Joanna Lomas Mevers, PhD, BCBA

Director of Clinical Operations, Marcus Autism Center

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Autism and Related Disorders, Emory University School of Medicine

Joanna Lomas Mevers, PhD, BCBA-D, is the current Clinical Director at the center, overseeing all clinical activities throughout our programs. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine.

Dr. Lomas Mevers received her doctorate in school psychology from Louisiana State University under the mentorship of Jeffery Tiger, PhD, and George Noell, PhD. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Marcus Autism Center and Emory University under the supervision of Nathan Call, PhD.

Clinically, Dr. Lomas Mevers is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, with expertise in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In her role as Director of the Complex Behavior Support Program, Dr. Lomas Mevers has treated some of the most complex and challenging cases of severe problem behavior in the country. In addition, she specializes in toilet training individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Lomas Mevers has also provided leadership to the Family Support and Care Coordination services team as well as the School Consultation Program. Her long history with Marcus Autism Center, along with extensive experience working with children with ASD and related developmental disabilities, gives her a unique holistic understanding of the various needs of the center’s patients, their families, and community. This viewpoint has been instrumental in Dr. Lomas Mevers transition into the role of Clinical Director. In this capacity, Dr. Lomas Mevers directs the center’s clinical care delivery, guiding multidisciplinary teams collaboratively across programs to optimize how patients navigate our services. She is dedicated to continuously cultivating an environment at Marcus Autism Center in which clinical care and research merge seamlessly into quality services, from early childhood through transition into adulthood, for children across the full spectrum of autism.

Dr. Lomas Mevers’ current research interests include development of effective toileting interventions for urine and bowel training, increasing the social validity of behavioral interventions, increasing efficiencies in caregiver training, and identifying treatment components that are essential to maintaining positive long-term treatment outcomes. Her work has led to the development of a novel multidisciplinary treatment for encopresis. Along with her colleagues at Marcus Autism Center, she is currently conducting a four-year clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

In addition to her work at Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Lomas Mevers is involved with the Georgia Association of Behavior Analysis, a professional organization that supports behavior analysts throughout the state. She is a former president of the organization and currently serves on its advisory board.

Publications

Pavlov, A., Hodnett, J., Booth, C., Wigton, S., Bernstein, A., Lomas Mevers, J., & Scheithauer, M. (in press). COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Disorders: Feasibility and Acceptability. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Scheithauer, M., Call, N. A., Lomas Mevers, J., McCracken, C. E., & Scahill, L. (2021). A feasibility randomized clinical trial of a structured function-based intervention for elopement in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities,51, 2866-2875. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04753-4
Muething, C. Call., N., Pavlov, A., Ringdahl J., Gillespie, S. Clark, S., Lomas Mevers, J.(2020). Prevalence of Renewal of Problem Behavior during Context Changes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 1485-1493.doi:10.1002/jaba.672
Lomas Mevers, J., Call, N., Gerencser, K.R., Scheithauer, M., Miller, S.J., Muething, C., Hewett, S., McCracken, C., & McElhanon, B. (2020). A pilot randomized clinical trial of a multidisciplinary treatment for encopresis in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50,757-765. doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04305-5
Scheithauer, M., Schebell, S.M., Lomas Mevers, J., Martin, C.P., Noell. G., Suiter K.C., & Call, N. A. (2020). A comparison of sources of baseline data for treatment of problem behavior following a functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(1), 102-120. doi:10.1002/jaba0549
Scheithauer, M., Call., N., Lomas Mevers, J., & Scahill, L. (2018). A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) of a Manualized Intervention Targeting Elopement (running away) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31, 564-564
Hodnett, J., Scheithauer, M., Call, N. A., Lomas Mevers, J., & Miller, S. J. (2018). Using a functional analysis followed by differential reinforcement and extinction to reduce challenging behaviors in children with Smith-Magennis Syndrome. American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 123(6), 558 – 573. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-123.6.558
Lomas Mevers, J., Muething C., Call, N.A., Scheithauer, M., & Hewett, S. (2018).A consecutive case series analysis of behavioral intervention for enuresis in children with developmental disabilities.Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 21, 336-334. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1462269
Lomas Mevers, J., Noell, G.H., Scheithauer, M., Miller, S., Alvarez, J., & Fischer, A.J. (2018). The impact of stimulus preference, order-effects, and treatment component omission in evaluating treatment integrity. Journal of School Psychology, 69, 45-55. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2018.05.005
Muething, C. S., Call, N. A., Lomas Mevers, J., Zangrillo, A. N., Clark, S. B., Reavis, A. R., & Parks, N. A. (2017)Correspondence between the results of functional analyses and brief functional analyses. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 20, 549-559.doi:10.1080/17518423.2017.133877
Lomas Mevers, J.E., Call, N.A., & Miller, S.E. (2017). Practice recommendations for addressing problem behaviors in siblings with autism spectrum disorders. Behavior Analysis and Practice, 10, 363-374. doi: 10.1007/s40617-017-0190-z
10.1007/s10882-017-9535-3
Call, N. A., Clark, S.B., Lomas Mevers, J., Parks, N.A., Volkert, V.M., & Scheithauer, M.C. (2017). An individualized method for establishing and thinning multiple schedules of reinforcement following functional communication training. Learning and Motivation, 62, 91-102. doi:10.1016/j.lomt.2017.03.006
Scheithauer M., Lomas Mevers, J., Call, N. A., & Shrewsbury, A. (2017) Using a test for multiply-maintained self-injury to develop function-based treatments. Journal of Physical and Developmental Disabilities, 29, 443-460. doi: 10.1007/s10882-017-9535-3
Call, N. A., Alvarez, J., Simmons, C., Lomas Mevers, J., & Scheithauer, M. (2017). Clinical outcomes of behavioral treatments for elopement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Autism, 21, 375-379. doi:10.11777/1362361316644732.
Call, N.A., Lomas Mevers, J.E., & McElhanon, B. (2017).A multidisciplinary treatment of encopresis in children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50, 332-344. doi: 10.1002/jaba.379
Álvarez, J.P., Call, N.A., & Lomas Mevers, J.E. (2014). Increasing the Social Validity of Function-Based Treatments for Problem Behavior. Acta de Investigación Psicológica, 4, 1683-1700.
Call, N.A., Clark, S.B., Lomas Mevers, J.E., Parks, N.A., Volkert, V.M., & Scheithauer, M.C. (2018). An individualized Method for Establishing and Thinning Multiple Schedules of Reinforcement Following Functional Communication Training. Learning and Motivation, 62, 91-102.
Call, N.A., Simmons, C.A., Lomas Mevers, J.E., & Alvarez, J.P. (2015). C linical Outcomes of Behavioral Treatments for Pica in Children with Developmental Disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45 (7), 2105-2114.
Call, N.A., Delfs, C.H., Reavis, A.R., & Lomas Mevers, J.E. (2015). Factors Influencing Treatment Decisions By Parents For Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 15-16, 10-20.
Call, N.A., & Lomas Mevers, J.E. (2014). The Relative Influence of Motivating Operations For Positive and Negative Reinforcement On Problem Behavior During Demands. Behavioral Interventions, 29, 4-20.
Hodnett, J., Scheithauer, M., Call, N.A., Mevers, J.L., & Miller, S.J. (2018). Using a Functional Analysis Followed by Differential Reinforcement and Extinction to Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Children With Smith-Magenis Syndrome. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 123 (6), 558-573.
Lomas Mevers, J.E., Noell, G.H., Scheithauer, M., Miller, S., Alvarez, J.P., & Fischer, A.J. (2018). The impact of stimulus preference, order-effects, and treatment component omission in evaluating treatment integrity. Journal of School Psychology, 69, 45-55.
Lomas Mevers, J., Muething, C., Call, N. A., Scheithauer, M., & Hewett, S. (2018).A Consecutive Case Series Analysis of a Behavioral Intervention For Enuresis in Children With Developmental Disabilities.Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 21(5), 336-344.
Lomas Mevers, J.E., Call, N.A., & Miller, S.J. (2017). Practice Recommendations for Addressing Problem Behaviors in Siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10 (4), 363-374.
Lomas Mevers, J.E., Fisher, W.W., Kelley, M.E., & Fredrick, L.D. (2014). The Effects of Variable-Time Versus Contingent Reinforcement Delivery on Problem Behavior Maintained By Escape. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47 (2), 277-292.
Muething, C.S., Call, N.A., Lomas Mevers, J.E., Zangrillo, A.N., Clark, S.B., & Reavis, A.R. (2017). Correspondence Between the Results of Functional Analyses and Brief Functional Analyses. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 20 (8), 549-559.
Noell, G.H., Gansle, K.A., Lomas Mevers, J.E., Knox, R.M., Mintz, J.C., & Dahir, A. Improving Treatment Plan Implementation in Schools: A Meta-Analysis of Single Subject Design Studies. Journal of Behavioral Education, 23, 168-191.
Scheithauer, M., Call, N., Lomas Mevers, J.E., & Scahill, L. (2018). A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) of a Manualized Intervention Targeting Elopement (Running Away) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JARID, 31, 564-564.
Scheithauer, M. C., Lomas Mevers, J.E., Call, N.A., & Shrewsbury, A.N. (2017). Using a Test for Multiply-Maintained Self Injury to Develop Function-Based Treatments. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 29, 443 - 460.

Speaking Engagements

Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). Toward better understanding of burnout in behavior therapists: A pilot of the stress diagnostic checklist. Presented at the 48th Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Boston, MA (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N. (2022). Crisis Admission Program: An Alternative Pilot Discharge Plan for Patients with Autism Presenting in Behavioral Crisis. Symposium conducted at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts (Poster presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). The development of, initial outcomes for, and caregiver satisfaction with a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children with severe challenging behavior. Presented at the 48th Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Boston, MA (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). The Development of Initial Outcomes for and Caregiver Satisfaction with a COVID-19 vaccine Clinic for Children with Severe Challenging Behavior. Presented at the Autism Treatment Symposium, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J. (2022). Lectureship: Assessment and Treatment of Pica, Catalight Care Services, Virtual Meeting, CA
Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N., (2022). From Small “n” to Large “N”: A Multidisciplinary Treatment for Encopresis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Symposium conducted at the 11th International conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Dublin, Ireland (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). Workshop: Multidisciplinary Treatment for Encopresis, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, (virtual presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). An Evaluation of Discriminative Responding During a Multiple Schedule Arrangement. Presented at the Autism Treatment Symposium, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). An Evaluation of Discriminative Responding During a Multiple Schedule Arrangement. Symposium conducted at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J. (2022). Comprehensive Evaluation of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Challenging Behavior. Presented at the Autism Treatment Symposium, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J. (2022). Comprehensive Evaluation of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Challenging Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Boston, Massachusetts, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N. A (2022). Randomized Clinical Trial of a Manualized Function-Based Elopement Treatment: Secondary Interim Analyses. Symposium conducted at the 11th International conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Dublin, Ireland, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, (2022). Workshop: TAND-Feeding, elopement, and potty training. World Tuberous Sclerosis Conference, Dallas, TX.
Lomas Mevers, J., Call, N. A (2022). Randomized Clinical Trial of a Manualized Function-Based Elopement Treatment: Secondary Interim Analyses. Symposium conducted at the 11th International conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Dublin, Ireland, (oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., (2022). Workshop: TAND-Feeding, elopement, and potty training. World Tuberous Sclerosis Conference, Dallas, TX.
Muething, C. S.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Scheithauer, M. C., Mauzy, C. & Call, N., A Consecutive Case Review of Interventions for Problem Behavior Maintained by Social-Positive Reinforcement.Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Mauzy, C.*, Miller, S. J., Scheithauer, M. C., Call, N., Lomas Mevers, J., & Clark, S. B., An Investigation of Similarities in Procedures Used in Stimulus Avoidance Assessments. Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Clark, S.B.*, Scheithauer, M. C., Ekstrom, & Lomas Mevers, J. Functional Analysis of Aberrant Behavior Related to Transitions. Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Krantz, J.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Scheithauer, M. C., & Gerencser, K. Use of Activity Schedules to Treat Automatically Maintained Problem Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Walton, W.*, Scheithauer, M. C., Ekstrom, J., Miller, S., Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N. An Analysis of Caregiver Buy in for a Parent Training Program Targeting Problem Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Lomas Mevers, J.*, Miller, S., Scheithauer, M. C., Turbyfield, W., Call, N., Muething, C., Silva, M., Gerencser, K., & Krantz, J. Beyond Percent Reduction: Global Outcomes of Interventions for Problem Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (oral presentation).
Withhart, L.*, Scheithauer, M. C., Call, N., & Lomas Mevers, J. Using a Manualized Approach to Treating Elopement in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster Presentation conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (poster presentation).
Shieth, J.*, Scheithauer, M. C., Call, N., & Lomas Mevers, J. Evaluating the Effect of Medication Changes Using a Time-Limited Functional Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior. Poster Presentation conducted at the 43rd annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Denver, CO, 2017 (poster presentation)
Hewett, S. K.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Muething, C.S., Call, N., & Scheithauer, M.C. Treatment of Enuresis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Gerencser, K.*, Lomas Mevers, J., & Muething, C. S. The Effects of Response Dependent and Response Independent Progressive Time Delay During Functional Communication Training. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Pavlov, A. C.*, Muething, C.S., Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N.A. Resurgence During Thinning Steps in a Multiple Schedule of Reinforcement. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Muething, C. S.*, Call, N.A., Clark, S.B., Lomas Mevers, J., & Leary, R. Prevalence of Renewal During Generalization of Treatments for Problem Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Scheithauer, M.C.*, Call, N.A., Scahill, L., & Lomas Mevers, J. A Feasibility Study of a Manualized Intervention for the Assessment and Treatment of Elopement. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Lomas Mevers, J.*, Call, N., Gerencser, K., Scheithauer, M.C., Miller, S., Muething, C., S., Hewett, S.K., McCracken C., & McElhanon, B. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multidisciplinary Treatment of Encopresis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Symposium conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (oral presentation).
Tsai, Y.*, Muething, C.S., Lomas Mevers, J., Hodnett, J., & Martin, C. Caregiver Implemented Toilet Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster Session conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (poster presentation).
Tung. S.*, Scheithauer, M.C., Muething, C.S., & Lomas Mevers, J. Multiple Schedules and Thinning with One S-Delta Period. Poster Session conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (poster presentation).
Coleman, L.*, Gerencser, K., & Lomas Mevers, J. Evaluation of a Self-Initiation Toileting Protocol. Poster Session conducted at the 44th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, San Diego, CA, 2018 (poster presentation)
Scheithauer*, M., Call, N., Lomas Mevers, J., & Scahill, L. (2018). A Feasibility randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a manualized intervention targeting elopement (running away) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Presented at the 5^th International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSID) Europe Congress, Athens, Greece 2018 (oral presentation)
DeSouza, A.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Muething, C.S., Scahill, L., & Gillespie, S. A. Consecutive Case Series Analysis of a Toilet Training Program for Children with Autism Evaluating Gender Differences. Symposium conducted at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Chicago, IL, 2019 (oral presentation)
Carrion, D.*, Call, N., Lomas Mevers, J., Rock, C. M., Reich, A., & Jones, W. Comparing Reinforcing Efficacy of Social Interactions and Leisure Activities in Children with Autism. Symposium conducted at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Chicago, IL, 2019 (oral presentation)
Nadratu, N.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Keenum, J., Muething, C.S., Scheithauer*, M., & Call, N. Beyond Percent Reduction: A Consecutive Case Review Evaluating Outcomes from a Severe Behavior Day Treatment Model. Symposium conducted at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Chicago, IL, 2019 (oral presentation)
Clark, S.*, Call, N., Lomas Mevers, J., Scheithauer, M., & Muething, C.S. The Impact of Teaching Emergency Department Direct Case Staff Crisis Management Strategies. Symposium conducted at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Chicago, IL, 2019 (oral presentation)
Keenum, J.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Nadratu, N., Muething, C.S., Scheithauer, M., & Call, N. Evaluating Long Term Direct and Indirect Outcomes from a Severe Behavior Day Treatment Model. Symposium conducted at the 45th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Chicago, IL, 2019 (poster presentation)
Buckley, E.*, Lomas Mevers, J., Muething, C., & Slocum, S. Consecutive Case Series Examining the Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Received Services Through a Toileting Consultation Program. Symposium conducted at the 46th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Washington DC, 2020 (Oral presentation)
Nuhu, N., *, Lomas Mevers, J., Pavlov, A., & Call., N. Parent Perception of Problem Behavior: A Thematic Analysis of Parent Descriptions of Problem Behavior. Symposium conducted at the 47th annual conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis, On-line Conference, 2021 (Oral presentation)
Lomas Mevers, J., & Call., N. A. (2018). Bootcamp on the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior. Presented at Naked Heart Foundation, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2018). A current state of behavioral interventions for problem behavior: Best practices and current research. Presented at Marcus Autism Center Summer Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2018) A comprehensive evaluation of a practical functional assessment model. Presented at the 44th Annual Convention for the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Diego, CA.
Lomas Mevers, J., & Call, N. A. (2018) Assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior and toilet training. Presented at Naked Heart Foundation, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2017) A behaviorally-based toilet training for school-aged children with ASD. Presented at the 2017 Georgia Autism Providers Conference, Jekyll Island, GA.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2016) Treatment of encopresis for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. Presented at Relias Academy, NC.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2016) Behavioral skills training to teach assessment and intervention strategies to allied professionals and parents. Presented at the 42^nd Annual Convention for the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.
Lomas Mevers, J. (2015) Assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior. Presented at Marcus Autism Center Summer Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
Lomas Mevers, J., Call, N. A., Alvarez, J., Scheithauer, M., Miller, S., Bamford, D., Autry, K., & Cawthon, F. (2014) Maintaining social validity while treating problem behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. Presented at the 7th Annual Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Leadership Team