Meet Your Support Team
Our support team is the backbone of every clinic’s success. With expertise spanning clinical care, operations, billing, marketing, and compliance, we’re here to guide and empower each location from the ground up. United by a shared commitment to quality and compassion, our team ensures franchisees have the tools, training, and partnership needed to provide exceptional care to children and families.
Jasmine McCaskey
Jasmine McCaskey is a Houston-based BCBA with a heart for helping children and a passion for supporting clinical excellence across teams. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Jasmine moved to Houston in 2019 after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from the University of Alabama, followed by her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. She has been certified as a BCBA since 2019 and working in the field of ABA since 2016.
Driven by a deep belief in compassionate care, Jasmine is dedicated to delivering individualized, empathetic support for every learner. She brings warmth and intention to her work with autistic children and their families, ensuring that services are not only evidence-based, but also nurturing and respectful of each child’s voice and strengths.
Jasmine joined the Essential Speech and ABA team in 2024 as the Supervising Director, and in 2026 transitioned to the Director of Clinical Support, where she plays a vital leadership role in both clinical support and operational continuity. Beyond overseeing client programming and RBT performance, she steps in to provide direct clinical oversight during any lapse in BCBA coverage across franchises. Whether virtually or on-site, Jasmine ensures all services remain compliant, consistent, and focused on client progress—even during transitions. Her presence brings stability, mentorship, and high standards to teams navigating change.
Outside of work, Jasmine is a certified yoga teacher who enjoys working out, diving into psychological thrillers, and proudly wearing the crown as a reality TV connoisseur. She’s a devoted dog mom to one spoiled pup and will never turn down a meal from Chick-fil-A—her all-time favorite. With a calm demeanor, sharp clinical insight, and a collaborative approach, Jasmine brings a unique blend of structure and support to the team, helping clinicians, families, and franchises thrive.
Kelcey Parker
Kelcey Parker is a native of Houston, Texas, with a passion for making a meaningful impact in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She has been working in the ABA field since 2010 and brings extensive experience in clinical operations, team leadership, and process improvement, all with a focus on supporting children, families, and teams.
Kelcey’s introduction to ABA began in college, where she volunteered at the only ABA facility in East Texas at the time. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) before transitioning into operations, where she discovered a passion for developing processes and procedures, strengthening people management practices, and implementing effective workflows that empower teams to succeed. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating supportive, organized, and collaborative environments that allow teams to thrive and businesses to grow.
Kelcey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development, from Stephen F. Austin State University. She believes that successful clinics are built on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and strong leadership. As the Director of Franchise Operations and Success, Kelcey looks forward to partnering with franchise clinics, providing guidance and support, and helping teams continue to grow while expanding access to quality ABA services for the families they serve.
Outside of her professional life, Kelcey is married and a proud mom of four children. She enjoys being a sports mom, staying active through running, and traveling with her family to create lasting memories. Whether she is supporting her team at work or cheering on her children from the sidelines, Kelcey values connection, growth, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Ben Gerding
At the core of Ben’s role is strategic growth. He works closely with prospective franchisees, guiding them through every step of the process. From initial outreach and market research to launch and long-term support, Ben serves as their main point of contact as they transition from candidate to owner. He also leads marketing and brand strategy, overseeing campaigns that raise awareness, attract new partners, and support franchisees as they grow. Behind the scenes, Ben relies on data to inform decisions, track performance, and ensure every clinic is set up for sustainable success.
What motivates Ben most is knowing that each new clinic means more children gaining access to high-quality care, and that behind every location is a dedicated local owner building something meaningful in their community. He’s passionate about helping mission-driven entrepreneurs succeed while expanding a network rooted in excellence, compassion, and real impact for families.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys traveling and taking road trips with his wife, golfing, and caring for their cat, Hazel. A proud University of Colorado alumnus, he applies his professional skills through ongoing involvement with CU, serving on the Leeds Scholars Alumni Board, the Leeds GOLD Board, and mentoring current students and recent graduates.
Start Your Franchise Journey!
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
Have questions about the franchise, investment, or next steps? Connect with our team to learn more, explore fit, and see if bringing Essential Speech & ABA Therapy to your community is the right choice. Fill out the form to receive your info pack straight to your inbox or use the contacts below.
(281) 729-2152
franchiseinfo@ speechandaba.com