Dr. Debbi Napolitano, Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at Daemen, has been awarded the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) 2025 Jerry Shook Award for her exceptional work as a board certified behavior analyst. 
In addition to her role at Daemen, Napolitano is also a consultant to the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at St. John Fisher University and holds a courtesy appointment as an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
“Behavior analysis and all those who have benefited from the services owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Jerry Shook for his vision in moving the field towards formal credentialing and more recently accreditation standards,” said Napolitano. “To be nominated for, let alone be selected to receive an award named for someone who has done so much for so many, including me, is truly an honor.”
Napolitano will be honored during APBA Shine’s Award Ceremony on Thursday, March 27.
“The faculty in the Behavioral Science Department are proud of Debbi’s remarkable accomplishments and her tireless work to help others at the individual, systems, and legislative levels,” said Dr. Vicki Knapp, Associate Professor and Executive Director and Chair of the Behavioral Science Department. “As a passionate and dedicated behavior analyst, Debbi has played a pivotal role in shaping the laws, rules, and regulations for licensure for behavior analysts in New York. The Jerry Shook Award is one of the most prestigious honors in our field and is a fitting tribute to her outstanding contributions.”
The Jerry Shook award is named after the late Dr. Jerry Shook, who started the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. and the credentialing process for behavior analysts. This award is one of the highest honors in the behavior analyst field.