A colleague suggested a rate that made my jaw drop, then asked how many people kept coming back to my work. That's when I realized I was worth more than I thought.
Stacee Jennings · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Stacee
Ms. Jennings' career in special education spans more than two decades and reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with diverse learning needs. Her journey began in 1998 with studies in autism, followed by work in applied behavior analysis beginning in 2000–2001. She expanded her expertise in early childhood development by earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2005 before completing a master's degree in special education while serving provisionally at Gillis Day School. Between her time at Gillis Day School and North Kansas City Schools, she completed her coursework and supervision hours, becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015. She went on to spend 12 years with North Kansas City Schools, including 10 years as a Teaching and Learning Coach for specialized programs serving students with significant autism and special education support needs. During that time, she led coaching initiatives, developed behavior systems, expanded specialized programming, and delivered professional development that enhanced teacher effectiveness and student independence. She also serves as a part-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Blue Gems ABA Therapy and previously devoted nearly 12 years as President of the Board of Directors for Paws 4 Autism, where she championed programs that harness the therapeutic impact of service and therapy dogs for individuals with autism, PTSD, and other complex needs. Ms. Jennings earned an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Teaching and Leading with an emphasis in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from Northern Kentucky University and completed advanced coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through Penn State University. She is also a graduate of the PRIOR Program in Nonprofit Management at William Jewell College and began her collegiate education as an vocal performance major at William Jewell College. A recognized presenter, trainer, and instructional coach, she specializes in professional development, behavior systems, autism support, intensive teaching, functional communication, classroom management, and educator coaching. Through The Behavior & Learning Collective, she continues to empower school districts, educators, and families by translating behavioral science into practical, sustainable strategies that foster inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. She is also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization known for its commitment to advancing women's education through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans that help women pursue their academic and professional goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep passion for helping individuals with autism reach their fullest potential and a commitment to lifelong learning. My love of music first inspired me to explore how creative expression could strengthen communication and foster meaningful connections for individuals with autism, a perspective that continues to shape my work today. I believe every experience presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better educator and leader. Through continuous professional development, audiobooks, reflection, and meaningful conversations with colleagues, I strive to expand my knowledge and bring innovative, evidence-based solutions to the schools, educators, and families I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to trust what I know and then verify it. I've learned to trust my instincts and the knowledge I've gained through experience, while also seeking input from trusted colleagues and experts to ensure my decisions are thoughtful, ethical, and grounded in best practices. That balance of confidence, collaboration, and accountability has helped me lead with integrity and continually grow as a professional.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to pay attention to the opportunities and signs that resonate with them, trust their instincts, and have the confidence to invest in themselves. If you truly believe in your abilities and feel called to pursue a new opportunity, don't be afraid to take that leap of faith. For me, the timing felt right, and choosing to bet on myself opened doors to meaningful growth and new possibilities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that many smaller school districts lack the resources and specialized expertise needed to develop and sustain high-quality special education programs. At the same time, this presents a tremendous opportunity to strengthen educator capacity through targeted professional development, coaching, and evidence-based program design. I founded my business to help bridge that gap by providing school districts with the guidance, training, and specialized programming support they need to build sustainable systems, empower educators, and ultimately improve outcomes for students with diverse learning needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the value that guides everything I do. I believe in showing up as my true self, being honest, and building genuine relationships in both my professional and personal life. Integrity and collaboration are equally important, as I strive to earn trust through ethical leadership while working alongside others to achieve meaningful outcomes. I also believe in meeting people where they are, breaking down complex concepts into practical, understandable ideas, and empowering individuals to grow in ways that honor their unique strengths rather than expecting them to fit a predetermined mold.
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