Kenita Douglas: Leading With Compassion and Clinical Excellence in Autism Care

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, The DMV Daily highlights professionals whose work extends far beyond their titles—individuals who are shaping lives, strengthening families, and building more inclusive communities across the region. Among them is Kenita Douglas, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), whose impact is felt daily in classrooms, homes, and communities throughout Washington, D.C.

Driven by a deep commitment to helping children find their voice and develop independence, Kenita’s journey into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is rooted in both professional rigor and genuine compassion. Her work reflects a clear mission: to create meaningful, lasting change for children with autism and developmental needs while empowering the families and teams that support them.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Kenita went on to earn her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. From the outset of her career, she has dedicated herself to providing ethical, evidence-based care that prioritizes dignity, consistency, and measurable progress.

Currently serving within DC Public Schools, Kenita supports students across a wide range of educational settings, from early childhood classrooms to specialized, self-contained programs. Her role is both strategic and hands-on—developing individualized behavior intervention plans, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and collaborating closely with educators, therapists, and support staff. Through this multidisciplinary approach, she ensures that each student receives cohesive, effective support throughout their school day.

Her influence doesn’t stop at traditional public school systems. Kenita also partners with DC charter schools, working alongside leadership teams and educators to strengthen behavior support systems, refine classroom management strategies, and create environments where students can thrive academically and socially. Her ability to bridge gaps between different educational frameworks speaks to both her versatility and her commitment to long-term, sustainable outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, Kenita extends her care into the home through in-home ABA services. There, she supervises Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), providing mentorship and guidance that emphasizes both technical skill and compassionate implementation. She is deeply invested in developing the next generation of practitioners, ensuring that those under her supervision are equipped to deliver high-quality care with confidence and integrity.

Equally important is her work with families. Through caregiver training and ongoing support, Kenita empowers parents and guardians with the tools they need to reinforce progress in everyday life. Her approach is collaborative, meeting families where they are and helping them feel confident in navigating their child’s developmental journey.

Clinically, her focus spans functional communication, social skills development, emotional regulation, and reducing barriers to learning through individualized, data-driven interventions. She holds a particular passion for early intervention, recognizing that strong foundations—built on trust, consistency, and connection—can significantly shape long-term outcomes.

What truly sets Kenita apart is her ability to balance clinical precision with human understanding. She approaches every case with the belief that behavior is communication, and that behind every challenge is an unmet need waiting to be understood. This perspective allows her to not only support behavioral growth, but to enhance overall quality of life for the children and families she serves.

As both a professional and a parent, Kenita brings a layered perspective to her work—one grounded in patience, advocacy, and empathy. Her presence in the field represents the very essence of Autism Awareness Month: not just awareness, but action, understanding, and meaningful support.

Through her continued dedication, Kenita Douglas is helping to shape a more informed, compassionate, and inclusive DMV—one child, one family, and one breakthrough at a time. Her instagram is @bossnefertiti.