We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jackie Robnett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jackie below.

Jackie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

A regular job…I’ve always had one, so I know what it’s like. There are perks to both. Although I own a business, I still have a full-time regular job. So, I don’t think about what it would be like to have a regular job; in fact, I think about what it would be like not to have to work my regular job. The goal is to grow my business so I no longer have to work the regular job. Ideally, there will be no need to supplement my income, but like everyone else in California, the cost of living is so high that most of us must work several jobs. 

Jackie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At LA Behavioral, we specialize in delivering personalized behavioral services both in-home and within school settings, catering to individuals of all ages. Our dedicated team creates customized behavior treatment plans, incorporating goals and evidence-based strategies to ensure the successful achievement of these objectives. While a significant portion of our clients is on the autism spectrum, we also extend our support to individuals with diverse diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

L.A. Behavioral Therapy was driven by the desire to offer unique and accessible behavioral therapy. Establishing a private practice allowed us to deliver care in a comfortable yet systematic manner, facilitating individuals and families in their pursuit of positive change. As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I am personally invested in this mission, guiding each day with a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Additionally, I contribute to the growth of the field by providing BCBA supervision and teaching for aspiring Behavior Analysts in colleges and universities.

What sets us apart and makes us particularly proud is our emphasis on diversity and our distinctive approach to therapy. At LA Behavioral, we embrace and celebrate diversity, fostering a collaborative work environment where continuous learning is integral to our ethos. Our dedicated staff is passionate about their work, finding joy and fulfillment in the meaningful impact we collectively make.

In essence, LA Behavioral is more than a service provider; it’s a community-driven organization with a passion for inclusivity, diversity, and making a positive impact through evidence-based and personalized behavioral therapy. Our aim is to convey our sincere commitment to the well-being of every client.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is crucial for a positive and productive work environment. Here are some pieces of advice:

Clear Communication: Keep communication open, transparent, and consistent. Clearly convey expectations, goals, and any changes in the organization.
Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognize individual and team accomplishments to make everyone feel valued. We offer employees bonuses, gift cards, and try to hold mixers. Personalized recognition can be particularly powerful—acknowledge each team member’s unique contributions.

Professional Development: Offer training, mentorship programs, or support for continuing education. Our staff receive training from seasoned professionals.

Empowerment and Autonomy: Empower team members by giving them ownership of their work. Allow autonomy whenever possible, involve them in decision-making processes and trust your team’s abilities.

Flexible Work Environment: When possible, offer flexibility in work arrangements. This can include flexible hours, remote work options, or other arrangements that accommodate individual needs. Recognize the importance of work-life balance and support your team in maintaining it.

Regular Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on a regular basis. This helps team members understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and feel supported in their professional growth. We have weekly team meetings for team members to openly share ideas, give feedback and get feedback.

And most importantly, Cultivate a Positive Work Culture. At LA Behavioral, we encourage a collaborative and inclusive environment by ensuring that I’m approachable and available for the team to discuss both work-related and personal matters.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I dedicated several years to teaching while simultaneously working as 1:1 support. Over time, my passion for working with individuals on the spectrum intensified, leading me to transition from a 1:1 role to becoming a case manager. My commitment to the field deepened, prompting me to pursue further education to become a board-certified behavior therapist. This journey eventually led me to the role of a clinical director, and now, I am proud to say that I am the owner. My growth within this field has been truly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.labehavioraltherapy.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinerobnett/

Image Credits
Ute Ville