About Us
About Scho Behavior Academy
Scho Behavior Academy was founded on a simple belief: behavior makes sense when we know how to look at it.
Grounded in behavior science and informed by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), our work helps make behavior more understandable, practical, and actionable. We believe that understanding behavior is the foundation for supporting learning, growth, skill development, and meaningful change.
Through training, consultation, coaching, and behavior support services, we help individuals and teams better understand why behavior occurs, what influences it, and how to create environments that support success. Whether the goal is strengthening positive behaviors, teaching new skills, improving performance, building stronger relationships, or navigating challenges, our focus is on practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life.
At Scho Behavior Academy, we don't just teach strategies…. we help people understand behavior in ways that lead to lasting growth for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Mission
Scho Behavior Academy provides training, consultation, coaching, and support to individuals, families, organizations, and professionals who support others.
Our mission is to:
Make behavior science clear, accessible, and practical
Help people understand behavior and build skills that support learning, growth, and success
Empower individuals and teams to respond with confidence, consistency, and purpose
Strengthen systems that create meaningful and lasting change
Through education, collaboration, and real-world application, we help people better understand behavior, strengthen skills, and create environments where individuals, teams, and communities can thrive.
Vision
At Scho Behavior Academy, we envision a world where behavior is met with understanding rather than guesswork, and where behavior science is accessible, practical, and empowering for all.
We strive to create environments where people are equipped to understand behavior, teach skills, strengthen relationships, and build systems that support learning, growth, and success. By making behavior science approachable and actionable, we aim to help individuals, teams, organizations, and communities create meaningful and lasting change.
Meet the Founder & CEO
Sarah “Scho” McFarland, BCBA, COBA, IBA (she/her)
Sarah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA), and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) with over 13 years of experience across residential programs, hospitals and clinics, in-home services, community-based supports, and schools.
Throughout her career, Sarah has supported individuals, families, and teams navigating a wide range of behavioral, learning, and performance-related goals. Her experience includes behavior support, skill development, caregiver and staff training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and crisis support; including de-escalation, behavior management, and response training. She is passionate about helping people better understand behavior and feel more confident applying practical strategies in everyday situations.
Over time, Sarah recognized a common challenge: people are expected to respond to behavior every day, yet few are ever taught the fundamentals behind it. Whether at home, in schools, within organizations, or on athletic teams, behavior is often addressed without a clear understanding of why it occurs or how to support meaningful change.
That realization led her to create Scho Behavior Academy.
Through Scho Behavior Academy, Sarah's goal is to make behavior science clear, practical, and accessible. She helps individuals and teams better understand behavior, strengthen skills, build confidence, and create environments that support learning, growth, performance, and positive outcomes.
Outside of behavior analysis, Sarah has spent more than 15 years coaching volleyball at the middle school, high school, and club levels; a journey that began during her collegiate playing career. Coaching has shaped her approach to leadership, motivation, skill development, and team culture, and continues to influence how she supports educators, caregivers, professionals, and organizations today.
As a biracial immigrant, Sarah is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, authentic environments where people feel seen, respected, and supported. She believes meaningful growth happens through collaboration, cultural humility, accountability, and a shared commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
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• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)- May 2015
• Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA)- October 2015
• Certified Professional in PFA & SBT of Severe Problem Behavior: Level 5- November 2021
• International Behavior Analyst (IBA)- April 2022
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• Intervention Support Specialist - Monarch Boarding Academy (Bellefaire JCB)
• Special Education Educational Assistant - Beachwood City School District
• Behavior Specialist - Monarch School for Autism (Bellefaire JCB)
• Program Manager, Volleyball (TeamABA)
• Lead Case Supervisor and Marcus Crisis Prevention Program (MCPP) Trainer - Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Complex Behavior Program (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)
• Behavior Specialist and Handle With Care Trainer - Euclid School District (Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio)
• Network BCBA - Breakthrough Public Schools
• Owner- Scho Behavior Academy LLC
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• Black Applied Behavior Analysis (BABA)
• Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)
• Hiram College Alumni Executive Board
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
“When people feel seen, respected, and supported, meaningful growth becomes possible.”
Sarah “Scho” McFarland
Why the name ‘Scho Behavior Academy’?
“Scho” has been Sarah's nickname since her high school athletic career and has remained with her through collegiate volleyball, coaching, and beyond.
The word Academy reflects her passion for teaching, coaching, and helping others grow. Inspired by both behavior science and athletics, Scho Behavior Academy was built on the belief that understanding behavior, developing skills, and working together can create meaningful and lasting change.