Beacon Pediatric Behavioral Health

Beacon Pediatric Behavioral Health Beacon Pediatric Behavioral Health
We are a private practice providing psychological, behavioral, and ABA services to children, teens, and families.

Welcome to Beacon Pediatric Behavioral Health! The executive director is Dr. Adrienne DeSantis King, Ph.D., BCBA-D, a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level. Dr. DeSantis received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the APA accredited school psychology program at the University of South Carolina and completed her internship and post-doctoral residency

at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University. The assistant director is Dr. Paras Nabizadeh, Psy.D., BCBA-D, also a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level. She received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. During her pre-doctoral internship, Dr. Nabizadeh worked within a multidisciplinary clinic where she provided services to children and adolescents in outpatient and crisis inpatient settings, and conducted behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy to children and adolescents in a group home setting. Following graduation, Dr. Nabizadeh completed her post-doctoral residency at a local psychology practice, where she continued to provide therapy to children and teens, as well as psychological evaluations, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, parent training, and school consultation. We have many amazing therapists on our team including additional licensed psychologists, post-doctoral clinical psychology residents, licensed mental health counselors, registered mental health interns, board certified behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, and registered behavior technicians. Services are provided to families and parents, as well as to children and teens between the ages of 18 months and 18 years. We offer individual, family, and group therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment, cognitive behavioral and behavioral therapy, parent and teacher education in behavior modification, psychological, educational, and diagnostic assessments, school consultation, and advocacy for special education student services. Our psychologists also specialize in the administration of the ADOS-2 for Autism evaluations. Our psychology and mental health team have has expertise in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), pediatric behavior difficulties (including disruptive behavioral disorder diagnoses, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc.), ADHD, anxiety, depressive symptoms, adjustment problems, and/or learning difficulties. Additionally, we specialize in family dynamics and relationships, with a focus on supporting parents. Our ABA team has expertise implementing behavioral principles with children diagnosed with ASD in order to improve communication and social skills, and address impairing restrictive or repetitive behaviors. We have 2 convenient office locations--
one near Town Center (6816 Southpoint Pkwy, Suite 202, Jacksonville, Florida 32216)...
and one in Mandarin/Julington Creek (12025 San Jose Blvd, Suite 2, Jacksonville, Florida 32223). Please visit our website at www.BeaconPediatric.com for more information!

Get involved for the safety of our children!
08/25/2026

Get involved for the safety of our children!

Congratulations Emoni Goodall, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for AUGUST!   The 'Beacon of Light'...
08/17/2026

Congratulations Emoni Goodall, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for AUGUST!

The 'Beacon of Light' is someone that possesses clinical, professional, and/or personal attributes that exemplify Beacon Pediatric. They are chosen based on performance data and observations, but even more importantly, they are selected based on input from their colleagues and supervisors, and when available, feedback from clients.
Here is a little bit about Emoni!

---How long have you been at Beacon?
*I have been at beacon for about 3 months

---What is your role at Beacon?
*I am an RBT

---What led you into the field of behavioral health?
*I was first introduced to ABA therapy through an ABA clinic booth at a career fair at FAU. Before that, I always knew I wanted to help people, but I was unsure of what field or direction I wanted to pursue. Once I learned more about ABA, I felt a personal connection to the work. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood and as though my voice was not always heard. Because of those experiences, I want to help children recognize that they have a voice, that their needs matter, and that they deserve to be heard and understood just like anyone else.

---What is your favorite part of your job?
*My favorite part of my work is helping my clients find and use their voice. I love teaching them how to communicate their wants, needs, and feelings appropriately, and it is especially rewarding to watch them begin using those skills independently. Seeing their confidence and independence grow is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

---Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
*In the next 10 years, I hope to build my own re-entry program that supports individuals who have been incarcerated as they transition back into their communities. I want to help provide them with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to create a better future for themselves. I also hope to continue growing in my faith and using my life and career as an opportunity to spread the Gospel and serve the Lord.

---What inspires you?
*My mom is one of my greatest inspirations. She adopted me as a baby and welcomed me into her life when I needed a loving home. She is a woman after God’s own heart and has always taught me the importance of loving others, treating people with respect, and showing compassion regardless of their circumstances. Her example has had a major influence on the person I am today and the way I want to serve others.

CONGRATS EMONI! Thank you for being such an amazing part of Team Beacon!

Congratulations Anne-Marie Gousse, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for July!   The 'Beacon of Ligh...
07/13/2026

Congratulations Anne-Marie Gousse, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for July! The 'Beacon of Light' is someone that possesses clinical, professional, and/or personal attributes that exemplify Beacon Pediatric. They are chosen based on performance data and observations, but even more importantly, they are selected based on input from their colleagues and supervisors, and when available, feedback from clients.
Here is a little bit about Anne-Marie!

*How long have you been at Beacon?
..I have been at beacon for about 10 months

*What is your role at Beacon?
..am an RBT

*What led you into the field of behavioral health?
..My mom and my fiancé’s family both have experience in the behavior field and I was job searching and they recommended me ABA because they thought I had the patience and personality. I was also wanted a job where I could help people and it ended up being perfect for me.

*What is your favorite part of your job?
..My favorite part will have to be when my client makes a breakthrough on their goals. I didn’t realize how much joy it brings to see someone try so hard and finally accomplish it until I worked with my kids.

*Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
..I will most likely be living in another country with my husband. I will have visited at least 5 different countries and tried different foods, have my own garden and chickens and learned a new language. I would also come to appreciate my life and the things I accomplished and what it took to get there

*What inspires you?
..My mom and baby sister. My mom is the most hardworking woman I have met. She carries so much and still makes sure we are taken care of. She is my ‘Mrs. Make It Happen’. She made sure that me and my siblings had fun, were educated, and we were kind. And my baby sister reminds me that my inner child deserves love too and to feed my imagination. She also inspires me to be patient and take it one day at a time.

CONGRATS ANNE-MARIE! WE ARE THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU HERE AT TEAM BEACON!

Congratulations Destiny Carraway, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for June!   This is Destiny’s se...
06/19/2026

Congratulations Destiny Carraway, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for June! This is Destiny’s second time earning this title since she has been at Beacon!
The person that earns this title is someone that possesses clinical, professional, and/or personal attributes that exemplify Beacon Pediatric. They are chosen based on performance data and observations, but even more importantly, they are selected based on input from their colleagues and supervisors, and when available, feedback from clients.

Here is a little bit about Destiny!

How long have you been at Beacon? ..A little over a year now!

What is your role at Beacon?..I am an RBT but I am also in a masters program working towards obtaining my BCBA certification.

What led you into the field of behavioral health?..My little brother was diagnosed with autism and seeing all his progress with his own therapy drew me to the field!

What are you most proud of? ..My clients! I am so proud of all their hard work and the progress they make!

What advice would you give to new therapists entering the field?..Don’t be afraid to be silly and have fun! Half the battle is getting the kiddos to feel safe and have fun with you!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?..Working as a BCBA with my amazing Beacon team!

If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?..Spongebob Squarepants!

Congratulations Destiny! We adore you!

Congratulations Laura Nash, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for May! The person that earns this ti...
05/13/2026

Congratulations Laura Nash, RBT, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for May!

The person that earns this title is someone that possesses clinical, professional, and/or personal attributes that exemplify Beacon Pediatric. They are chosen based on performance data and observations, but even more importantly, they are selected based on input from their colleagues and supervisors, and when available, feedback from clients.

Laura has been an RBT here for 3 months! Here is a little bit about her-

—What led you to behavioral health?

I’ve always loved working with children and helping them grow. After being a stay at home mom for several years, I was able to go back to school and get a bachelors degree in anthropology and psychology. After doing research, I realized that becoming a behavior tech allowed me to blend my education and my passion for children.

—What is your favorite part of your job?

I love watching my clients make progress on their goals. As a neurodivergent person myself, I feel honored to be apart of that.

—What is something interesting about you that we don’t know?

Last summer I completed Archeology Field School. I was able to dig up pottery from thousands of years ago. Did you know that some of the oldest pottery in the country is from North Florida?

—What inspires you?

I am inspired every day by my two amazing daughters. They make me want to be the best I can be.

Congratulations Laura! We are so happy to have you on our team!

Sharing on behalf of a client in the military- please message if interested and/or pass along to share with others!VOLUN...
05/12/2026

Sharing on behalf of a client in the military- please message if interested and/or pass along to share with others!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Saturday June 20, 2026
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm (for all of part of the time)
Doubletree Hotel, Jacksonville Riverfront (1201 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207)
In need of volunteers for childcare during the Navy Corpsman Ball.
Volunteers must be BLS (i.e., CPR & AED) certified.

Congratulations Emily, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for March! The person that earns this title is s...
03/06/2026

Congratulations Emily, our 'Beacon of Light' and Therapist of the Month for March!

The person that earns this title is someone that possesses clinical, professional, and/or personal attributes that exemplify Beacon Pediatric. They are chosen based on performance data and observations, but even more importantly, they are selected based on input from their colleagues and supervisors, and when available, feedback from clients.

Here is a little bit about Emily Reeves, BCBA!

How long have you been at Beacon?
- I’ll have been with Beacon 10 years in April!

What is your role at Beacon?
- I started as an RBT in 2016 and started in a BCBA position in 2020.

What led you into the field of behavioral health?
- During my undergrad, I took a learning theory class that got me connected to the RAMP program in Jacksonville. Once a week we went into a local high school and worked in the ASD classroom teaching vocational skills. The next semester I started a behavior modification class and the rest is history!

What is your favorite part of the work that you do?
- I love watching the kids gain new skills, especially when they do something by themselves for the first time.

What is a ‘secret’ talent or interest/hobby that you have?
- I love to read and do crochet! I’m also a huge deadhead!

Tell us about an interesting or memorable experience you have had in your life and why it was so special!
- In 2024 I had my son who is also special needs and medically complex. He is the absolute joy of my life and through being his mom, I’ve gained so many insights into what the parents we work with deal with on a day to day. It’s one thing to have an idea what special needs parents deal with, but actually living it myself has made me feel like I can relate more to what the parents of my clients go through.

We love having you on the team Emily! THANK YOU for all that you do!

Thank you to everyone for your support with the Wolfson Children's Challenge! It was a success! Wolfson Children's Hospi...
02/01/2026

Thank you to everyone for your support with the Wolfson Children's Challenge! It was a success! Wolfson Children's Hospital was able to raise ALMOST $100,000, and we were able to contribute OVER $2,000 to the cause!
HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD LEVEL CONTRIBUTORS!
Elizabeth and Tracy Vance
The Cu**er Museum of Art & Gardens
North Florida Therapy Associates
Jacksonville Icemen
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Shinedown
Taverna San Marco
https://www.facebook.com/TavernaSanMarco
Cultivate Hair Salon
https://www.facebook.com/cultivatehairsalon
Yoga Den Mandarin
https://www.facebook.com/yogadenmandarinstudios
River & Post Restaurant and Rooftop Lounge
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562098913789
Jax Beach Aviation
https://www.facebook.com/jaxbeachaviation
Escapology
https://www.facebook.com/EscapologyJax
Tannic Water Adventures
https://www.facebook.com/TannicWaterAdventures
Congaree and Penn
https://www.facebook.com/congareeandpenn
One Ocean Resort (now Dune House Atlantic Beach)
https://www.facebook.com/DuneHouseAtlanticBeach
Healing Waters Therapy
https://www.facebook.com/HealingWatersTherapy
Main Event
https://www.facebook.com/MainEventJacksonville
Be Still Float
https://www.facebook.com/bestillfloat
Total Wine & More
https://www.facebook.com/TotalWineJacksonville
B & M Bait and Tackle
https://www.facebook.com/BMbaitandtackle
Jeffrey Richman (of Modern Family)

Special thanks to OH GEEZ TEES for making the amazing team tees! https://www.ohgeeztees.com/

And finally, we are exceptionally grateful to Jeanne Tate and Brigette Schupay at Heart of Adoption Alliance for hosting our slient auction!
https://www.facebook.com/heartofadoptionsallianceinc

Time is running out! Any donation matters...  visit our fundraising page for the Wolfson Children's Hospital Wolfson Chi...
01/29/2026

Time is running out! Any donation matters... visit our fundraising page for the Wolfson Children's Hospital Wolfson Children's Challenge at https://giving.baptistjax.com/Beacon or scan the QR code below! Help us reach our goal before the event starts in LESS THAN 48 HOURS!

Join us as we celebrate this incredible cause at the Wolfson Children's Challenge this Saturday morning! Details are on the flyer attached!

🌟💚🩵💜 TIME IS RUNNING OUT!  PLACE YOUR BID WHILE YOU CAN! 💜🩵💚🌟https://givebutter.com/c/7UFe3VWe are getting SO close to o...
01/25/2026

🌟💚🩵💜 TIME IS RUNNING OUT! PLACE YOUR BID WHILE YOU CAN! 💜🩵💚🌟
https://givebutter.com/c/7UFe3V
We are getting SO close to our fundraising goal! There are only a few hours left - check out the auction and place your bids while there is still time! All money raised goes towards the Wolfson Children's Challenge fundraiser for Wolfson Children's Hospital and Rehabilitation!

Or donate on our fundraising page at https://giving.baptistjax.com/Beacon

Address

6816 Southpoint Pkwy, Ste 202
Jacksonville, FL
32216

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+19044197792

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