Our Lead Virginia Team
Laura Trest M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Executive Director
Laura brings a wealth of experience in working with children, adolescents, and teenagers diagnosed with a wide range of disabilities, accumulating over 16 years in the field since 2007. Her extensive expertise spans the delivery of specialized interventions in various settings, including homes, schools, and communities.
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Laura's academic qualifications are truly impressive, as she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master's of Special Education degree, and a graduate-level certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, all attained from George Mason University. In February of 2015, she achieved certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication.
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As a professional, Laura has developed a particular interest in Verbal Behavior, language acquisition, and social skills training. Her unwavering commitment to advancing these domains showcases her deep-rooted passion for driving meaningful outcomes and fostering the comprehensive development of the individuals under her care. Laura's dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset in the field, as she consistently strives to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.
Melissa Jeziorski, R.B.T.
Lead RBT
TBP King George, VA
Melissa Jeziorski, a resident of King George, Virginia, is a proud mother of three wonderful children and has enjoyed a loving 25-year marriage. In 2015, she earned her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts-Social and Behavioral Sciences from West Hills College in California, a pivotal moment that shaped her career trajectory. Following this achievement, she became a Certified Registered Behavior Technician in 2016, embarking on a decade-long journey of working with individuals of varying ages and abilities.
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Melissa's experiences have taken her to diverse settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and the community, where she has had the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of her clients and their families. Witnessing the emergence of new skills, the accomplishment of goals, and contributing to the growth and development of her clients fills her with immense joy. Her commitment to being a positive role model of acceptance, effective treatment, and meaningful interaction extends not only to her clients but also to their families and the wider community. With a firm belief in the transformative power of ABA therapy, Melissa is excited to be a part of The Behavior Place team, where she can continue to make a difference in the lives of those she serves.
Chelsey Blizzard, R.B.T.
TBP King George, VA​
Chelsey is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who is in the process of becoming a Qualified Autism Service Practitioner (QASP-S) as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She received her undergraduate degree from VCU in Psychology in 2022 and plans to graduate with her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in the spring of 2025. Chelsey’s healthcare experience began in 2020, where she worked on a neuroscience unit, and she is currently employed part-time in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). It was in the PICU that she discovered her passion for helping individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After researching the field, she found Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to be the perfect fit.
Although she has been in the field for less than two years, Chelsey has developed a deep love for helping clients achieve their skill acquisition and behavior goals. She takes pride in her patience and compassion, qualities she believes, combined with her knowledge of ABA, make her a more effective technician.
Chelsey spends most of her time working and studying, but in her free time, she enjoys caring for her pets, which include cats, rats, and mice.