Nakayla started at BBLC in 2021 as an RBT while pursuing her master’s degree in ABA. She was looking for a company with shared values where she could grow, and she found that in BBLC. From the very beginning, she was encouraged to take on more responsibility, eventually joining the Behavior Analyst in Training (BIT) program to apply her academic knowledge while gaining practical, hands-on experience. After becoming a BCBA, Nakayla supervised both home- and center-based teams before moving into the role of Clinical Director. Having held nearly every clinical position at BBLC, she brings a unique perspective to leadership, blending firsthand experience with clinical expertise and empathy.

Nakayla credits BBLC’s mentorship and culture for shaping her career. “My prior mentors at BBLC saw potential in me before I even recognized it in myself,” she says. “BBLC invested in my growth, providing the guidance, opportunities, and support that have shaped both my professional skills and my confidence as a leader.” For her, the company’s mission-driven approach and alignment with her own values made it a place she wanted to grow and stay.

She also highlights the importance of BBLC’s structured and supportive environment for the children themselves. Center-based services focus on developing communication, social interaction, play, self-help, daily living skills, and behavior regulation, with goals tailored to each child. Nakayla loves seeing how these individualized programs help children gain confidence, independence, and meaningful connections, whether through learning to share with peers, practicing turn-taking, or building essential life skills that extend beyond the center.

As a leader, Nakayla strives to give her staff the same encouragement she received. “I remember exactly what it felt like to be new. Growth isn’t just possible here—it’s encouraged, supported, and expected,” she says. Her advice for anyone starting in ABA is to embrace challenges, step outside your comfort zone, and choose a company whose values align with your own. “That’s where personal and professional growth happens, and it’s also where your work will feel meaningful and fulfilling.”