Kara and Cory met as PhD students in 2018 and have worked collaboratively as researchers and practitioners ever since. Seasons Behavioral Services came to be as a result of their shared passion for working with individuals with autism. They are thrilled to be able to share their passion with families and organizations and they cannot wait to work with you.

  • Co-Founder

    Dr. Cory Whelan has been committed to providing high-quality and compassionate ABA services to children, adults, and their families in the state of Massachusetts for over ten years. He is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and a speech-language pathologist and has delivered direct and consultative clinical services in homes, schools, residential programs, adult day programs, and hospitals. Cory is the co-founder of Seasons Behavioral Services where he works with families, organizations, and teammates to help clients achieve their goals.

    Cory graduated from The George Washington University with Bachelor and Master’s degrees in speech-language pathology and studied applied behavior analysis at UMASS Boston. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), he obtained his doctoral degree in behavior analysis at Western New England University under the advisement of Dr. Gregory Hanley. Cory is an expert in the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, staff training, and program design. 

    Cory’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and Child and Family Behavior Therapy.  He has served as a guest reviewer for several behavior analytic journals including JABA, Behavioral Interventions, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. He serves on the accreditation committee for the Autism Commission on Quality, as a subject matter expert for the BACB, and as the Assistant Director of Student Relations for BABAT.

  • Co-Founder


    Dr. Kara LaCroix is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst in the state of Massachusetts. She started her career in 2011 by providing direct care in public school settings before transitioning to home- and clinic-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. Kara serves as Co-Founder at Seasons Behavioral Services.

    Kara received her masters in special education and applied behavior analysis from Endicott College and received her doctorate in behavior analysis from Western New England University under the advisement of Dr. Greg Hanley. Kara’s work focuses on the practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment of problem behavior, as well as preventing the development of problem behavior in young children with Autism.  

    Kara specializes in early intensive behavioral intervention, specifically with the design of programming to increase communication, play skills, and social skills. She has designed interventions that focus on building strong rapport between child and therapist, interventions that build upon their current preferences and skills, and interventions that focus on learning through play.

  • Behavior Analyst

    Andrea Perkins is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LABA) in Massachusetts. She also holds a professional teaching license in severe special education. Andrea started her career in 2015, working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students with additional disabilities.  Andrea completed her undergraduate degree in American Sign Language and Human Services at Northeastern University and her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Severe Special Education at Endicott College.  

    Andrea has experience across many settings, including schools, clinics, and in-home therapy.  Andrea is dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals feel safe, respected,  encouraged to reach their full potential, and, most importantly, have fun!   She is trained in Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment of problem behavior. 

    Outside of work, you will find Andrea hanging out with her three dogs, reading books, and cooking! 

Links to our work

  • Dr. Whelan: Randomized Controlled Trial of Seminar-Based Training on Accurate and General Implementation of PFAs (1 CEU)

    Enroll in the webinar here.

  • Dr. LaCroix: An Evaluation of Balance: A Home-Based, Parent-Implemented Program Addressing Emerging PB (1 CEU)

    Enron in the webinar here.

  • Dr. Whelan: ABA Speech- Practical Functional Assessment

    Listen to the podcast here.

  • Dr. Whelan: Functional Analysis of Dangerous Behavior (1CEU)

    Enroll in the webinar here.

  • Dr. LaCroix: Speaking the Language of Funders: Aligning Medical Necessity with Funder Requirements (1CEU)

    Enroll in the webinar here.

  • Dr. Whelan and Dr. LaCroix on the Unswaddled Podcast: Understanding Autism: Early Diagnosis, Intervention, and Parental Support

    Listen to the podcast here.

  • Dr. Whelan: Skills-Based Treatment Podcast (1 CEU)

    Listen to the podcast here.

  • Dr. LaCroix: Aligning Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment with Insurance Funding Requirements

    Listen to the panel here.

Our expertise is often recognized in our field.

Check out our scholarly contributions below!

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J., Rodriguez, S., Ruppel, K. (under review). An Evaluation of Balance Delivered via Telehealth.

Whelan, C. J., Hanley, G. P., & LaCroix, K. A. (under review). On the status of training practitioners to conduct functional analyses.

Rajraman, D., Whelan, C.J., Jessel, J., & Gover, H. (2024). Promoting Safety While Addressing Dangerous Behavior via Telehealth: A Clinical Case Investigation Serving the Family of an Autistic Adolescent Living in India. Clinical Case Studies,

Metras, R., LaCroix, K.A., & Carbone, M. (2021). ABAI Presidential Scholar Essay Contest: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. Collaboration amongst providers and trauma-informed care. https://iba.abainternational.org/2021/07/23/abai-presidential-scholar-essay-contestnadine-burke-harris/

Whelan, C. J., Hanley, G. P., Landa, R. K., Sullivan, E., LaCroix, K. A., & Metras, R. A. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of a seminar-based training on the accurate and general implementation of the practical functional assessment process. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(4), 1437-1455. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.845

Buckley, J., Fountain, J, Meuse, S., Whelan, C. J., Maguire, H., Harper, J. M., & Luiselli, J. K. (2020). Performance improvement of care providers in a child services setting: Effects of an incentive-based negative reinforcement intervention on data recording. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 2(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317107.2020.1738733

Brundage, S., Whelan, C. J., & Burgess, C. (2013). Brief Report: Treating stuttering in an adult with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43, 483-489.

Non-Referred Articles and Book Chapters

Metras, R., LaCroix, K.A., & Carbone, M. (2021). ABAI Presidential Scholar Essay Contest: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. Collaboration amongst providers and trauma-informed care. https://iba.abainternational.org/2021/07/23/abai-presidential-scholar-essay-contestnadine-burke-harris/

Boivin, N. E., Blevins, H., Norton, V., Pierce C., Stone, A. R., Weiss, M. J., & Whelan, C. J. (2015). Characteristics of interdisciplinary practice. Southeast Education Network, 17(3). Retrieved from http://www.seenmagazine.us/ 

Conference Presentations and Workshops

2024

Whelan, C..J. & LaCroix, K.A. (November 2024). Compassionate and Innovative Approaches to Assessment and Intervention in ABA. Joao Pessoa, Brazil.

Devoe, S., Mitchell, S., & LaCroix, K.A. (October 2024). A Systematic Replication of the Effects of Three Different Types of Noncontingent Auditory Stimulation on Vocal Stereotypy. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

LaCroix, K.A. (August 2024). Speaking the Language of Funders: Aligning Goals with Medical Necessity and Funder Requirements. Invited presentation at Butterfly Effects.

Whelan, C.J. (July 2024). Toward a Safe and Ethical Functional Analysis of Dangerous Behavior. Invited presentation at Butterfly Effects.

LaCroix, K.A. (June 2024). Speaking the Language of Funders: Aligning Goals with Medical Necessity and Funder Requirements. Behavior University.

Whelan, C.J. (May 2024). Toward a Safe and Ethical Functional Analysis of Dangerous Behavior. MassABA, Marlborough, MA.

Whelan, C.J. (April 2024). Toward a Safe and Ethical Functional Analysis of Dangerous Behavior. BABAT, Marlborough, MA.

LaCroix, K.A. (February 2024). Speaking the Language of Funders: Aligning Goals with Medical Necessity and Funder Requirements. Raven Health and Behavior Live.

2023

Whelan, C.J. (December 2023). Practical Functional Assessment: A Safe and Ethical Approach to Analyzing Dangerous Behavior. Regis College, Wellesley, MA.

Whelan, C.J. (November 2023). Functional Analysis of Dangerous Behavior: Ethical Considerations. Behavior University, online webinar.

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J. (October 2023). A Review of Response Shaping in Applied Works. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

Bergman, E., LaCroix, K.A., Cates, S. (October 2023). Teaching Children to Mand for Missing Items During Play using an Interrupted Chain Procedure. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

Devoe, S. & LaCroix, K.A. (October 2023). An Application of Feeding Treatment Incorporating Choice and Assent. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

Whelan, C.J., Eigen, H., & Butkovich, K. (October 2023). Reducing Restraint in Public Schools through Universal Protocols, Practical Functional Assessment, and Skills-Based Treatment. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J. (May 2023). A Review of Response Shaping in Applied Works. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Whelan, C.J., Eigen, H., & Butkovich, K. (May 2023). Reducing Restraint in Public Schools through Universal Protocols, Practical Functional Assessment, and Skills-Based Treatment. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Whelan, C.J. (May 2023). Advances in Compassionate Behavior Analysis. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

2022

LaCroix, K.A. (April 2022). Balance for Waitlists. Invited Webinar.  

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J., Rodriguez, S., Ruppel, K., Beckwith, A. (May 2022). An Evaluation of Balance Delivered via Telehealth. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Boston, MA. 

Fraser, K., Whelan, C.J., LaCroix, K.A., de Saint Phalle, R. (May 2022). Differential Reinforcement of Correct Responses during Baseline Conditions: A Preliminary Investigation. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Boston, MA. 

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J., Rodriguez, S., Ruppel, K., Beckwith, A. (September 2022). An Evaluation of Balance Delivered via Telehealth. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Dublin, Ireland. 

Whelan, C.J., Eigen, H., & Butkovich, K. (September 2022). Reducing Restraint in Public Schools through Universal Protocols, Practical Functional Assessment, and Skills-Based Treatment. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Dublin, Ireland.

Whelan, C.J., Hanley, G.P., & LaCroix, K.A. (September 2022). On the Status of Training Practitioners to Conduct Functional Analyses. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Dublin, Ireland.

LaCroix, K.A. (October 2022). Speaking the Language of Funders: Aligning Goals with Medical Necessity and Funder Requirements. Invited Talk at Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

LaCroix, K.A., Hanley, G.P., Whelan, C.J. (October 2022). A Review of Response Shaping in Applied Works. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

2021

LaCroix, K. A., Whelan, C. J., Ghaemmaghmi, M., Hanley, G. P., & Byrne, E. (May 2021) A within-session examination of open and closed contingency classes in functional analysis. Presented at the 47th ABAI Annual Convention, Virtual.

2019

Whelan, C. J., Hanley, G. P., Landa, R. K., Sullivan, E., LaCroix, K. A., & Metras, R. A. (October 2019). Randomized Controlled Trial of a Seminar-Based Training on the Accurate and General Implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment Process. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Worcester, MA. 

Rosenblum, A., Whelan, C. J., & Landa R. K. (May 2019) Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analyses and Functional Communication Training: Replications in an Educational Setting. Presented at the 45th ABAI Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. 

2018

LaCroix, K. A., Fuller, M. C., & de Saint Phalle, R. (October 2018). A Comparison of Video Modeling and Least-to-Most Prompting for Establishing Play Sequences in Children with Autism. Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

Rosenblum, A., Driscoll, A, Taylor, N., & Whelan, C. J. (October 2018). Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analyses and Functional Communication Training: Replications in an Educational Setting. Presented at the meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

LaCroix, K.A., Fuller, M.C., & de Saint Phalle, R. (May 2018). A Comparison of Video Modeling and Least-to-Most Prompting for Establishing Play Sequences in Children with Autism. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, San Diego, CA.

Driscoll, A., Rosenblum, A., & Whelan, C. J. (May 2018). Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analyses and Functional Communication Training: Replications in an Educational Setting. Presented at the 44th ABAI Annual Convention, San Diego, CA.

Whelan, C. J. & Hanley, G. P. (May 2018). Consultant-Supported Functional Analyses in Educational Settings. Presented at the 44th ABAI Annual Convention, San Diego, CA.

2017

Fountain, J., Buckley, J., Meuse, S., & Whelan, C. J. (October 2017) The Effects of Negative Reinforcement on Clinical Data Collection. Presented at the meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

Whelan, C. J. & Hanley, G. P. (October 2017). Consultant-Supported Functional Analyses in Educational Settings. Presented at the meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

Fountain, J., Buckley, J., Meuse, S., & Whelan, C. J. (May 2017). The Effects of Negative Reinforcement on Clinical Data Collection. Presented at the 43rd ABAI Annual Convention, Denver, CO.

Schlichenmeyer, K. J., LaCroix, K. A., & Diggs, K. A. (May, 2017). The forgotten Dimension: Applications of Analysis in Clinical Problem Solving. Massachusetts Association of Behavior Analysis, Marlborough, MA.

2016

Whelan, C. J. & Orchanian, S. T. (October 2016). Human Sexuality and Relationship Training for Students with Autism in Applied Settings. Workshop presented at the meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

​Schlichenmeyer, K. J., LaCroix, K. A., Diggs, K. A., & Fleck, K. M. (September 2016). The Role of Analysis in Creating Meaningful Treatments. Minnesota Northland Association for Behavior Analysis, Minneapolis, MN. 

DeLisle, D., Thomason-Sassi, J., & LaCroix, K.A. (May 2016). Use of Multiple Schedules and Reinforcement Thinning in the Treatment of Perseverative Speech. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Chicago, IL.

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & LaCroix, K.A.  (May 2016).  Systematic Evaluation of treatment outcomes across home and community settings. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Chicago, IL.

LaCroix, K.A., DeLisle, D., Thomason-Sassi, J., & Schlichenmeyer, K.J. (May 2016). Assessment and Treatment of Preservative Speech. Association for Behavior Analysis, International, Chicago, IL.

Whelan, C. J., Harper, J. M., & Stone, A. R. Treatment of Aggression During Transitions for an Individual with Autism and Physical Impairments. Presented at the 42nd ABAI Annual Convention, Chicago, IL (2016, May).

2015​

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & LaCroix, K.A.  (October 2015).  Systematic Evaluation of treatment outcomes across home and community settings. Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA.

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., LaCroix, K.A., & Fleck, K. (October 2015).  Application of clinic-based research in the home setting. Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA.

LaCroix, K.A., DeLisle, D., Thomason-Sassi, J., & Schlichenmeyer, K.J. (October 2015). Assessment and Treatment of Preservative Speech. Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA.

LaCroix, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & Diggs, K.A. (October 2015). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited in the community setting. Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA. 

Whelan, C. J., Harper, J. M., & Stone, A. R. Treatment of Aggression During Transitions for an Individual with Autism and Physical Impairments. Presented at the meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA (2015, October).

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., LaCroix, K.A., & Fleck, K. (May 2015).  Application of Clinic-based research in the home setting. Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, Marlborough, MA.

LaCroix, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & Diggs, K.A. (May 2015). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited in the community setting. Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, Marlborough, MA.

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., LaCroix, K.A., & Fleck, K. (May 2015).  Application of clinic-based research in the home setting.  Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

LaCroix, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & Diggs, K.A. (May 2015). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited in the community setting. Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & LaCroix, K.A. (January 2015).  Assessment and treatment of problem behavior in a home setting: A systematic replication.  Association for Behavior Analysis International. Annual Autism Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

LaCroix, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & Diggs, K.A. (January 2015). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited in the community setting. Annual Autism Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

2014

Diggs, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & LaCroix, K.A. (October 2014).  Assessment and treatment of problem behavior in a home setting: A systematic replication.  Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA.

LaCroix, K.A., Schlichenmeyer, K.J., & Diggs, K.A. (October 2014). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior exhibited in the community setting. Berkshire Area Behavior Analysts and Therapists, Amherst, MA.