Jennifer Dantzler, BCBA, LBA, M.S. ED
Executive Director & Founder
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 2002
- Post-Master's Certificate of Autism
- Simmons College, Boston, MA 1998
- M.S. Ed. in Intensive Special Needs
- American University, Washington, D.C. 1994
- B.A. in Elementary/Special Education
Jennifer Dantzler is the Founder and Executive Director of Inspire ND, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive communities for individuals with autism and other neurodiversity. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Jennifer began her career by founding Including Kids Autism Center in 2003, at a time when early intervention services were limited. As the needs of individuals with autism evolved, she expanded her work to support adolescents and young adults, ultimately launching Inspire ND. Today, Inspire ND is focused on advancing inclusion at the community level through education, engagement, and advocacy.
Jennifer is a respected leader and sought-after speaker, known for her practical insights, collaborative approach, and passion for equipping communities, employers, and families to support neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan.
Jennifer has earned recognition for her contributions, including the 2008 Woman of Achievement Award in Human Services, 2011 Health Care Professional of the Year, 2015 Best Buddies Champion of the Year, and induction into the Morgan’s Wonderland Wall of Fame in 2021. In 2021, Texas State Representative Dan Huberty declared April 21 “Jennifer Dantzler Day” in recognition of her contributions to the autism field.
She holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Autism from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Education in Intensive Special Needs from Simmons College, and an undergraduate degree in Elementary/Special Education from American University. Jennifer is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst and is also certified in Special Education/Intensive Special Needs in Texas. She actively contributes to several professional organizations, including the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA), and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. Jennifer is also active in Lone Star ABA, an organization promoting ABA in the Houston area.
Jennifer’s expertise has contributed to shaping national standards for autism services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served on a committee with the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) that helped establish national practice parameters for delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services through telehealth. These guidelines have since become a widely recognized standard for telehealth ABA services among healthcare providers, reflecting her commitment to advancing accessible, high-quality autism care.
Jennifer also serves as a leadership coach for Empower Behavioral Health and a Strategic Management Consultant for Project Beacon.
A nationally recognized speaker and advocate, Jennifer regularly presents at local, national, and international conferences and professional gatherings, sharing her expertise and advancing understanding of autism and neurodiversity. Her speaking engagements include the World Autism Organization Conference, the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), and the National Down Syndrome Society, as well as numerous community and professional organizations, including chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, and Lions Clubs. Her presentations address topics such as future planning for families with children with special needs, best practices in ABA, creating meaningful inclusive environments, first responder training, neurodiversity in the workplace, and autism acceptance.
Beyond her educational and speaking engagements, Jennifer has provided expert testimony at the Texas government level on appropriate services in public schools and funding for adult services. Most recently, she played a key role in supporting State Representative Cunningham in the successful passage of legislation designating March 17 as Profound Autism Day in Texas. Texas was among the first states to take this important step, bringing critical awareness to individuals with profound autism—an often-overlooked segment of the autism spectrum.
Passionate about community inclusion, Jennifer continues to advocate for meaningful opportunities for all neurodivergent individuals. Her current work focuses on equipping businesses, organizations, and communities with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive environments, while supporting autism service providers through leadership development, best practices, and organizational accountability.