Today we’d like to introduce you to Keira Moore.
Hi Keira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in Boston working in the field of behavior analysis, where I earned my Ph.D. and spent many years working with children with autism. I loved the science and the meaningful impact of my work, but over time, I found myself burnt out and needing a reset. That’s when I stumbled into flying trapeze—a completely different world that reignited my energy and passion.
Initially, it was just a hobby, but I fell in love with the community and physicality of circus arts. What started as a personal escape turned into a profession, and I spent several years teaching and performing trapeze around the world. That experience not only helped me rediscover balance in my life but also gave me a new perspective on how to use my skills creatively.
Eventually, I returned to my roots in behavior analysis, settling in California and finding ways to combine my expertise with my passions. I launched two businesses: one in behavioral sleep consulting, which focuses on helping both adults and children address sleep challenges, and another in force-free dog training, specializing in reactivity and fear-based behaviors. Both ventures reflect my belief that behavior analysis is a flexible, compassionate science that can be applied to so many areas of life.
At the heart of my story is the ability to pivot—using my skills and passions in unconventional ways to create meaningful, fulfilling work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road at any point, but I’ve come to see those challenges as pivotal moments of growth. Burnout was one of the biggest hurdles I faced during my early career. I worked with an incredibly difficult population of children and teens with severe challenging and dangerous behavior. I was deeply committed to my work as a behavior analyst but found myself overwhelmed by the emotional demands and intensity of the field. Between working more than full- time and being in graduate school at the same time for eight straight years, I had really burnt the candle at both ends. Taking a step back to quite literally run away with the circus wasn’t an easy decision—it meant leaving behind a career I’d worked so hard to build. But that time away was essential for me to regain clarity and perspective.
Transitioning back into behavior analysis also came with its own set of challenges. Starting my own businesses meant navigating uncertainty, learning how to market my services, and figuring out how to apply my expertise in ways that stood out. I had moments of self-doubt—wondering if people would value what I brought to the table or if I was taking too unconventional a path. Starting small businesses is of course also always a financial gamble, and I’ve had to battle with balancing my financial needs with my well-being and happiness. Finding work-life balance when running your own businesses is never an easy task!
Balancing two businesses that each require a deep level of care and attention has also been tricky at times. It’s a constant juggling act to ensure that I’m meeting the needs of my clients while staying true to my values of compassion and evidence-based practice.
Through it all, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that struggles often lead to innovation. Burnout pushed me to reimagine how I could use my skills, and the steep learning curves of entrepreneurship taught me to trust in the value of what I offer. Those challenges shaped the fulfilling, meaningful career I have today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear two professional hats, both rooted in my background as a behavior analyst but shaped by my passions. I specialize in behavioral sleep consulting, helping address sleep challenges for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. I also run a dog training business, focusing on force-free, positive reinforcement methods to help dogs with challenging behaviors like aggression, reactivity, and fear.
What sets me apart in both fields is my unique combination of expertise and compassion. With over 20 years in behavior analysis and a Ph.D., I bring a depth of scientific knowledge to my work, but I balance that with a deeply empathetic approach. I know that every client—whether human or canine—comes with their own unique challenges and history, so I strive to create tailored, judgment-free solutions that work for the whole family.
I’m most proud of my ability to think outside the box and apply behavior analysis in unconventional but impactful ways. In my sleep consulting, for example, I design highly individualized plans that consider the family’s needs, values, and routines, not just the behavior itself. In dog training, I focus on building trust and connection, helping people and their dogs form stronger, more positive relationships.
What truly sets my work apart is the human side. Whether I’m helping a family finally get a good night’s sleep or teaching a client how to help their reactive dog feel safe, I aim to make the science of behavior analysis accessible and empowering. I believe that success comes from understanding, compassion, and creativity—and that’s the philosophy that drives everything I do.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is teaching people about the power of behavior analysis and how deeply compassionate this science truly is. At its core, behavior analysis is about understanding what drives behavior and creating environments that help the learner—whether human or animal—succeed. We often say, “the learner is always right,” meaning that behavior is never random or wrong; it’s merely a reflection of the environment and circumstances. Every learner is doing the best they can do in their current circumstances, with the skills they currently have.
This perspective isn’t just useful in the work I do—it’s a lesson we could all stand to remember more in life. When we approach others with curiosity instead of judgment, and when we focus on shaping environments to support success, incredible transformations can happen. Whether I’m helping an adult navigate insomnia struggles, teaching a fearful dog to feel safe, or mentoring a graduate student, I strive to show that compassion and science go hand in hand.
Behavior analysis has the power to make meaningful changes in the world, not by forcing compliance or blaming individuals for bad behavior, but by meeting people and animals where they are and giving them the tools they need to thrive. That’s the message I hope to spread through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moorebehaviorconsulting.com and https://linktr.ee/petprojectdogtraining
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petprojectdogtraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MooreBehaviorConsulting/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moorebehaviorconsulting/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCul0qh41LvTTroVZqqH-Qzw
Image Credits
Eric Jenks David Treadwell Heidi Hopp
