Phillip Bozich is a distinguished leader in behavioral support systems with over three decades of experience dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and the people who support them. His extensive career has been shaped by a commitment to improving behavioral interventions, crisis response strategies, and training methodologies that empower caregivers, organizations, and communities to better support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and complex co-morbid conditions.
Phillip’s expertise in applied behavior analysis and positive behavior supports has positioned him as a trusted authority in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. His ability to develop and implement training programs, mentor professionals, and optimize behavioral intervention systems has made a lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations. His career has spanned leadership roles in state government, private practice, and nonprofit organizations, where he has successfully influenced policies, improved behavioral support structures, and fostered meaningful change in care environments.
For over twelve years, Phillip served in key leadership roles with the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), where he trained and supervised teams supporting more than 14,000 clients and their care providers across the Greater St. Louis region. His tenure saw him delivering the introductory lecture at the DMH Statewide Providers’ Conference on Agency Tiered Supports from 2016 to 2018 and playing an integral role on both the Statewide Steering Committee for Behavior Resource Services and the Eastern District Regional Behavior Supports Review Committee. As an associate developer for Missouri’s 2008 curriculum on Positive Behavior Support, his contributions helped shape the foundational training for professionals across the state.
In addition to his work in state government, Phillip has held leadership positions in private and nonprofit behavioral health services. As Director of Behavior Services and a Crisis-Services Consultant at a major private support provider in St. Louis, he developed best-practice strategies for client support, staff training, and crisis intervention. His efforts led to a reduction in average stay times for clients in crisis housing and improved intake procedures. He played a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance with Medicaid service regulations and in transitioning to the 2019 ABA/CPT billing code changes for behavior services. His oversight of contracted behavior service provision and direct support for family members further demonstrated his commitment to holistic and individualized care.
Currently, Phillip is the founder of PBI – Preferred Behavior Innovations, a private practice focused on providing tailored behavioral support, training, and crisis intervention strategies for individuals, families, healthcare agencies, and organizations facing complex behavioral challenges. His expertise extends beyond direct care, offering business consulting in organizational behavior management (OBM), addressing public-facing customer interaction challenges, and designing behavior-based solutions for community and public health dilemmas. His influence has reached first responder organizations, where he has shared insights on de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, further bridging the gap between behavioral health and emergency response.
Alongside his consulting work, Phillip currently holds a contract role at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he trains medical students across all four years of study in critical patient engagement skills. His work focuses on helping future physicians build successful patient relationships, develop emotional awareness and flexibility during difficult patient conversations, and refine their examination and investigative techniques. His contributions in this role underscore his commitment to integrating behavioral expertise into medical education, equipping doctors with the interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective patient care.
A highly sought-after trainer and speaker, Phillip has delivered numerous public presentations on improving relationships through a better understanding of human behavior, efficiency in training, and effective crisis engagement. He has spoken at law enforcement training programs, professional development seminars, and nonprofit events, equipping diverse audiences with practical skills to enhance their interactions with individuals facing behavioral and cognitive challenges. His reputation as an engaging and informative speaker stems from his ability to translate complex behavioral concepts into actionable strategies that improve both individual and organizational outcomes.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Phillip is a dedicated advocate for aging populations and individuals with disabilities. He serves on the Board of Directors for Five Star Center, a long-standing St. Louis nonprofit organization supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities. His passion for service extends to past leadership roles, including his tenure on the Executive Advisory Board for Solid Lines Production, an arts organization focused on social justice and inclusion. His diverse background in communications and journalism, along with his artistic pursuits as an actor, writer, and director in the St. Louis theatre community, reflect his multi-dimensional approach to engagement and advocacy.
With a combined master’s degree in education and applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University and a self-designed Bachelor of Sciences in electronic communications and media from Southeast Missouri State University, Phillip brings a unique blend of academic knowledge, real-world experience, and creative problem-solving to his work. His certifications as a Tools of Choice Master Trainer, PBS Training Instructor, and Dementia Capable Care Specialist further solidify his expertise in behavioral intervention and specialized care.
Guided by his personal mission statement, “Any solution that isn’t simple is no solution at all,” Phillip remains committed to leveraging his vast experience to support individuals, families, and organizations in need of effective behavioral strategies. His ability to foster meaningful change through evidence-based practices, compassionate leadership, and innovative training methodologies continues to make a profound impact in the field of behavioral health. Whether through consulting, public speaking, medical education, or board service, Phillip Bozich is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.
Character: Phillip Bozich is a compassionate and dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and the people who support them, always striving to improve their quality of life.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of expertise in applied behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, and crisis engagement, he has developed and implemented transformative training programs for healthcare and nonprofit organizations.
Strategic: His leadership in state agencies, private practice, and nonprofits has led to the development of innovative behavioral intervention systems, regulatory compliance improvements, and enhanced crisis response strategies.
Communication: A skilled trainer and public speaker, Phillip effectively translates complex behavioral concepts into practical strategies, equipping caregivers, first responders, and organizations with the tools to foster better relationships and outcomes.
