We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Zielske MA, MA, BCBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Your best is good enough”.

This affirmation is one I use with myself as well as others I lead or mentor. The need for us to be self-compassionate is ever present, and this encourages individuals to be kind to themselves, while also setting realistic expectations. It accepts that we all have limitations and different definitions of what our “best” is, and that our “best” will look different each moment, day, month, year, and season of life. It also re-establishes how we can define success. As opposed to evaluating our successes based on external factors, we can evaluate our own success in everything we do based on the sincere effort we have given. If we can tell ourselves we have given it our best, and know this to be true in our hearts, we may live with less regret, and be able to brush off moments of self-criticism.

What should our readers know about your business?
Atlanta Behavior Academy was founded based on my desire for independence, which was a result from previous experiences where trust among professionals I had collaborated with was lacking. In 2020, I began my entrepreneurial journey two weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges that small businesses faced during this period, the company experienced growth, expanding to a team of three by 2022. As of April 2023, I am proud to say that Atlanta Behavior Academy is made up of a talented team of six amazing Board Certified Behavior Analysts, two of which are Consulting Supervisors.

Throughout the past three years, I have had the privilege of encountering exceptional individuals who possess drive and motivation to advance and push the boundaries of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Recognizing their brilliance and ambition, I had no choice but to bring them on board as I was eager to collaborate and learn from them. The addition of these individuals has only contributed to the success of Atlanta Behavior Academy to heights I never envisioned were possible.

Atlanta Behavior Academy offers comprehensive supervision in a range of subspecialties within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. This is a result of that important decision I made to expand my team. We have developed a curriculum specifically tailored to provide guidance and support to supervisors working with individuals seeking credentialing which also serves as a study manual for those preparing to sit for the exam. We have established an exclusive partnership with a university, and are collaborating closely with them as we educate and supervise the next generation of aspiring Behavior Analysts.

The growth and accomplishments of Atlanta Behavior Academy have far surpassed my initial goals and dreams for this company. It is a testament to the collective efforts and expertise of our team. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, while maintaining our dedication to being values-driven and making a positive impact in the lives of individuals we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband is Persian, and after falling in love with him I fell in love with Iranian food. One of our family owned restaurants is “Delbar”, which not only has mouth-watering kebabs, and memorable Saffron infused Basmati rice, but the aesthetic and dcor are Instagram-worthy. Go there for brunch or dinner. Come hungry.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shoutout to my amazing team. Your teamwork, drive, and unwavering support have been instrumental in our success. Each one of you is a beautiful-hearted individual, and I am grateful to have such incredible people by my side. Together, we have achieved great things and made a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, and I am confident we will continue to do so. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and the incredible work you do every day.

Website: www.atlantabehavioracademy.com

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