Selena J. Layden, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Dr. Layden is an Assistant Professor and the Executive Director of the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network and the Cooperative for Effective Behavior Intervention and Supports. Dr. Layden has extensive expertise in behavior and supporting teachers in Pre-K-12 public schools. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.

Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions, focusing on challenging behavior and working with students in special education.  She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University where she provided training and technical assistance to school divisions across Virginia. 

Dr. Layden has published and presented on her research interests which focus on improving implementation of evidence-based practices through the provision effective professional development for school personnel working with students with autism, school-based behavior analysts, and teacher attrition and retention. Dr. Layden has also received several grants to support her work.