We are a team of passionate, experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts dedicated to helping children thrive and empowering the families who love them.
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Melina Thomas, M.A., LBA, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst · Founder, Peace of Mind ABA
Peace of Mind ABA was founded by Melina Thomas, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the families she serves.
Melina is the proud mother of four children — three boys and one girl — and considers raising her children to be the most important and rewarding job she has ever had. Her journey into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis began more than 30 years ago when she worked in Supported Employment, helping individuals with disabilities develop job skills and independence within their communities. During that time, she was introduced to the field of ABA by a supervisor who recognized her natural ability to connect with individuals and families and encouraged her to pursue the field further.
After dedicating several years to raising her children, Melina returned to the workforce and began working directly with children as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Through this experience, she developed a deep passion for helping children learn meaningful communication and life skills. She continued advancing in the field, becoming a QASP-S (Qualified Autism Services Practitioner–Supervisor) — a credential comparable to the BCaBA — while gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience.
Motivated to deepen her knowledge and expand the ways she could support families, Melina pursued her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. In September 2023, she earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, marking the culmination of years of dedication to the field.
When children gain the ability to communicate successfully, families experience greater peace, connection, and confidence in their child’s future.— Melina Thomas, M.A., BCBA
Melina is especially passionate about teaching families Functional Communication Training (FCT) and other evidence-based strategies that help children express their needs effectively. Her goal is to help children become more independent, happy, and successful in their everyday lives.
In addition to working with families, Melina is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of behavior analysts and therapists. Having worked her way through multiple levels of the field herself, she is dedicated to helping new clinicians grow professionally and develop the skills needed to provide compassionate, ethical, and effective care.
Through Peace of Mind ABA, Melina’s vision is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where children can thrive, families feel empowered, and clinicians are inspired to make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
Areas of Passion
The People Behind Your Child’s Progress
Our team combines deep clinical expertise with genuine care for every child and family we serve.
🧠 Behavior Analyst & Psychotherapist
Dana Nedelcu, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst · Psychotherapist · UKSBA Member
Dana Nedelcu is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and trained psychotherapist with a strong background in behavioral science and cognitive behavioral therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and brings an international perspective to her work supporting individuals and families.
Dana is committed to using evidence-based approaches to help clients develop meaningful skills, improve communication, and increase independence. Her work integrates principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with cognitive behavioral strategies to support emotional regulation, behavior change, and overall well-being.
She is a member of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UKSBA) and works within professional standards recognized by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) in the United Kingdom. Dana’s diverse clinical background allows her to support clients using compassionate, individualized treatment plans designed to meet each person’s unique needs.
At Peace of Mind ABA, Dana collaborates closely with families and clinical staff to provide high-quality, ethical care and to ensure that every child receives support that promotes lasting progress and independence.
Credentials & Memberships
Compassionate Care,
Built on Experience and Heart
Peace of Mind ABA was founded with a single belief: that every child deserves compassionate, individualized support — and every family deserves to feel confident and empowered on this journey.
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.
The Values That Guide Every Session
Compassion
We approach every child and family with empathy and understanding. We recognize that each family’s journey is unique, and we strive to create a supportive environment where parents feel heard, respected, and valued.
Individualized Care
No two children are the same. Our programs are designed around each child’s strengths, needs, and goals to ensure therapy is meaningful and effective.
Collaboration
We believe that the best outcomes occur when therapists, parents, and other professionals work together. Families are active partners in the treatment process.
Integrity
We are committed to practicing Applied Behavior Analysis in an ethical, responsible, and evidence-based manner. Our team follows professional standards and continuously evaluates progress.
Empowerment
Our goal is not only to support children but also to empower families with knowledge and practical tools. When parents feel confident in supporting their child’s development, progress extends far beyond therapy sessions.
✦ 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.