Where Behavior Science Meets Human Connection
Consulting Services, Professional Development, Supervision, Coaching/Tutoring
ABA, SEL, MTSS, Curriculum, Research
About Big Picture Learning
Real Life, Real Learning
Big Picture Learning partners with schools, educators, and individuals to design learning and behavior systems that actually work in real life. Our approach integrates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and well-being science to support both outcomes and the humans behind them.
Services Available from Dr. Whalen
Expert ABA Consulting for Schools
I specialize in providing tailored consulting services for schools focusing on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My expertise helps institutions implement effective ABA strategies and develop strong Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that foster student growth and well-being. Let us partner with you to create a supportive learning environment.
Professional Development Tailored for Educators
Big Picture Learning offers comprehensive professional development programs designed specifically for educators. Our workshops and training sessions cover essential topics such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), SEL, behavior management, parent training, and effective assessment tools. Equip your staff with the skills they need to thrive in today's educational landscape.
Support for ABA Professionals
I understand the challenges ABA professionals face. Big Picture Learning provides support for those pursuing their BCBA certification through graduate coursework assistance and BCBA supervision. I have a 100% success rate for helping people pass the BCBA exam and have assisted many graduate students through ABA coursework. My goal is to help you navigate the path to becoming a successful Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Curriculum Development Services
Big Picture Learning collaborates with education companies and school districts to develop high-quality curriculum and assessment tools. Our research-based approach ensures that your educational materials meet the needs of diverse learners and adhere to the latest standards. Let's work together to enhance student learning experiences.
College Application Assistance
Navigating the college application process can be overwhelming. At Big Picture Learning, we offer personalized guidance for college applicants, helping them craft compelling essays and complete applications that stand out. I specialize in helping students interested in psychology, education, and theatre. I am here to ensure you present your best self to admissions committees.
Career Readiness Programs for Young Adults
Big Picture Learning is dedicated to helping young adults achieve career readiness. We provide programs that focus on essential skills, job search strategies, and professional development. Empower the next generation with the tools they need to launch successful careers in today's competitive job market.
Expert ABA Consulting for Schools
At Big Picture Learning, we specialize in providing tailored consulting services for schools focusing on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our expertise helps institutions implement effective ABA strategies and develop strong Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that foster student growth and well-being. Let us partner with you to create a supportive learning environment.
Professional Development Tailored for Educators
Big Picture Learning offers comprehensive professional development programs designed specifically for educators. Our workshops and training sessions cover essential topics such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and effective assessment tools. Equip your staff with the skills they need to thrive in today's educational landscape.
Research
I can support schools or companies with data analysis, reports, case studies, and other research needs.
About Dr. Whalen
The Big Picture
I’m a psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), educator, and systems builder who has spent my career working at the intersection of learning, behavior, social-emotional development, and well-being. My work is grounded in evidence—but driven by a deep belief that systems only work when they work for people.
I partner with schools, organizations, and individuals to move ideas off paper and into practice—helping teams design supports that are effective, sustainable, and human-centered.
How I Work
My approach blends Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and well-being science into a single, integrated framework. Rather than treating these as separate initiatives, I focus on how they work together to support growth, regulation, belonging, and performance.
I specialize in:
- Translating research into practical tools educators can actually use
- Designing systems that honor fidelity without rigidity
- Supporting both outcomes and professional sustainability
Think: clear structure, real-world constraints, and compassion combined into one reel.
Professional Experience
Over the past two decades, I’ve led learning,behavior, and implementation work across schools, nonprofits, startups, and national education organizations. My experience spans Tier 1 culture-building, Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, curriculum and assessment development, professional learning, and research-informed product design.
I’ve served in senior leadership roles at organizations including TeachTown, RethinkEd, Elevo Learning, SchoolBeat (formerly moozoom), and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), where I supervised clinicians and supported adolescents and young adults with complex learning and behavioral needs.
I’ve also contributed to statewide and national initiatives, including helping write California’s Transformative SEL competencies.
Who I Support
Through Big Picture Learning, I work with:
- Schools and districts seeking stronger behavior systems, MTSS implementation, and aligned SEL supports
- Educators and leaders looking for professional development that’s practical, respectful, and immediately useful
- College and graduate school applicants navigating competitive admissions
- BCBAs and aspiring BCBAs, providing mentoring, coaching, and ethical supervision grounded in competence and care
Whether the work is systems-level or deeply individual, my goal is always the same: clarity, confidence, and forward momentum.
What Makes This Different
I bring a builder’s mindset to everything I do. I love working in spaces where there isn’t a clear roadmap yet—asking:
- What actually matters here?
- What’s getting in the way?
- How do we make this simpler, more scalable, and more humane?
I also intentionally integrate well-being and sustainability into systems design. Burnout, overwhelm, and misalignment aren’t personal failures—they’re system signals. Addressing them is part of the work.
Beyond the Work
Before all of this, I studied theatre and education, and that lens still shapes how I see learning: people learn best through practice, feedback, belonging, and shared purpose. No small roles. No wasted effort. Everyone is a critical part of the cast.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me reading, writing, walking my dog, or thinking about how to make complex systems feel a little more human.
Let's Work Together for Positive Change!
If you’re looking for support that’s evidence-based, practical, tailored to your individual needs, and grounded in real life, I’d love to connect.
From script to practice. From systems to people.