Speaker Bio

Amy (Rae) Bukszpan is the founder and owner of Banana Champs Performance Coaching and Behavioral Consulting, as well as the owner of Bukszpan Behavior Consultants. She is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed NY State Behavior Analyst (NYLBA). She is also a UESCA-certified ultramarathon running coach and endurance nutrition coach. Amy’s conducted research on leadership and training, as well as effort and motivation in ultra running. Amy has published chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals and texts and has worked in homes, schools, day-habilitation, and developmental centers, from early intervention to geriatric populations with individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Bukszpan worked with a team of clinicians to increase access to non-institutional long-term services for adults living in developmental centers in NY State and was a clinical leader at a national ABA therapy company, writing training curriculum for ABA professionals. Amy is an adjunct professor at various universities and colleges, coaches a team of ultra runners, and is the host of Skinner’s Locker Room, a podcast on human behavior, performance, and sports. 

The OG Banana Champ, Amy, is an avid ultra runner, completing races from 50K to 250 miles, including Tahoe 200, Codona 250, Keys 100 twice, and competing in the Barkleys Fall Classic. Amy is also the Race Director for the Hoot’n Bulldog Track Ultra and believes in the power of curiosity and compassion when it comes to personal success, whether at work or on the trail.

Talk Title:

What lies beyond fear? How I got curious and set a path to success.

Talk Summary:

What lies beyond fear? And how do we get there? When we start getting curious, our potential is limitless. In this talk, Amy will examine how curiosity is the key to unlocking professional and athletic performance.