Belle Stikeleather's career path has never followed a conventional route. Beginning with studies in diplomacy and international relations, she eventually found her way into special education, behaviour analysis, executive coaching, and nonprofit leadership. What connects these seemingly diverse pursuits is a commitment to helping people thrive through learning, connection, and opportunity.
In this conversation, Belle reflects on her early experiences as an educator in the Philippines, where a challenging classroom incident revealed the limits of her training and sparked a desire to better understand behaviour. That search ultimately led her to the Competent Learner Model (CLM), an experience she describes as transformational both professionally and personally.
Belle discusses the influence of mentors such as Vicki Tucci and Nipa, whose commitment to compassion, coaching, and learner success shaped her approach to leadership and behavioural practice. She also explains how CLM aligns with constructional approaches inspired by Israel Goldiamond and expanded by Joe Layng and colleagues.
The discussion moves beyond clinical practice into topics including executive coaching, resilience, online learning engagement, organizational leadership, employment opportunities for autistic adults, and community-based applications of behavioural science.
Listeners will hear Belle's vision for building stronger, more inclusive communities through collaboration rather than coercion, and learn why she believes behaviour analysts must continue finding creative ways to extend behavioural science beyond traditional service settings.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T35q8duWgFQ
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Behavioral Teaching Solutions
If you enjoyed this conversation with Belle, here are a few Behaviour Speak episodes that expand on many of the themes discussed in this episode, including the Competent Learner Model, constructional approaches, neurodiversity, and the growth of behaviour analysis in the Philippines.
Episode 209: Vicci Tucci and the Competent Learner Model with Nipa Bhuptani
Belle speaks extensively about the profound influence of Vicci Tucci and the Competent Learner Model (CLM) on her professional development. In this episode, Nipa Bhuptani shares the history, philosophy, and impact of CLM, offering valuable context for listeners interested in constructional approaches and generative learning repertoires.
Episode 241: Behaviour Analysis in the Philippines with Razelle Kaye Castillo, Kristine Gomez, and Kathryn Mendoza
Belle reflects on her early experiences in the Philippines and how those experiences shaped her path into education and behaviour analysis. This episode explores the profession's development in the Philippines and highlights Filipino behaviour analysts expanding behavioural services and education.
Incorporating Filipino Values in Behavioural Health with Dr. Pauline Tolentino-Pablo
For listeners interested in the intersection of culture, community, and behavioural practice, this conversation with Dr. Pauline Tolentino-Pablo examines how Filipino values can inform behavioural health services and strengthen culturally responsive care.
Episode 122: Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A South Asian Perspective with Jagmeet Sangha
Belle discusses creating meaningful employment opportunities and building inclusive communities for neurodivergent individuals. This episode with Jagmeet Sangha explores neurodiversity in employment settings and offers a complementary perspective on workplace inclusion and strengths-based approaches.
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