In this episode, Rachel Morelli, a board-certified behavior analyst and travel advisor, discusses the intersection of autism and travel. She shares her journey from BCBA to creating accessible travel experiences for families with children on the autism spectrum. The conversation covers essential resources for families, navigating theme parks, cruising opportunities, and the importance of preparation and skill-building for successful travel. Rachel emphasizes the transformative power of travel experiences and the need for support within the autism community.Season Two is sponsored by The New England Center for Children.

About Rachel: Rachel Morelli is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and independent travel advisor who has built a unique bridge between behavior analysis and accessible travel. With extensive experience supporting families, Rachel brings a deep understanding of behavior, routines, sensory needs, and family dynamics into the travel planning process.

She specializes in helping families feel confident traveling by providing education, preparation, and personalized planning designed to reduce stress and increase quality of life. Through her work, Rachel advocates for travel as more than a luxury—it’s an opportunity for connection, skill generalization, independence, and meaningful family memories.

How to Find Rachel:

• LinkedIn
• TravelMation Facebook
• Rachelmorellitravel.com
• tlescape.com

Resources

• TSA Cares
• Disney Disability Access Service
• IBCCES
• Autism on the Seas
• Wings for All - the ARC
• Hanks Friends
• Autism Flies

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• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Keywords: autism travel, accessible travel, behavior analysis, family travel, travel resources, Disney accessibility, cruise support, travel planning, BCBA, travel tips

In this episode of "Reinforcing Conversations," hosts Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres welcome Dr. Liza Geonie, a BCBA-D and researcher focused on the intersection of behavior analysis and misinformation in online environments. Dr. Geonie shares her unique journey into the field of behavior analysis and her current research on how behavior analytic principles can help understand why people share misinformation online. She discusses the role of reinforcement, attention, and social approval in shaping online behavior, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms.

They explore the spectrum of social media use, discussing how it can range from a simple habit to a potential addiction, particularly in the context of parenting and youth engagement. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on how to engage with social media thoughtfully, including strategies for managing emotional reactions and the importance of taking time to respond.

Season Two is Sponsored by The New England Center for Children

About Dr. Liza Geonie: Liza is a BCBA-D and researcher studying how behavior analytic principles apply to misinformation and online behavior. Her work explores why people share inaccurate information even when they know better, and how reinforcement, attention, and social approval shape what spreads online. She regularly writes, presents, and consults across disciplines, translating core behavioral principles to modern online environments, and is currently developing CEU trainings and resources to help professionals navigate digital behavior more intentionally.

Find Liza on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Brick
• Roots
• Google Scholar

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• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

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What does “leisure” really mean, and who gets to decide what counts?

In this episode, Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres challenge some of the most common assumptions about leisure skills in ABA. Through honest conversation and real-life examples, they explore why leisure is more than toys or playtime, and how it connects to self-regulation, independence, relationships, and mental health.

They talk openly about screens, boredom, stimming, special interests, and the pressure parents feel to constantly entertain their children. You’ll hear practical strategies for teaching leisure skills in a way that feels natural, respectful, and sustainable—without forcing kids into activities that don’t fit who they are. The episode also highlights why honoring individual interests isn’t “giving up,” but instead opens doors to learning, connection, and autonomy.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help a child (or yourself) truly enjoy free time without guilt, this episode is for you.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify functions of leisure behavior as discussed in applied and family-centered contexts

2. Describe at least two evidence informed strategies for teaching leisure skills that respect individual preferences, developmental level and neurodivergent presentations.

3. Apply a behavioral lens to evaluate the appropriateness of a leisure activity by considering motivation, autonomy and generalization rather than social norms.

Season 2 of Reinforcing Conversation is sponsored by the New England Center for Children.

Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

• Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook ⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Resources

• NeuroDND: Inclusive Tabletop Gaming Groups for Neurodiverse Kids
• South Orange Sensory Activation Vehicle: More Information

Citations

• Price, S. (2024). Finding their spark: Non-screen special interests for autistic children and teens. Rainmaker Publishing.
• Nuzzolo-Gomez, R., Leonard, M. A., Ortiz, E., Rivera, C. M., & Greer, R. D. (2002). Teaching children with autism to prefer books or toys over stereotypy or passivity. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(2), 80-87.