We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea McClure recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve taken pride in my ability to communicate. I always believed that saying exactly what was on my mind would be enough for others to understand me. Over time, however, I learned that communication is not just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Truly effective communication requires understanding your audience and adapting your message in a way that resonates with them.
I learned this lesson most clearly when I became the Operations Manager at my first ABA company. I quickly realized that a one-size-fits-all approach to communication wasn’t going to work. Each staff member processed information differently, and to lead effectively, I needed to learn how each person best received and understood information. This meant taking the time to get to know my team on an individual level, listening actively, and tailoring my communication style to meet their needs.
This intentional approach to communication helped me grow professionally—from Assistant Manager, to Operations Manager, to Regional Operations Manager, and now, as the COO of my own ABA company. As a leader, I’ve learned that the most powerful part of communication is listening. I’ve built a culture where every team member feels heard, valued, and respected. I make it clear that their voices matter just as much as mine, and that we’re all working together toward a shared goal.
Effective communication isn’t just about being understood; it’s about creating understanding. That’s the principle I lead with every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
A little about myself; I am married and, together, my husband and I have three wonderful children who keep our lives full of love and purpose. Caring for others has always come naturally to me, especially when it comes to children. That deep-rooted passion for nurturing and supporting growth is what led me to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
My business partner, Francesca, and I were drawn to ABA for the same reason: we care deeply about people and believe every child deserves quality, individualized support. Over time, we noticed inconsistencies in how ABA services were being provided, particularly across the state of Georgia. Families were being let down, therapists were being stretched thin, and the quality of care wasn’t meeting the standard our children deserved. We saw a need—not just for better services, but for a new standard altogether.
About three years ago, we began building Limitless ABA with a shared vision: to offer therapy that puts the child first, always. Just two weeks ago, we proudly launched our in-home services, and we’re currently completing renovations on our first center. In the coming months, we’ll begin opening centers throughout the state, bringing accessible, high-quality care to as many families as possible.
Our mission is to provide individualized therapy that is never rushed or one-size-fits-all. We refuse to deliver what we call “fast food therapy.” Instead, we focus on deeply understanding each child’s needs and tailoring treatment in a way that truly helps them grow. Our goal is to set the bar so high that other providers are inspired to collaborate with us—because when we work together, families win.
We chose the hummingbird as the symbol for our company because it represents the children we serve. Hummingbirds defy the laws of physics. They don’t just fly up and down—they move sideways, backwards, even hover in place. By all logic, they shouldn’t be able to fly at all. And yet, they do. Just like our kids. They overcome challenges, break barriers, and defy expectations every single day.
Once we’ve made our mark here in Georgia, our plan is to expand and bring our model of care to other states. Through every step of this journey, we keep the children we serve not just at the center of our work, but at the center of our hearts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in getting me to where I am today: understanding the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), leading with compassion and empathy, and learning from strong, experienced mentors.
The first and most foundational piece was gaining a deep understanding of ABA itself. Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. It focuses on teaching meaningful skills and reducing challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement and data-driven strategies. Learning the principles of ABA—and more importantly, witnessing the real-life impact it can have on children and their families—is what continues to fuel my passion. When you truly grasp how life-changing ABA can be, it shifts from being a career to a calling.
The second quality that shaped my path is compassion and empathy. These aren’t just nice qualities to have—they’re essential. Compassion must extend beyond the families we serve and into every aspect of the organization, especially to our staff. Therapists aren’t robots; they’re human beings with their own challenges and emotions. Being able to support them, listen to them, and lead with understanding creates a culture of trust and community. When people feel seen, valued, and respected, they perform at their best. That’s what makes an organization not just ethical, but welcoming—a place that feels like home.
The third major influence on my journey has been the guidance of our mentors. They taught us the ins and outs of running a business—from managing financials and securing locations, to negotiating contracts and retaining great staff. Their wisdom gave us the tools to build a sustainable, thriving company. Their support helped shape us into capable leaders and ensured that we built Limitless ABA not just with heart, but with strategy.
For anyone just beginning their own journey, my advice is simple but important: do your research, stay transparent and communicative with your partner, and never lose sight of your “why.” That initial passion and drive is your foundation—it’s what will carry you through the tough days and remind you what you’re working toward. And finally, surround yourself with people who challenge and teach you. Mentorship can be the difference between staying where you are and becoming who you’re meant to be.
As the saying goes, “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” I’ve found that to be true—and I believe you can too.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey, the people who have been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to succeed have been my business partner and our incredible team of mentors.
Life didn’t pause when this journey began. Along the way, I started a family, moved to a new state, changed jobs, experienced personal loss, and faced struggles with my own mental health. Through every high and low, my business partner stood beside me. On the days when it was hard to get out of bed, she stepped in without hesitation. Her unwavering support allowed me to keep moving forward, and her belief in me helped shape the leader I’ve become. I truly can’t imagine this journey without her.
Through her partnership, we also connected with a remarkable group of mentors who guided us with both wisdom and heart. They didn’t just help us build a business—they helped us build belief in ourselves. They taught us how to lead, how to grow, and how to create something meaningful. Their mentorship was the blueprint for Limitless ABA, and their encouragement gave us the courage to bring it to life.
We absolutely could not have done it without them, and I will forever be grateful for the strength, knowledge, and partnership that carried us through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.limitlessabaga.com
- Instagram: limitless.aba.ga
- Facebook: Limitless ABA
Image Credits
Personal picture done by: In the Moment Photography, based in Gadsden, AL
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
