Kaylan Hardin, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Kaylan Hardin, M.A., BCBA, LBA, is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst based in Lewisville, Texas, with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her journey into the field began with a longstanding passion for working with children, shaped by years as a competitive swimmer, swim coach, and volunteer in programs such as Special Olympics and Reading Buddies. After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of North Texas, she discovered applied behavior analysis (ABA) and began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where she developed a deep connection to the work and its impact.
Motivated by strong mentorship and a desire to expand her clinical expertise, Kaylan pursued a master’s degree and completed over 2,000 supervised clinical hours to become a BCBA. Her career progression reflects both commitment and growth—advancing from RBT to BCBA intern, then program manager, and now practicing BCBA. She has held roles with organizations such as Autism Learning Partners, Action Behavior Centers, Behavior Frontiers, and currently Dallas ABA Center. Across these positions, she has gained extensive experience in program development, staff training, and delivering individualized, evidence-based interventions for clients ranging from early childhood through young adulthood.
Kaylan specializes in improving communication, social, and adaptive skills while prioritizing each client’s individuality and dignity. She is particularly passionate about helping nonverbal children develop meaningful communication, a focus inspired by transformative moments in her work—such as witnessing a child speak their first word to a parent. Known for her compassion and advocacy, she also values the often unseen emotional labor within the field and supports greater recognition for frontline clinicians. Outside of her professional life, Kaylan enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, cooking, and raising her young son, grounding her work in both personal fulfillment and professional purpose.
• Licensed Behavior Analyst
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• RBT- Registered Behavior Technician
• University of North Texas - M.A.
• Dallas ABA Centers
• Special Olympics (swimming coach)
• Reading Buddies
• Local soup kitchen/food bank
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentorship and guidance of experienced BCBAs who supported my professional growth, my mother’s strong emphasis on the value of education, and the unwavering encouragement of my husband during my graduate studies, which enabled me to stay focused and persevere.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “be honest, be compassionate, and advocate for anyone who needs it.” I apply this guidance in my work every day, especially when advocating for clients, families, insurance providers, and schools.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field include increasing advocacy and awareness for ABA services and the role of RBTs, addressing the demanding nature of frontline RBT work, navigating HIPAA-related limitations that can impact external partnerships, and effectively working within insurance and school systems to secure appropriate services for clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, compassion, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and a strong commitment to preserving the dignity of every client I serve.
Locations
Dallas ABA Center
Rowlett, TX 75088