Mackenzie Leischner, Lead Registered Behavior Technician at Maxim Healthcare, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Behavioral Health Business.
To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Behavioral Health Business recently caught up with Leischner to discuss her time in the behavioral health industry.
BHB: What drew you to this industry?
Leischner: What captivated me about the industry is the ability to make a profound difference in people’s lives.
BHB: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?
Leischner: When I first started in the field, I had a misconception that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) had to be provided in a rigid manner. However, as I gained experience, I realized that one of the greatest aspects of ABA is its flexibility and ability to tailor treatment to the individual needs of clients.
BHB: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?
Leischner: I’ve always understood the significance and importance of our work in this field. However, a pivotal moment in my career reaffirmed the importance of my work when an aggressive client I was working with was able to communicate that they were sad and scared rather than engaging in aggression. This was a monumental moment because we had been diligently working with them to identify their emotions and express their concerns rather than engaging in aggression.
BHB: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?
Leischner: The most valuable skill I’ve acquired in this field is analytical empathy. It’s the ability to remain supportive and caring while simultaneously thinking analytically and maintaining a scientific approach. This is achieved by actively taking measures to understand a person from their perspective, rather than my own.
BHB: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?
Leischner: Leaders’ decisions that have a significant impact on frontline workers, often unnoticed, are the ones that prioritize our well-being and address our concerns. When leaders show genuine interest in our well-being and concerns, we can work more confidently and efficiently.
BHB: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?
Leischner: Maintaining philosophical doubt and shifting your perspective can significantly enhance the effectiveness of frontline work. By doing so, frontline workers can continuously analyze situations, identify the functions of behavior, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Moreover, by viewing behaviors as a blessing rather than a burden, you can appreciate the value of creating a safe and supportive environment for clients.
BHB: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?
Leischner: Despite the industry’s challenges, I find the focus on efficacy to be the most optimistic factor for its future. This emphasis drives the field towards value-based care, moving away from an hour-driven approach to prioritize quality outcomes. Furthermore, the ongoing research in the field instills optimism by ensuring that practical applications remain grounded in science and that interventions are continually updated with the latest research findings.