Amber Badgett

Chief Executive Officer

Amber Badgett serves as Chief Executive Officer of Meaningful Day Services, where she provides strategic leadership for a statewide organization supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Indiana. She oversees a diverse range of community-based services, including Adult Day Services, Community Supports, Employment Services, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Counseling, and other programs designed to help individuals build meaningful, connected lives.
Amber joined Meaningful Day Services in 2008 as a behavior analyst and later served as Director of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). During her 16-year journey with the organization, she played a key role in expanding services, strengthening operations, and preparing Meaningful Day Services for its next phase of growth before transitioning into executive leadership. Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening organizations by developing leaders, improving systems, and helping teams navigate change. She has guided strategic planning, strengthened operational and financial systems, expanded community-based programming, and led the organization through significant changes in healthcare policy and Medicaid funding, all while keeping the organization's mission at the center of every decision.
Advocacy is a core value. Amber was actively involved in advancing behavioral health services across Indiana through 8 years of leadership roles with the Hoosier Association for Behavior Analysis, including serving as Vice-President, President, Past-President and Public Policy Chair. During that time, she collaborated with providers, legislators, and state agencies to improve access to quality services and strengthen systems of care for individuals with disabilities. Those experiences continue to influence her collaborative leadership style and passion for building stronger organizations and communities.
Amber earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville before completing a Master of Arts in Education and Rank I certification in Special Education. She later earned a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). While her career began in clinical practice, her passion today is helping organizations thrive by investing in people, building strong leadership teams, and creating systems that support both employees and the individuals they serve. She believes that when organizations invest in their people, they create stronger teams, better services, and more meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families they support. Amber is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, advocacy, accountability, and compassion.

Education

Master of Arts, Applied Behavior Analysis – Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Rank I, Special Education – University of Louisville
Master of Arts, Education – University of Louisville
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies – University of Louisville
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Professional Organizations

Indiana Association of Behavior Consultants
Kentucky Teachers Association