New leadership appointment strengthens Blue Gems ABA’s continued investment in employee development, engagement, and long-term career growth.
Blue Gems ABA is excited to welcome Justin Wallace as Director of Employee Engagement. In this newly developed role, Justin will lead company-wide efforts focused on strengthening employee engagement, professional development, retention, and organizational culture.
Justin will oversee the development of programs designed to support Blue Gems ABA team members throughout every stage of their careers. His responsibilities will include advancing training and mentorship opportunities, creating clearer career pathways for RBTs and BCBAs, expanding recognition and engagement initiatives, coordinating internal events, and using workforce data to identify opportunities to improve employee experience.
He will also help bring Blue Gems ABA’s training, development, education, and engagement programs together into a more cohesive experience for employees across every region.
“Justin brings a valuable combination of direct ABA experience, strategic thinking, and a genuine understanding of what keeps employees engaged and committed to an organization,” said Pace Tropper, Chief Marketing Officer of Blue Gems ABA. “As we continue to grow, it is important that we invest just as intentionally in our people as we do in our services. Justin will help us strengthen the programs, career opportunities, recognition, and experiences that make Blue Gems a place where talented professionals can grow and build meaningful careers.”
A South Florida native and Florida Atlantic University alumnus, Justin brings more than six years of experience helping growing organizations scale and thrive. He has spent three and a half years working within the ABA field, with a focus on talent strategy, employee engagement and retention, and organizational growth.
In his new role, Justin will report to Pace Tropper while partnering closely with clinical leadership, recruitment, compliance, staff development, and operations across the organization. This cross-functional approach will help ensure that the experience presented to candidates during recruitment is reflected in the support, development, and opportunities employees receive after joining Blue Gems ABA.
“Supporting our clinicians means investing in their entire experience, from onboarding and mentorship to continuing education and long-term advancement,” said Hazel Fraiter, Chief Clinical Officer of Blue Gems ABA. “Justin’s experience and focus will help us strengthen the programs, relationships, and career pathways that allow our BCBAs and RBTs to grow, feel supported, and thrive within our organization.”
Justin’s initial priorities will include strengthening retention strategies for BCBAs and RBTs, expanding RBT training and development programs, supporting mentorship and continuing education opportunities, establishing consistent employee engagement and recognition initiatives, and creating stronger alignment between recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing professional development.
He will also support the continued growth of advancement pathways for RBTs pursuing BCBA certification and for BCBAs interested in becoming mentors, trainers, Lead BCBAs, and clinical leaders.
Outside of work, Justin is deeply passionate about health, wellness, and travel. Whether he is challenging himself through a new workout routine, experiencing a new culture, or discovering his next favorite destination, he is always ready for a new adventure.
“I am incredibly excited to bring my experience and energy to the Blue Gems ABA team,” Justin said. “I look forward to partnering with teams across the organization and helping create an environment where employees feel supported, connected, valued, and empowered to grow throughout their careers.”
As part of this transition, Justin will assume the responsibilities previously overseen by Michael Lauer, Vice President of Staff Development, as Michael transitions out of Blue Gems ABA to pursue his next career opportunity. We are grateful for Michael’s contributions to the organization and wish him continued success in what comes next.
Justin’s appointment reflects Blue Gems ABA’s continued commitment to building a strong employee experience and investing in the people who provide exceptional care to the children and families we serve.
| Please join us in welcoming Justin to the Blue Gems ABA team. |
