Board Certified Behavior Analyst Janelle Arnold’s career has taken her through the different levels of the Applied Behavior Analysis process. Her interest began when she was in college. She knew she wanted to do something in education, but when a family member was diagnosed with autism, it sparked a passion in her and caused her to pursue a career working with children with special needs.

After graduating from college, Janelle worked as an autism specialist at a center for children with special needs. There, she gained real-world experience working with children with special needs in a classroom setting. After a couple years, she moved to Heartspring.

Janelle’s Heartspring career began as an individual support provider (ISP). This position allowed her to gain knowledge working one-on-one with children impacted by autism. However, Janelle wanted a new challenge so she earned her Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst certification and then a few years later earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification, both advancing her career. As a BCaBA and BCBA, Janelle creates the Behavior Intervention Plans for her clients, supervises staff implementing these plans and provides parent training. Janelle believes her experience working one-on-one with children earlier in her career makes her a better leader and helps her in her current role now. Janelle loves getting the opportunity to have an impact on children’s lives, whether it’s helping them say their first words or tie their shoes, she knows that every “little” step is huge for her clients. 

In addition to her BCaBA and BCBA certifications, Janelle earned a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, with an emphasis in autism, from Ball State University. Janelle is married with one child and enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing at the lake.