Professional Crisis Management (PCM) is a globally-recognized system grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior, often used to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. PCM is designed to help families, caregivers, and professionals safely support these individuals when behaviors escalate to crisis levels.

PCM emphasizes prevention first—using evidence-based strategies to reduce the likelihood of a crisis. It also provides structured, respectful methods for de-escalation, crisis responding with physical restraint when safety is at risk, and reintegration strategies post-crisis. The focus is always on preserving dignity, maintaining trust, and protecting everyone involved.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over six years of experience, I value PCM because it connects directly with what we know works from ABA research and practice. Families who participate in PCM training will learn practical, hands-on tools that are consistent with ABA principles, while also gaining safe physical procedures to use only when absolutely necessary. 

For more detailed information about Professional Crisis Management, please visit the Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA)

My name is Nick Willits and I have been a certified PCM Instructor since December 2022. I have certified over 150 people to implement PCM. I am also a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA #1-19-35716) working in an outpatient autism clinic in Greensboro, NC. I have over 10 years experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and have a Masters degree in ABA. My training and experience has primarily focused on supporting children and adolescents with profound autism who display severe and sometimes dangerous behaviors. In a previous role as Clinic Director, I opened and ran a specialized outpatient unit designed specifically to serve individuals with these high-intensity needs. 

Through my training and experience, I have seen how vital it is for families and caregivers to have the right tools—not only to stay safe, but also to preserve dignity, trust, and connection. Unfortunately, families of individuals with profound autism often face unnecessary barriers when trying to access the support and training they need. That’s why I am passionate about making PCM training available in our community in a way that removes as many of those barriers as possible—by keeping it affordable, accessible, and family-focused. 

PCM training is designed to be interactive, practical, and directly applicable to real-life situations families face. Over the course of two days, participants will:

• Learn the foundations – Understand the principles of PCM and its connection to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including how prevention strategies can reduce the likelihood of crisis situations.

• Practice hands-on skills – Participate in guided practice of personal safety techniques and physical procedures (with multiple repetitions to build confidence and fluency).

• Experience supportive learning – Training is done in a small-group setting with a mix of presentation, discussion, and hands-on practice. The pace is comfortable, with plenty of time for questions, feedback, and skill-building.

• Complete certification requirements – Take a written test and a practical skills test to ensure understanding and safe application. Certification is nationally recognized, valid for one year, and renewable through recertification.

• Become a Practitioner 1 – Gain certification at the Practitioner 1 level, which includes training in prevention, de-escalation, personal safety, and safe physical procedures up to implementing vertical immobilization restraints.

• Gain tools that work – Leave with strategies you can use right away to improve safety, reduce stress, and respond more effectively during difficult moments.

No one will ever be turned away from this training because of cost. Participants are invited to contribute whatever amount they feel comfortable with, but there is no minimum payment required.

I know that many families caring for loved ones with profound autism already face overwhelming challenges and too many barriers when seeking support. My goal is to remove the financial barrier so that anyone who needs this training can access it.

When you sign up, you’ll be asked to indicate your ability to contribute. This simply helps me plan ahead when ordering training materials. If you are unable to pay, you are still welcome to attend. Depending on available funds, I may need to stagger the number of fully sponsored participants across classes.

Any contributions above the cost of your own materials go directly into a pool of finances that I use to help cover expenses for other families who cannot contribute and ensures the program remains sustainable. I do not make any personal profit from these classes. I also personally sponsor participants when needed, and I am fully transparent—financial records are available upon request.

• Initial certification materials: $62.95 per person

• Recertification materials: $28.95 per person

• Any contributions are considered voluntary gifts and are not tax-deductible.

Together, we can make this training accessible to every family who needs it.