Atlanta, GA

Subspecialty Areas: Organizational Behavior Management, Clinical Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Treatment of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Prevention and Behavioral Intervention of Child Maltreatment

Jessica Zielske, our CEO and Founder, is a dynamic force of innovation and leadership. She initiated Atlanta Behavior Academy shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning as a one-woman show. Through her extraordinary experiences and relationships, she has built a team of seven exceptional professionals.

With a Bachelor's in Psychology and dual Master's degrees, Jessica is a seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) of 8 years. Her journey began with a Master's in Criminal Justice, driven by a passion for forensic psychology and combating human trafficking. Witnessing a lack of compassion and support for troubled youth, she discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a data driven science backed solution.

Jessica's career in ABA started as a behavior therapist, rising swiftly to roles like Lead Behavior Therapist and Company Trainer. Recognizing her calling, she earned a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and became a BCBA.

Her leadership journey led her to oversee the Autism Unit of a Psychiatric Hospital, where she managed a team of 40 staff members. Jessica's visionary approach played a pivotal role in launching clinic-based services, establishing school consultation funding streams, and advancing to roles like Clinical Director and Regional Director.

Notably, she expanded a Chicago-based company's services into Georgia, designing hiring practices, launching graduate student programs, and creating funding sources. Before entrepreneurship, Jessica developed a hybrid model blending Behavior Analysis and Mental Health services to provide holistic care.

Beyond her professional life, Jessica became a mother in January 2023. She's a devoted wife, dog-mom, and a passionate athlete. Her athletic history includes scholarship college basketball in Miami and New York.

Jessica's journey exemplifies her visionary skillset, fearless spirit, and ability to lead with direct honesty, compassion, and kindness. She's dedicated to guiding the next generation of ABA professionals and believes in the power of data analysis for everyday decision-making.

In addition to her role as CEO and Founder, Jessica's true passion lies in empowering others to excel in the field. As an exceptional educator and mentor, she excels in teaching Behavior Analysis to individuals from all walks of life. Her ability to mentor BCBAs who are starting their careers or considering entrepreneurship is unparalleled.

Jessica is also the author of "The Curriculum For Behavior Analysts," a comprehensive series of ABA resources catering to every ABA professional. These resources include products for Registered Behavior Technicians, graduate students seeking supervision hours, individuals preparing for the BCBA exam, and BCBA supervisors providing supervision.

Jessica's talents extend to the realm of public speaking and education, both in-person and virtually. She thrives in presenting complex concepts in an accessible manner, leaving her audiences informed, inspired and feeling less alone.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Jessica is a consultant who travels to organizations outside of ABA. She helps them optimize their potential by utilizing behavior analysis to enhance staff retention, satisfaction, and alignment with organizational values.

Jessica's legacy is built on her commitment to education, mentorship, and the transformative power of Behavior Analysis. Her work touches the lives of countless professionals and organizations, making her a true visionary in her field.