Jessica Frank

Jessica Frank is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and an independent researcher affiliated with the University of Central Florida’s Psychology Department. She studies attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as it relates to individual identity formation processes as well as levels of identity distress. Her undergraduate thesis examined the relationship between ADHD, cultural identification and associated stigma, and how those interactions might affect the identities of young adults with ADHD. Jess is very passionate about her research and its connection to the ASD population, where ADHD is highly comorbid, yet often overlooked in the presentation and interventions associated with ASD. Her extensive scientific and clinical background, paired with a comprehensive understanding of executive functioning deficits, play a significant role in her work with PALS.

Jess began working with PALS in January of 2025 as a student assistant for UCF CARD until May, when she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from UCF, fulfilling her federal work-study contract. Her passion and desire to continue helping individuals with ASD by contriving environments that promote positive social interactions led her to transition from a part-time student assistant to joining the Office Team full-time.

With her background in Clinical Psychology and extensive knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Jess offers a clinical and technical perspective to planning and organizing PALS events. Having worked with individuals with ASD previously, she continues to demonstrate passion and dedication to helping the ASD population learn essential life skills by highlighting the PALS mission in every aspect of her role—from creating training resources for PALS Facilitators to leading orientations to attending and overseeing events for a hands-on approach to building and executing PALS programs.