“My mission is to nurture the growth of individuals and organizations by combining compassion with proven behavioral science, always placing humanity at the heart of leadership.”
Foeke Rienks has built his career on a rare combination of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to youth and mental health development. Born in Britsum, the Netherlands, and now residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Foeke embodies a truly global perspective on care. His professional journey, spanning over 17 years, reflects a lifelong dedication to transforming lives through evidence-based behavioral practices and strategic leadership in healthcare.
Foeke’s foundation was shaped by his education in psychomotor therapy and adapted physical activities at Windesheim University in the Netherlands. Early on, he demonstrated an innate ability to connect with individuals facing developmental and behavioral challenges, honing his skills during intensive internships with clients navigating a wide spectrum of needs. These formative experiences ignited his passion for direct care and framed his approach to holistic, client-centered support.
In 2011, Foeke deepened his specialization by earning a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from The Sage Colleges in Albany, NY. Shortly thereafter, he achieved BCBA certification in 2014, a milestone that cemented his professional identity as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Armed with cutting-edge clinical training and a commitment to real-world application, Foeke began leading teams, designing treatment plans, and mentoring fellow practitioners with a focus on sustainable behavioral change.
His early professional years in Florida saw a steady progression from direct care staff and mental health trainer at The ARC of the St. Johns to Habilitation Coordinator, where he was responsible for developing training objectives and service strategies for adults with developmental disabilities. His ability to combine empathy with clinical precision made him a natural leader. At Behavioral Consultation Services, he continued to make a significant impact, delivering ABA therapy across diverse populations and settings.
Foeke’s influence expanded during his time at Reaching Milestones, a leading provider of ABA services. There, he served as a Regional Trainer and Development Specialist, then as Clinical Director. These roles enabled him to shape training programs, supervise multidisciplinary teams, and implement behavior analytic frameworks at scale. He oversaw assessments like FBA, FA, VB-MAPP, and ABLLS-R, ensuring every child’s therapeutic plan was data-driven and personally tailored. His leadership style emphasized both scientific rigor and interpersonal trust, cultivating a culture of excellence within the clinical teams.
In 2016, Foeke joined Little Star Center, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) private school and behavior therapy center in Jacksonville. As now Director and Owner, he has transformed the organization into a comprehensive care environment, providing affordable education and behavioral services to children with autism and related developmental conditions. His hands-on leadership spans every facet of operations—from hiring and supervising RBTs to managing insurance claims and implementing payroll systems. Little Star Center is not only a testament to his business acumen but also to his personal mission of accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment through education.
What sets Foeke apart as a leader is his dedication to operational excellence without losing sight of the human touch. He has navigated complex billing and compliance systems, including CentralReach, WebABA, and Tricare portals, while maintaining direct therapeutic engagement with clients. His fluency in both English and Dutch, as well as his deep cultural competence, adds another layer of depth to his leadership, enabling him to build bridges across diverse communities and professional contexts.
Foeke’s influence expanded during his time at Reaching Milestones, a leading provider of ABA services. There, he served as a Clinical Director, then as a Regional Trainer and Development Specialist. He previously served on the board of a networking charter school in Jacksonville, contributing strategic insights and advocating for improved educational access for underserved youth. Though he does not currently sit on active boards, he is seeking new advisory roles where he can leverage his expertise in ABA, youth development, and healthcare management to support companies poised for impact and growth.
Personally, Foeke is deeply connected to his family and community. Whether playing tennis or soccer, participating at local or international congresses, or spending time with his family at the beach, he believes that joy, balance, and meaningful relationships are the foundation of impactful leadership. He brings this same belief into every boardroom, therapeutic session, and organizational decision.
With his unique blend of compassion, international perspective, technical mastery, and visionary leadership, Foeke Rienks is not just a behavior analyst or a business owner—he is a catalyst for change. He envisions a future where behavioral health is integrated, accessible, and human-centered, and he is committed to helping organizations realize this future through strategic guidance and heartfelt partnership.
Character:
Foeke is deeply grounded in compassion and integrity, consistently placing people before profit. His values-driven leadership fosters trust, empathy, and a sincere commitment to improving lives through service.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees in behavior analysis and decades of hands-on experience, Foeke brings both academic depth and practical wisdom to his work. His fluency in clinical frameworks and healthcare operations makes him a reliable guide in complex environments.
Strategic:
Foeke is a systems thinker who can identify opportunities for growth, streamline operations, and lead multidisciplinary teams toward a shared vision. His strategic planning is rooted in both data and a long-term view of organizational health and sustainability.
Communication:
Whether training staff, presenting to peers, or supporting families, Foeke communicates with clarity, warmth, and purpose. His ability to distill complex information into actionable insights makes him an invaluable communicator across sectors and roles.
