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Centria Autism Partners with University of Nevada, Reno

In an exciting development for the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Centria Autism has teamed up with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to provide a unique educational opportunity for its employees. This partnership will introduce a fully sponsored master's degree cohort aimed at team members aspiring to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

The Program Details

Scheduled to commence in January 2026, this initiative will see 35 team members from Centria Autism receive complete tuition support for UNR's well-regarded Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in ABA. The program, which is entirely virtual and spans five semesters, blends comprehensive academic coursework with essential practical skills essential for today's clinical environments. This collaboration integrates key aspects of Centria's therapeutic approach, including trauma-informed care and assent-based principles, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Timothy Yeager, Chief Clinical Officer at Centria Autism, explained, "This collaboration represents a powerful alignment between two organizations deeply committed to behavior analytic excellence. I believe the path forward for preparing robust, practice-ready BCBAs lies in universities and industry working hand-in-hand to create richer, more meaningful training experiences. Together, we're investing in our team members through a model that elevates educational quality, integrates real-world application, and ensures compassionate, client-centered care."

Practical Application and Support

Further strengthening the bridge between academic learning and clinical practice, Dr. Tim Fuller, Centria's Director of Practicum and Research and a UNR alumnus, will function as the Professor of Practicum for the cohort. Dr. Fuller remarked, "This partnership allows us to bring Centria's field-based expertise into a program that's already known for academic rigor and ethical leadership. It's about preparing future BCBAs who are not only clinically skilled but also grounded in values that matter."

Applications for this exclusive cohort opened on August 1, 2025, specifically for eligible Centria team members eager to begin their coursework in January 2026. The students in the cohort will also engage in Centria's Elevate practicum program, which is a structured, paid pathway to accumulate the supervised fieldwork hours necessary for BCBA certification.

A Commitment to Professional Development

Dr. Laura Barcelos Nomicos, Project Director and faculty member in UNR’s Department of Psychology, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Centria Autism on this meaningful initiative. By combining our academic strengths with Centria's fieldwork infrastructure, we're supporting the development of highly prepared professionals ready to meet the needs of the autism community."

About Centria Autism

Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Centria Autism is a renowned provider of ABA therapy dedicated to helping children with autism and their families. The organization continually strives to advance ABA practices and offers high-quality support through its Foundations of Care model, which personalizes treatment goals and emphasizes compassionate, trauma-informed care.

About University of Nevada, Reno

Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) stands as the state's flagship public research institution, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and research. UNR’s Global Institute for Behavior Analysis offers an accredited online Master of Science in Psychology that equips students with both theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on experience to excel as ethical leaders in behavior analysis.

The launch of this sponsored master’s cohort signals a significant investment in the education and professional growth of Centria Autism’s employees, ensuring they are effectively prepared to support the autism community with the highest standards of care.