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Child working with healthcare provider

Biobehavioral Health Unit


A first-of-its-kind in New York State


The Biobehavioral Health Unit (BBHU) Inpatient Unit is an 11-bed inpatient unit that provides behavioral and mental health care and one-to-one behavioral healthcare to individuals 5-17 years of age with multiple mental and behavioral health diagnoses who also display severe destructive behavior.

The goal of the unit is to help stabilize patients so they may return to their homes and activities. Without the new unit the children would have to travel out of state for this care, which is currently available nowhere else in New York.

Diagnoses

The diagnoses that we work with include developmental disabilities and mental health disorders including but not limited to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Trisomy 21
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Conduct Disorder
  • ADHD
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar
  • Cyclothymia
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
  • Pica
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder
  • ARFID

Behaviors

Severe destructive behaviors include:

  • Physical and verbal aggression
  • Self-injury
  • Tantrums
  • Property destruction
  • Disruption
  • Elopement
  • Incontinence
  • Non-compliance
  • Obsession
  • Compulsions and rituals
  • Inappropriate sexualized behavior
  • Threatening
  • Fecal digging
  • Food selectivity
  • Pica
  • Rumination
  • Other behaviors that prohibit the patient from functioning in their natural environment (e.g., home, school, community)

Modalities and Treatments

The unit operates a bio-behavioral model using multi-disciplinary assessments, functional analysis, defining and tracking of target behaviors, individualized treatment of target behavior, caregiver training, and relevant psychiatric/educational needs, among other ancillary services.

Treatment plans focus on the specific interventions to be utilized to reduce these target behaviors, including psychopharmacology, an individualized positive behavioral support plan, a generalization plan, as well as other interventions.

About the Unit

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Bedroom

BBHU BedroomEach bedroom is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for our patients. The room features secured storage units, fastened to the floor to prevent damage, offering ample space for children to store their personal belongings. The large window allows natural light to fill the room, helping to create a more calming and homelike environment.

Treatment Rooms

These rooms are where children will receive their personalized treatment. Treatment rooms are equipped with a private observation window to allow for professional oversight, ensuring both privacy and safety while treatments are administered.

Multi-Sensory Rooms

Our multi-sensory rooms provides a therapeutic space where children can engage with sensory stimuli, helping to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. These rooms are essential for children who may become overwhelmed, offering a place to recalibrate and find comfort.

Playground

The outdoor playground offers a safe and secure environment for children to play and explore. It provides an opportunity for them to enjoy fresh air and physical activity, promoting their overall well-being, just as the large windows in their bedrooms connect them to the outdoors even when inside.

Classroom

BBHU ClassroomOur dedicated classroom ensures that each child’s education continues seamlessly during their inpatient stay. This space allows for individualized learning, helping children stay on track academically while they receive the care they need.

The Family Resource Center

BBHU Therapy RoomThe Family Resource Center is a space designed with your family in mind. Here we foster a sense of community, offering a supportive environment where families can come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re seeking information, a quiet moment, or a chance to engage with others, the center is here to provide resources and support for every family member.

Providers

Henry Roane, PhD
Program Director, Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit at The Children's Pavilion
Executive Director, Golisano Center for Special Needs

Education:
  • B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
  • M.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
  • Ph.D. in Psychology from Louisiana State University
Services provided:
  • Complex Behavior Program
  •  Autism Diagnosis
  •  Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit
  •  Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

My approach to helping children is to view everyone involved as part of a team. The children themselves, caregivers, the front-line staff, social worker, behavioral psychologists, teachers, and medical staff all come together to meet the unique needs of the child. This looks different in every case, but the important thing is to seek that input and share responsibility is most critical to having a successful care plan. By building on the strengths of the child and the family, we can develop programs that are individualized and effective.


Christopher Lucas, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit at The Children's Pavilion

Education:
  • MD from Leeds University School of Medicine, Leeds UK
  • MPH from Columbia University, New York, NY

Services provided:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

I have been at Upstate since 2017. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Vice-Chair of Hospital Psychiatry. As Medical Director of the Children’s Pavilion, I will bring my expertise in the psychopharmacological management of behavior and mood disorders to both normally developing and neuroatypical children and adolescents. I am excited by this new therapeutic environment, expanding the spectrum of psychiatric and psychological care to our region.


Sean Smith
Sean Smith, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Clinical Provider

Education:
  • B.A. in Psychology from Georgetown University
  • M.A. in Applied Psychology from Rider University
  • Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from University of Nebraska Medical Center

Services provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit
  • Behavior Analysis Murine Laboratory

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

My clinical work focuses on the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior of individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My research focuses on the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, factors affecting treatment relapse, and the quantitative analysis of behavior.


Megan Boyle
Megan Boyle, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Clinical Provider

 Education: 

  • B.S. in Psychology from Western Michigan University
  • M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management from Florida Institute of Technology
  • Ph.D. in Disability Disciplines from Utah State University

Services Provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

My clinical and research area of specialization are in the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. I am particularly passionate about improving the feasibility of interventions in natural settings, evaluating the indirect effects of interventions, and improving outcomes for children who engage in elopement (bolting and wandering). 


Alexandra Stocks
Alexandra Stocks, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Education:
  • B.S. in Psychology from Drexel University
  • M.S. in Behavioral Analysis Studies from Upstate Medical University

Services provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

I enjoy assisting families in identifying the reason why behaviors may be occurring, and afterwards, teaching the child how to communicate those needs in a safer, more appropriate way. It is so rewarding to equip both the child and families with the skills to be successful!


Maria Fernandez
Maria Fernandez, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Education:
  • B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University
  • M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from SUNY Upstate University

Services provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

I fell in love with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) when I worked in a school setting helping children meet their academic and behavioral goals. Through the implementation of behavioral interventions, I found my passion of assessing and treating severe challenging behaviors. My goal at BBHU is to identify the reasons why my patients engage in these behaviors and then teach them a variety of communication, adaptive, and functional skills to better communicate their wants/needs in a holistic approach.


Clementina Fomicheva
Clementina Fomicheva, M.Ed., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Education:
  • B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Ohio University

  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis from Cleveland State University

Services provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

From a young age, I have worked with children with developmental disabilities; to engage with them, help them learn, and see them flourish is what I love most about what I do. I believe incorporating individualization and creativity into treatment is of utmost importance, and I strive to bring positivity and playfulness to each interaction!


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Maisha Brown
Nurse Manager

 


Kelly Morrison
Kelly Morrison, BS, RN, CLC
Nurse Navigator

Education:
  • A.A. S. in Nursing from Crouse Hospital School of Nursing
  • B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • A.A.S. in Ecology and Environmental Technology from Paul Smith’s College

Services provided:

  • Biobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BBHU)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

I have over 15 years of experience in the pediatric nursing field. I feel honored to have provided nursing care in the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Inpatient Surgical floor, Radiology department, and several pediatric outpatient specialty clinics. I believe that experience plus my years working as a nurse coordinator and case manager make me well qualified to serve as Nurse Navigator for the BBHU. I wear many hats in my role such as advocate, educator, liaison, communicator. All while maintaining flexibility, compassion, and critical thinking. My goal is to make the admission process, inpatient treatment stay, and discharge as seamless as possible. It is my pleasure to provide the safest and highest quality care to our patients and their caregivers/families.


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Brittany Mauzy
Family Therapist


 


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Mattison Thrall
Family Resource Coordinator

Education:
  • B.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from Manhattan College

Services provided:

  • Family Resources (BBHU)
  • Trauma Adapted Yoga (TAY)
Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

I am dedicated to not only helping families access the services they need and deserve but empowering them to regain ownership and autonomy over their lives to help manage and overcome trauma and stress. Every day I strive to provide families with access to a community, confidence, and the tools needed to channel their inner advocate and ultimately improve their quality of life as a whole family unit. Managing trauma and stress is not “one size fits all,” but I find great joy in learning about different practices and working in both 1:1 and group settings to find what works best for each and every family we serve.


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