Her Story
About Lesley Anne
Lesley Anne DuCille, BCaBA, LaBA, is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst with a background spanning education, behavioral health, and advocacy. She began her professional journey as a special education teacher, where she developed a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs before transitioning into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Since entering behavior analysis, DuCille has dedicated her career to supporting neurodivergent children, particularly individuals on the autism spectrum, through individualized skill-building, family training, staff development, and evidence-based behavioral strategies.
DuCille earned her Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.) in Music and Psychology in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University in 2013 and later obtained her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst credential through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She has also completed specialized training, including a Level 2 certification in the Paul Rowland Technique. Drawing from her unique combination of music, education, and behavior science, DuCille is developing the Thrive Through Melody™ program, an innovative framework that integrates music, movement, and art with behavior analysis principles to support communication, regulation, engagement, and skill development.
In addition to her clinical work, DuCille is committed to advancing collaboration, advocacy, and innovation within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She serves as an ambassador for Black Women in Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day and is a member of the Society for the Expansion of Behavior Analysis, contributing to efforts that promote growth and accessibility within the profession. DuCille credits her success to the strong work ethic and guidance instilled by her father, as well as the importance of believing in herself and remaining focused on her mission. Her professional philosophy is grounded in compassion first, authenticity, and a commitment to creativity and innovation in creating meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families she supports.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lesley Anne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic, discipline, and values instilled in me by my father, a former Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer. He taught me the importance of perseverance, believing in myself, and staying focused on my mission even when challenges arise. His guidance has shaped the way I approach my work, inspiring me to remain dedicated, purpose-driven, and committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals and families I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that the data is never wrong. In behavior analysis, when uncertainty arises, I have learned to rely on objective information by reviewing the data, trends, and history of progress for both clients and staff. The numbers provide valuable insight, helping guide effective decision-making, refine interventions, and ensure that the strategies we implement are truly supporting meaningful growth and positive outcomes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay connected to their purpose, believe in their vision, and remember the plan they have created for themselves. Write down your goals and keep them somewhere accessible, such as in your wallet or a place you can revisit often, especially during moments of doubt or when facing discouragement from others. Your purpose can serve as a reminder of why you started and help you remain focused, resilient, and confident as you continue to grow professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the increasing complexity of back-end insurance requirements, which can sometimes feel limiting when trying to provide individualized and innovative care. However, these challenges also create opportunities to think more creatively, strengthen collaboration, and build partnerships with other providers and professionals. By working across disciplines and sharing knowledge, we can continue to expand therapy approaches, improve outcomes, and ensure that services remain meaningful, effective, and responsive to the unique needs of each individual.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, authenticity, and creativity. I believe compassion should always come first, guiding the way we support others, build relationships, and make decisions. Staying authentic allows me to remain true to my purpose and values, while creativity and innovation encourage me to think outside the box, explore new possibilities, and develop meaningful solutions. These principles shape how I approach my work, helping me create impactful experiences and support positive growth for those around me.
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