Anika Costa

Anika Costa, M.S. Ed, BCBA 

Founder and Chief Performance Officer, The Operant Teacher, LLC  

Anika Costa, M.S.Ed., BCBA, is the founder and chief performance officer of The Operant Teacher, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping professionals, organizations, and educators optimize performance through science-driven strategies. With over 25 years of experience as a behavior analyst, instructional designer, and educator, Anika is a leading expert in translating research into real-world applications that improve learning, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. 

A board-certified behavior analyst and instructional design specialist, Anika works with behavioral organizations, therapy centers, schools, and corporate teams to implement data-driven coaching, training, and leadership strategies. Her work integrates organizational behavior management (OBM) principles, instructional design, and performance analysis to create sustainable behavior change and lasting impact. 

Anika is also an accomplished author, keynote speaker, and faculty member, dedicated to equipping professionals with the skills they need to thrive. Whether in consulting, coaching, or teaching, she is passionate about helping individuals, systems, and organizations achieve their full potential. 

Presentation at the ABA International Conference 2025

Quick Wins! Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 

Abstract:

Behavior practitioners aiming to initiate new projects or foster meaningful change can attract support and gain momentum by concentrating on visible, low-effort areas with valuable outcomes for stakeholders. In essence, these are Quick Wins. However, this is just part of the equation. While securing buy-in and generating momentum are crucial, ensuring that stakeholders sustain the behaviors necessary to reach goals is essential for long-term success. Ultimately, it all comes down to behavior: that of the students, faculty, staff, and school leaders. Quick Wins guides those responsible for implementing behavioral strategies, classroom improvements, or school enhancements on how to utilize behavioral science effectively to optimize stakeholder engagement. This presentation aids participants in understanding how to apply Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) principles to create momentum and achieve lasting change, based on insights from the best-selling book, Quick Wins! It will provide school leaders, consultants, and improvement teams with strategies to leverage behavioral science for initiating and sustaining meaningful change. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Identify the common mistakes behavior practitioners make when initiating change efforts in schools. 

1. Describe the concept of quick wins and explain how they can generate buy-in and momentum for new initiatives. 

1. List the key characteristics of quick wins that make them effective in the early stages of change. 

1. Explain how leveraging behavioral science can help sustain stakeholder behavior and achieve long-term success in school improvement efforts