Mackenzie Leischner is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) based out of our Orlando, FL Behavioral Office and has been named an area recipient of Maxim Behavioral’s Caregiver of the Year program! The Caregiver of the Year award recognizes our caregivers who embody Maxim’s values and demonstrate excellence with their patients and communities.
Mackenzie is widely known across her office for her calm presence, clinical insight and heartfelt dedication to the children and families she supports. As both an RBT and an RBT Lead, she brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy and leadership that elevates not only her clients but her entire team.
For Mackenzie, her strength is meeting her clients where they are – literally and figuratively. When meeting, engaging and building trust with new clients, she will bring herself onto her client’s level to show them they are safe with her. She approaches each child with respect and attunement, adjusting strategies on the spot.
One of the earliest moments that reflects Mackenzie’s impact occurred when she began working with a client who was newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) whose parent was struggling to navigate the transition into behavioral services. Within just one week, Mackenzie established remarkable rapport using her warm, playful and patient approach. For the first time, her clients’ parent witnessed their child interact joyfully with someone outside the family and even begin to communicate using an assistive device. What began as hesitancy from the family toward increasing therapy hours quickly shifted into trust and relief, because Mackenzie made the child feel safe, understood and supported.
Families speak with profound gratitude about Mackenzie’s involvement in their children’s lives. One parent shared that they considered not moving out of the area because of the connection and progress their child experienced under her care. Another parent described how Mackenzie helped uncover the root cause of an increase in water spitting behaviors and then creatively incorporated water play into sessions, turning a challenge into meaningful progress.
Moments like these have become hallmarks of Mackenzie’s work. Her sessions often begin with a big smile, silly faces and energetic play, whatever it takes to help a child feel seen and celebrated.
As an RBT Lead, Mackenzie exemplifies servant leadership. Her peers consistently describe her as dependable, compassionate and always willing to step in when others need support. When a newer RBT was overwhelmed with a challenging client, Mackenzie voluntarily coached, encouraged and equipped her colleague, sometimes staying late to ensure they felt supported. She offers guidance with kindness, professionalism and a deep desire to uplift others. Her colleagues and Clinical Managers consistently note that Mackenzie not only performs at a high standard, but she also elevates the standards for everyone around her.
Mackenzie’s impact is felt by every person fortunate enough to work with her, the clients who grow under her care, the families who find hope again and the colleagues who gain confidence through her mentorship. She is reliable, creative and an exceptional communicator. Most importantly, she embodies Maxim’s values with authenticity and grace.
Her Clinical Manager, Lauren McCastlain, shared,
“Mackenzie’s passion and unwavering dedication have created a lasting impact on countless lives. She leads by example, inspires growth in those around her and brings Maxim’s mission and values to life every single day. She is the kind of caregiver who leaves a legacy, not just of excellence, but of heart.”
Not only has she been nominated for RBT of the month every year since she has been with us at Maxim, but Mackenzie also is part of the 2025 Frontline Honors Class in the behavioral health category. This achievement recognizes exemplary character and performance of frontline workers across the care continuum.
For these reasons and many more, we are honored to celebrate Mackenzie Leischner as one of our Area Behavioral Caregivers of the Year for 2025. Her leadership, compassion and commitment to her clients continue to make a profound difference, one child, one family and one teammate at a time.
*Client information and likeness featured with the consent of the client/family*
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