As Chair of Eagala’s Research Committee and Bibliography Lead, Dr. Christine Salas contributes to advancements in equine-assisted therapy research. As a PhD in psychology, she specializes in behavior analysis. Dr. Salas’s dissertation, Comparing the Effects of Verbal Behavior Methods With and Without Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children With Autism, was published through ProQuest on February 25, 2025. She has also co-authored the book Writing Skills for Behavior Analysts: A Practical Guide for Students and Clinicians. She earned a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science from Montclair State University. While pursuing her doctorate, she obtained a higher education teaching certificate from Harvard University, a certification in early educational leadership (CEEL) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a PEERS certification for young adults from UCLA.
Additionally, she is an inducted member of the PSI CHI International Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She has received multiple research awards, including the Sigma Xi Research Award and the Sokol Student Research Grant. She holds a QBS Safety-Care certification in crisis prevention and management.
Dr. Salas has extensive experience as a behavior analyst and clinical coordinator, specializing in applied behavior analysis across various roles. Her dedication includes working with and volunteering at equine-assisted therapy facilities to support individuals with special needs.