Influential Woman · Applied Behavior Analysis
Adriana Wheeler
BCABA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health, LLC
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Her Story
About Adriana
Adriana Wheeler is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst based in Jacksonville, Florida, with a career in Applied Behavior Analysis that began in 2019. She entered the field as a Behavioral Health Assistant working within an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities classroom, an experience that first exposed her to ABA and sparked her passion for helping children and families reach their fullest potential. That passion led her to become a Registered Behavior Technician, followed by earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Master's degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of West Florida, where her studies centered on ABA. In 2024, she achieved her certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, and she is now pursuing both a Doctorate in Psychology with a focus on Behavioral Health Leadership and continued study in Organizational Behavior Management. Throughout her career, Wheeler has delivered therapeutic services across home, school, and community settings, working with children and adolescents facing a range of developmental and behavioral challenges. Before starting her company, her previous professional path has included roles at Invo Behavior & Therapy Services, Island Cove Behavioral Pediatrics, and Believe Autism Behavioral Health. She currently develops individualized treatment plans, trains and supervises therapists, and supports skill-building in daily living, social, and play domains under BCBA supervision. She approaches her clinical work with an emphasis on neurodiversity-affirming and assent-based methods that respect each client's individuality while fostering meaningful progress. In 2024, Wheeler founded The Mustard Seed Behavioral Health, an organization she envisions as more than a service provider, but as a culture built on dignity, family support, and staff empowerment. Set to open in 2027, the company reflects her belief that clinical skill must be paired with strong character, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Looking ahead, she hopes to broaden access to quality behavioral health care and eventually establish residential communities for individuals with developmental disabilities, guided always by her mission to nurture people with care, help them grow, and empower them to thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Adriana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to the environment I was raised in, which taught me to make the most of difficult circumstances. My faith in God and perseverance have carried me through challenges and continue to shape the way I approach my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is that if something feels scary yet exciting, that's exactly the reason to pursue it. Growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to simply take the leap, because there will never be a "perfect" time to start. Real growth comes from pushing past your comfort zone and trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring that high-quality, ethical support is accessible to everyone who needs it. Too many families face long waitlists, provider shortages, financial barriers, or services that aren’t individualized to their child’s unique needs. At the same time, there is an incredible opportunity to reshape what compassionate, evidence-based care looks like. We’re seeing a greater emphasis on collaboration with families, trauma-informed practices, assent-based care, and treating each person with dignity and respect.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Open communication is the value I hold most important, both in my professional relationships and in my personal life. I believe that clear, honest dialogue is the foundation for trust and genuine connection.
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