Gabriella Barrientos PhD, MAE, BCBA, CDE, LBA, IBA, CSSC (she/her)
Known for combining clinical excellence with compassion, Dr. Gabriella Barrientos (she/her) brings an affirming, evidence-based, and justice-centered approach to behavior analysis, helping organizations and communities create environments where all individuals can thrive.
Dr. Gabriella Barrientos provides affirming behavior analytic services for autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals and parent coaching that promotes supportive, affirming caregiving. A sought-after public speaker and keynote presenter, she regularly delivers trainings and presentations on affirming care, behavior analysis, diversity, equity, inclusion, and systems change to national and international audiences.
Dr. Barrientos earned her Ph.D. from Queen’s University Belfast, a member of the UK’s Russell Group, where her research focuses on improving clinical recommendations for transgender and autistic youth. She is a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) with extensive international experience spanning early intervention, intensive behavioral services, adaptive skills training, school-based services, adult residential care, vocational training, and parent coaching.
Her work is grounded in affirming, trauma-informed, client-centered care that prioritizes assent, consent, and the prevention of harm. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and intersectionality, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Dr. Barrientos partners with organizations to remove systemic barriers, foster inclusive cultures, and implement sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She has designed and delivered trainings on implicit bias, anti-racism, allyship, cultural humility, and ethical practice for organizations worldwide, including continuing education for behavior analysts. She also develops DEI-centered supervision and mentorship frameworks for clinical professionals.
Dr. Barrientos is passionate about global dissemination and increasing access to quality behavioral services. She served as the only BCBA in both Guinea and Malta, where she established sustainable, evidence-based intervention programs, trained local professionals, and expanded access to services for children with developmental disabilities. Today, she continues to support international policy development, clinical consultation, and scalable behavioral health initiatives through telehealth, with a focus on accessibility and equitable care.