022, May 29). Students' Perspective on Diversity and Culturally Responsive Supervisory Practices and Feedback [Conference presentation]. 48th Convention ABAI Boston, MA, USA.

Concurrent Leadership, Service and Professional Activities

  • Regional Coordinator, Eastern Massachusetts, Positive Behavior Supports Corporation (PBS Corp.)
  • Doctoral Student, Leadership Psychology (PsyD), William James College; concentrations in Neuroscience and Educational Leadership
  • Professional work and scholarship focused on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, applied behavior analysis, supervision, and workforce development.

Prior Experience

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst with experience in clinical leadership, behavioral healthcare, staff development, supervision, and organizational operations.
  • Professional experience includes leadership and oversight of multidisciplinary behavioral health teams; clinical supervision and mentorship; workforce development; performance management; staff training; quality assurance; and the implementation of organizational and clinical initiatives across community-based services.
  • Additional experience includes teaching and facilitating graduate-level learning in leadership, organizational psychology, and difficult conversations.

Professional Affiliations

  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions — Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst

Community Involvement

  • Active volunteer and ministry leader within the local church community, supporting children, families, and caregivers through educational programming and community-based initiatives.
  • Children's Ministry Teacher, developing and facilitating faith-based lessons and interactive learning experiences for children.
  • Engaged in the development of community programming to support parents and caregivers, including educational workshops focused on understanding child behavior and practical behavior-support strategies.
  • Contributor to initiatives designed to strengthen support, connection, education, and resources for single mothers and families within the church community.