Dr. Joyce Tu Appointed President-Elect of CalABA

Easterseals Southern California’s very own Dr. Joyce Tu, Vice President of Clinical Transformation for Autism Services, has been named President-Elect of the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). 

CalABA is the field’s top professional organization, with a mission to advance, promote, and protect the science and practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Dr. Tu will serve as President-Elect, then President, then Past-President, for a total of a three-year appointment. 

“I aim to bring my passion for the field of behavior analysis to CalABA and support the next generation of professionals in this field,” said Dr. Tu. “As a practicing behavior analyst for the past 25+ years, I’m committed to seeing behavior analysis continue to advance to better serve the populations who rely on us.” 

A Lifelong Commitment to CalABA

Dr. Joyce Tu has been a part of CalABA since 1998, holding many leadership roles, including a previous term as President. Now she’s back on the board, bringing fresh energy and vision to help guide the organization’s future.

As President-Elect, Dr. Tu will immerse herself in board governance and strategic planning, preparing to lead CalABA through its next chapter. Her return signals a deep commitment to advancing the field and protecting the integrity of behavior analysis.

Blazing New Trails in Behavior Analysis

With a doctorate in educational psychology and certification as a BCBA-D, Dr. Tu is a nationally recognized expert in applied behavior analysis. Her research primarily focuses on verbal behavior. 

In autism services, teaching someone to follow complex instructions can be challenging. Dr. Tu’s work helps explain how internal speech (like repeating instructions in your head) can support better understanding and action. Her findings have had major implications for how therapists and educators teach communication and comprehension skills.

“We’re incredibly proud to have Joyce on our team,” said Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Chief Clinical Officer of Easterseals Autism Services. “She is a highly regarded leader in behavior analysis. Her work has a real and lasting impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families.”

A Shared Mission 

As one of the largest ABA service providers in the country, Easterseals is committed to the advancement of ABA research and practices. As Dr. Tu notes, Easterseals and CalABA share a similar mission. 

“Both organizations are focused on protecting the rights of the people we serve and supporting the professionals who provide care,” she said. “When those values are shared, it creates a powerful foundation for improving services.”

“This appointment is a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Pompa-Craven. “It’s a reflection of Joyce’s leadership, expertise, and dedication—and it will allow her to continue shaping the field she’s helped build.”