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About Lorne Balmer

Dr. Lorne Balmer is a full-time faculty member at Ball State University, where he teaches courses in Applied Behavior Analysis, Supervision, and graduate-level professional preparation. His teaching blends research-based instruction, real-world operational expertise, and a strong commitment to developing culturally responsive, ethically grounded practitioners. Prior to joining Ball State, Dr. Balmer worked in special education departments, where he taught coursework in special education leadership, classroom management, and collaboration and consultation. His research interests are descriptive functional assessment procedures as well as the application of behavioral skills training (BST) models to educational, clinical, and residential settings. 

Professional Experience

Before transitioning fully into higher education, Dr. Balmer served as Chief Operations Officer for a multi-service organization specializing in applied behavior analysis. In this role, he oversaw ABA clinics, a developmental school, and intensive-behavior (IB) treatment programs, managing complex operational systems and guiding organizational growth. His work centered on integrating clinical quality, safety, compliance, and performance systems across diverse service lines to ensure cohesive, mission-aligned operations.

Dr. Balmer’s leadership style is grounded in high-quality behavior analysis and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM). He is known for creating culturally responsive, psychologically safe, and performance-oriented work environments. His approach emphasizes clarity, inclusive practices, and systems that support meaningful staff behavior while producing measurable organizational outcomes. This perspective continues to shape his teaching, mentorship, and contributions to the field of ABA and special education.

Education

Doctor of Education, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis-Nova Southeastern University August 2019 – May 2022

Board Certified Behavior Analyst — Florida Institute of Technology, Class of 2016

Master of Arts: Educational Psychology - Ball State University- 2012-2014

Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education - Indiana University Kokomo – 2008-2012

Select Publications

Balmer, L. & Macey, E. (Great Lakes Equity Center, 2012-09). Universal design for learning: Creating equitable learning environments. Equity Dispatch. https://archives.iupui.edu/bitstream/handle/2450/11900/Great%20Lakes%20Equity%20Center%20Newsletter%20Archive%20-%20September%202012%20Newsletter%20Fixed.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Balmer, L., Phelps, J., Kigamwa, J., & Macey E. (Great Lakes Equity Center, 2012-10). School-family partnerships: Creating democratic and responsive schools. Equity Now. https://archives.iupui.edu/bitstream/handle/2450/11901/Great%20Lakes%20Equity%20Center%20Newsletter%20Archive%20-%20October%20Newsletter_Corrected.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Balmer, L., Phelps, J., Kigamwa, J., & Macey, E. (Great Lakes Equity Center, 2012-11. Beyond the buzzwords: Examining culturally responsive teaching. Equity Now. https://archives.iupui.edu/bitstream/handle/2450/11902/Great%20Lakes%20Equity%20Center%20Newsletter%20Archive%20-%20November%202012%20Newsletter.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Saam, J., Balmer, L., & Servizzi, K. (scheduled for press in 2017) Development and usability of a pre-service field and clinical evaluation system Aligned with an In-Service Evaluation System. Teaching Education & Practice. 

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