Episode 10: Equity and Inclusion in APBS, an Interview with Drs. Don Kincaid and Erika Leslie McDowell

The Association for Positive Behavior Support Podcast

In this episode, Tanya Misgen, co-host of the APBS podcast, along with Drs. Don Kincaid and Erika McDowell, discusses the topic of equity and inclusion within APBS and more broadly as it relates to the positive behavior support framework.
Dr. Don Kincaid (referred to as Dr. D in the episode) is the current president of the Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS); he has been involved with APBS since 2006 in a variety of roles. Dr. Kincaid is a professor in the Department of Child & Family Studies at the University of South Florida as well as the Director of The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. He is involved in a variety of Positive Behavior Support Projects that integrate school-based positive behavior interventions and support within a multi-tiered support system framework. Dr. Kincaidis actively involved in systems change efforts at a local, state, and national level to support the implementation of evidence-based practices.
Dr. Erika L. McDowell (referred to as Dr. E in this episode) is a former NJ governor’s award recipient and honors graduate of Howard University and New York University. Dr. McDowellcurrently is an Equity Steward at Wildflower Schools. She earned her EdD from Drexel University in Educational Leadership and Management, in May 2020. Dr. McDowell received the Association for Positive Behavior Support’s 2020 E.G. “Ted” Carr Early Career Practitioner Award and was elected to the APBS Board of Directors for the 2021-2024 term, serving in the inaugural Racial and Ethnic Diversity Seat. In 2022, Dr. McDowell was honored as one of Drexel’s 40 under 40. She has served as an Executive Director of Professional Development and Director of PBIS/Youth Court for The School District of Philadelphia. Other positions previously held include assistant principal and teacher. In June 2022, she began her appointment as a Clinical Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. Her in-depth experience includes restorative practices, equity, positive behavioral support, conflict resolution, classroom management, coaching, leadership development, and behavioral data support. Dr. McDowell continues to be committed to nurturing the minds and gifts of leaders, teachers, and youth nationwide.
Interview References

APBS Commitment to Equity
APBS Statement on Equity
To connect with the APBS Equity Committee with questions or more information on how to join, please email volunteers @apbs.org