How I Found ABA

If you've ever wondered how I found the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the answer isn't as simple as stumbling across a career path.

It began with one teacher who took the time to encourage me.

In 2015, I accepted a position as an Early Childhood Education teacher. I loved helping children learn and watching them discover new skills, but I didn't yet know where that passion would eventually lead.

A few years later, I accepted a job as a Behavioral Health Assistant (paraprofessional) in a junior high classroom serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The lead teacher, Mr. Mark, was unlike anyone I had worked with before.

He believed in his students.

He saw their potential.

And he taught with an incredible amount of patience, compassion, and purpose.

At the time, I noticed that a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) would occasionally come into our classroom to work with one of our students. I remember being curious about what she did, but I didn't know much about the profession or the science behind it.

Then summer approached.

As a paraprofessional, I learned that I wouldn't be paid during the summer months. Like many people in education, I suddenly found myself wondering what I was going to do for work.

That's when Mr. Mark changed my life.

He told me about Applied Behavior Analysis and explained that his daughter worked in the field. He shared how meaningful the work was and suggested that it might be something I would enjoy.

Then he pointed to the BCBA who visited our classroom and said,

"That's what she does."

What I didn't fully realize at the time was that Mr. Mark had already been teaching me ABA every single day.

He implemented behavior analytic strategies naturally throughout his classroom. He helped me understand how to look beyond behavior, how to teach skills systematically, and how to celebrate progress one small step at a time.

Without realizing it, I was learning the principles of ABA before I even knew what ABA was.

Because of his encouragement, I began exploring the field.

In 2019, I became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

What started as a way to find summer employment quickly became my calling.

Over the next several years, I had the privilege of working with incredible children and families across home, clinic, school, and community settings. Every child taught me something new about patience, resilience, communication, and the incredible impact that compassionate, evidence-based support can have.

As my passion for the field continued to grow, I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis before completing graduate studies focused on ABA. In July 2024, I became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), and today I continue working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This August, I'll also begin a Ph.D. program in Behavioral Health Leadership, allowing me to continue growing not only as a clinician but also as a leader who can advocate for families, mentor future professionals, and help shape the future of our field.

For me, learning has never been about collecting credentials. It's about becoming better equipped to serve the children and families who place their trust in me.

Today, I'm building The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health with those same values that first inspired me years ago.

I want families to experience the same compassion, patience, and belief in their children that I witnessed in Mr. Mark's classroom.

I want children to be seen for who they are—not just for the challenges they face.

I want parents to feel like true partners.

And I want every child who walks through our doors to know that someone believes in their potential.

People often say one person can change the trajectory of your life.

For me, that person was Mr. Mark.

Had he not taken the time to introduce me to ABA, explain what it was, and encourage me to pursue it, I honestly don't know if I would be here today.

His belief in me ultimately became the beginning of a journey that led to this company.

The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health exists because one teacher saw potential—not only in his students, but in me.

For that, I will always be grateful.

🌱 A Final Thought

Sometimes the smallest conversations plant the biggest seeds.

One conversation with Mr. Mark changed the direction of my career (and my life)—and ultimately led to The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health.

It's a reminder that we never truly know how the encouragement we offer today might shape someone else's tomorrow.

Thank you, Mr. Mark, for planting the seed.

Nurtured by Love. Empowered to Grow. Destined to Thrive.

— Ana Wheeler, BCaBA
Founder, The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health LLC