Sarah Lechago on Finding Behavior Analysis and Building the BADIE High School Mentorship Program

In this episode, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Sanchez Enriquez welcome Dr. Sarah Lechago, Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, to discuss her path into behavior analysis and her work connecting rigorous science with meaningful community engagement.

Dr. Lechago shares that she discovered behavior analysis later in her undergraduate training, through a behavior modification course, and gained early experience working with the Victims Resource Institute and the Texas Young Autism Project. She reflects on her journey into graduate training at Western Michigan University, including reaching out to leaders in the field and navigating her path into behavior analysis.

The conversation explores common misconceptions about behavior analysis within psychology, particularly the need for broader dissemination beyond autism, and highlights the importance of making the science more accessible and representative across communities.

Dr. Lechago also discusses the development of the Behavior Analysts for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (BADIE) research lab at University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), a lab-based initiative founded in 2020 that mentors high school students through structured modules, hands-on lab experiences, and a culminating public symposium. The program emphasizes culturally responsive care and has continued to evolve within the context of Texas policy, including SB 17, while maintaining a strong focus on access, representation, and community engagement.

We close with reflections on humility in practice, grounding work in radical behaviorism, avoiding perfectionism, and expanding how success is defined within the field.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Dr. Lechago’s path into behavior analysis:
Her discovery of the field through coursework, early clinical experiences, and eventual graduate training at Western Michigan University.

Misconceptions and dissemination in behavior analysis:
A discussion on how behavior analysis is often misunderstood within psychology and the importance of expanding awareness beyond autism.

The BADIE High School Mentorship Program:
An innovative model that provides high school students with exposure to behavior analysis through structured learning modules, lab participation, and a final symposium.

Culturally responsive practice and systems-level thinking:
How Dr. Lechago integrates cultural responsiveness into training and mentorship, even within shifting policy landscapes.

Building pathways into the field:
The importance of early exposure, mentorship, and creating accessible entry points for diverse students.

Advice for practitioners and students:
Reflections on humility, compassionate science, avoiding perfectionism, and redefining success in meaningful ways.

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Erratum: 

Dr. Lechago would like make a correction. She mistakenly stated that her article on advice for early career behavior analysts was published in BAP. This article is published in Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice (BARP).