Jeanette Bzduch always knew she wanted to help people, but she didn’t know exactly how. That clarity came during an internship at a school for children with autism, where she saw applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy up close for the first time. The experience changed everything.

“From that moment, I knew I wanted to go into ABA therapy and help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities be more independent,” Jeanette says.

Building a Career of Impact

She began building the foundation for what is now a 15–year career. Jeanette started as a behavior tech, gaining hands–on experience while completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied behavior analysis and autism. Over the years, she worked across various settings, including clinics, schools, group homes and community programs — each one strengthening her skills and shaping her approach.

In 2015, Jeanette and her family moved to Florida, where she joined Quest as a board–certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She eventually became the lead BCBA and now serves as Quest’s director of behavior services. In this role, she oversees behavioral services in the clinic, supports analysts and registered behavior technicians, provides oversight in community settings and teaches behavioral courses and safety–care training.

Helping Skills Stick in Everyday Life

Over the years, Jeanette has played a key role in expanding behavioral support across the Tampa region. In 2021, she helped transition services into community–based settings and later supported the launch of Quest’s therapy services for children. Those services began nearly three years ago and recently reached an exciting milestone with the opening of the brand–new Quest Kids Therapy location in Brandon.

As the center welcomes new and returning families, Jeanette remains focused on helping children use their skills in meaningful, everyday ways. When a child can take what they’ve learned and apply it across different settings and with different people, those skills truly begin to stick — a key concept known as generalization.

Jeanette has seen the impact firsthand: parents moved to tears when their child makes eye contact for the first time, says “mom” or offers a genuine hug.

“When we help a child grow, we’re also helping their parents, their siblings, their teachers — everyone in their lives,” she says. “It changes entire families.”

A Mission that Continues to Inspire

These moments fuel Jeanette’s passion for her work. Every milestone, big or small, creates more opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to learn, grow and thrive.

If you are interested in a career helping individuals experience a full life, explore opportunities to join our team at Quest, Inc.