✦ About Peace of Mind ABA

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

Melina Thomas, M.A., LBA, BCBA

🕊️ Founder & Clinical Director

Peace of Mind ABA was founded by Melina Thomas, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst whose connection to the field began more than 30 years ago. After raising four children, Melina returned to clinical work and progressed from direct-care roles to becoming a BCBA, bringing both professional expertise and a parent’s perspective to the families she serves.

Melina is especially passionate about communication, caregiver education, and helping children build greater independence in everyday life. As Clinical Director, she also mentors developing clinicians and is committed to creating a practice where families feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their child’s progress.

 
 
 
1
30+ Years Ago
Supported Employment
Began career helping individuals with disabilities develop job skills and independence in their communities.
 
2
Returned to Workforce
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
After raising four children, returned to work directly with children developing a deep passion for communication and life skills.
 
3
Advanced Credential
QASP-S Certification
Earned Qualified Autism Services Practitioner–Supervisor credential (comparable to BCaBA) while gaining hands-on clinical experience.
4
September 2023
BCBA Certification ✦
Earned Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification from the University of West Florida — the culmination of years of dedication.
 

Ashley Kennedy

Director of Operations & Family Services

Ashley is an experienced paralegal and business manager with many years of experience supporting clients through complex legal and business matters. Clients describe her as friendly, responsive, and supportive, with a talent for making complicated matters easy to understand.

At Peace of Mind, Ashley plays an essential role in supporting families from their very first interaction with our team. As a primary point of contact for parents, she assists with scheduling, communication, administrative needs, and helping families navigate the process of getting started with services. She understands that finding the right support for a child can sometimes feel overwhelming and works to make the process as clear, organized, and stress-free as possible.

Known for her warmth, attention to detail, and willingness to help, Ashley works closely with families and the Peace of Mind team to ensure questions are answered, communication remains clear, and families feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.

 

✦ Our Clinical Team

The People Behind Your Child’s Progress

Our team combines deep clinical expertise with genuine care for every child and family we serve.

staff_portrait_3

Dana Nedelcu, M.A., BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst · Psychotherapist · UKSBA Member

Dana is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and trained psychotherapist with a background in behavioral science and cognitive behavioral therapy. She uses evidence-based, individualized approaches to support communication, independence, emotional regulation, and meaningful behavior change. Dana values collaboration with families and clinical teams and is committed to providing compassionate care that reflects each child’s individual strengths, needs, and goals.

Credentials & Memberships

Certification
BCBA — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Education
Master’s Degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Role
Psychotherapist
Membership
UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UKSBA)
Registration
UK Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

Nicolette Navarro, M.A., LBA, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst · Director of Parent Training & Family Support

Nicolette is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children and families across clinic, school, and home-based settings. With a strong focus on communication and language development, she is especially passionate about parent education and caregiver training. Nicolette works collaboratively with families to provide practical strategies that build confidence, strengthen skills, and support meaningful progress beyond therapy sessions.

Credentials & Memberships

Certification
BCBA — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Education
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis  
Certification
LBA — Licensed  Behavior Analyst
Education
Master’s Preparatory Program in Communicative Disorders 
✦ Why Choose Us

Why Families Trust Peace of Mind ABA

Choosing the right provider for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Here is what sets us apart.

🎯

Individualized to Your Child

Services are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs, focusing on meaningful goals that promote communication, independence, social skills, and daily living abilities.

🤝

True Family Partnership

A key part of our approach is partnering closely with parents and caregivers. We strongly believe that families should be taught the same strategies our therapists use.

📊

Evidence-Based & Ethical

We are committed to practicing Applied Behavior Analysis in an ethical, responsible, and evidence-based manner, following professional standards at every step.

🏠

Home-Based Convenience

Therapy comes to you — in the most natural environment for children to learn. Home-based services help children generalize skills faster and more effectively.

💬

Clear Communication

Regular updates, parent training sessions, and transparent progress reporting keep every family informed, confident, and actively involved in their child’s growth.

🌱

Long-Term Progress

Our goal is not only to support the child, but to provide families with the confidence, knowledge, and peace of mind that comes from knowing they have a dedicated team.

✦ Ready to Begin?

Let’s Talk About Your Child

We’re here to answer every question and guide you through every step. There’s no obligation — just a warm, honest conversation about how we can help.