Briana Toussaint
I’m a Medical Necessity Specialist in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, where I support access to meaningful care for individuals and families. My career path has been shaped by a desire to align my work with my natural empathy and a commitment to making a lasting impact in the communities I serve.
After taking intentional time following the pandemic to reflect, complete professional and personality assessments, and better understand where my strengths could create the greatest impact, I was drawn to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis shortly after relocating from Louisiana to Texas. Within my first year working in the field, seeing the difference ABA services can make in the lives of families inspired me to pursue becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Life brought a few pivots along the way from welcoming my daughter to navigating the rising cost of childcare but those experiences strengthened my perspective and resolve. After the heartbreaking loss of my godchild to cancer, I was reminded that waiting for the “right time” can sometimes mean postponing the very things we are called to do.
On February 5th, I began my master’s program at Capella University to pursue my degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and continue my path toward becoming a BCBA.
Both my professional and personal experiences have shaped the way I approach my work. I consider my optimism, faith in God, ability to pivot, and commitment to continuous learning some of my greatest strengths as I grow in this field and continue advocating for meaningful support and services for others.
• Action Behavior Centers Core Value of Caring
What do you attribute your success to?
My journey has taught me that purpose is rarely found in perfect timing it’s found in the courage to keep moving forward. I’m committed to growing in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and continuing the path toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with the goal of helping create meaningful change for the individuals and families I serve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received came from my young adult pastor, Alex Lazard, at Destiny of Faith Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. His advice was simple: “Don’t be afraid to fail.”
Those few words carried more weight than he may have realized. As someone who had experienced moments where failure felt discouraging and personal, that reminder spoke directly to the younger version of me who once saw mistakes as something to avoid rather than something to learn from.
Over time, that perspective shifted the way I approached both life and my career. Instead of seeing failure as a stopping point, I began to view it as part of the growth process an opportunity to learn, and continue moving forward with greater resilience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to someone entering this field would be to become a student of all things Applied Behavior Analysis. The more curious and open you are to learning, the more meaningful your impact will be.
I would also encourage building strong connections within the field. Relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals are invaluable not only for professional growth, but for gaining different perspectives that help you serve clients and families more effectively.
Most importantly, allow the knowledge you gain through ABA to shape you beyond your professional role. The principles within this field don’t just apply to clinical settings they have the potential to help you grow in patience, understanding, and compassion, ultimately shaping you into a better professional and a better human being.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field of ABA is navigating the balance between clinical care and the systems that support access to that care. Ensuring families receive the services they need often involves working through complex authorization processes, evolving requirements, and the emotional weight many families are already carrying.
Another reality within the field is representation. As a Black woman, I’m aware that we are still few in number within ABA. One of my personal challenges and responsibilities is remaining true to myself while using the knowledge I gain to reach and serve communities that look like me and may not always have the same level of access, awareness, or trust in these services.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and professional journey are simple but foundational: faith, compassion, and impact.
My faith in God serves as the anchor for how I approach life and the work I do daily. It reminds me to lead with integrity, humility, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond professional achievement.
I want the work I do to contribute in a meaningful way . Whether that impact is large or small, my goal is always to leave people better supported, better understood, and better equipped for the future.
Together, these values shape how I show up in my profession and the kind of professional I strive to become.
Locations
Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for
Plano, TX