Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News , the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA. Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice. 🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interac...
Jun 24, 2025•28 min
🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Rest Is Productive In this refreshingly honest episode, April and Stephen dig into something rarely talked about in ABA business and entrepreneurial circles: rest. From hobbies to mental incubation to joy at work, they explore how taking breaks—real, intentional ones—can actually drive better decision-making, creativity, and resilience as a practice owner. If you’ve been stuck in nonstop hustle mode or struggling to find space for yourself in the middle...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News , the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA. Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice. 🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interac...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min
ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’ In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’ to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities around ABA supervision. Whether you’re a new BCBA stepping into a supervisory role or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation sheds light on how to build stronger, more effective supervi...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 4
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News , the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA. Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice. 🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interac...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min
🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Ego Driven Hiring In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast , April and Stephen tackle a topic that doesn’t get enough air time: the role of ego in the hiring process. Whether you’re building your first team or adding BCBAs to an existing staff, understanding how ego can shape (and sabotage) your decisions is key to building a healthy, sustainable practice. They unpack why trusting your gut is important, but also why you need to watch out for ...
Jun 05, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News , the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA. Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice. 🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interac...
Jun 03, 2025•37 min
🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Clarity, Capacity, and Efficiency with Silna Health In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast , April and Stephen are joined by Jeff Morelli, CEO of Silna Health , a company purpose-built for the complexities of billing for ABA services . If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by prior authorizations, eligibility checks, or constant insurance back-and-forth, this is the episode for you. They break down how Silna’s Care Readiness Platform is streamlin...
May 29, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 2
🎙️ Finding Joy in the Journey In this episode, April and Stephen get into the joy of running an ABA business—specifically, how they’ve learned to rediscover and protect joy in the midst of operational stress, leadership demands, and daily challenges. Whether you're feeling burnout creep in or just looking for a spark of inspiration, this conversation is for you. They share personal values, practical mindset shifts, and intentional practices that have helped them reconnect with their "why" and b...
May 22, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 1
🎙️ 3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier In this episode, April and Stephen pull back the curtain on the unexpected hurdles they've encountered while running an ABA practice. From creating workplace culture to navigating policy challenges, they break down three major aspects of the business they assumed would be smooth sailing—but turned out to be far more complex. You'll hear real-world lessons, reflections on common missteps, and practical strategies to navigate these challenges with clarity an...
May 16, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 78
Workplace conflict isn’t just frustrating—it can derail your ABA team's morale, productivity, and culture. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen unpack what workplace “drama” really looks like, why it happens, and how ABA business owners can address it without letting it take over. They explore root causes like miscommunication, unclear expectations, burnout, favoritism, and gossip—while offering practical strategies for resolution and culture building. From...
May 09, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 77
In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen sit down for a candid conversation about what’s keeping them grounded amidst the chaos of running a business. From using meditation to manage overwhelm to creating procedures for when no procedures exist, this conversation is full of relatable insights and sanity-saving strategies. They discuss how to create space between urgency and action, how to train staff on responding without panic, and why every ABA business owner...
May 02, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 76
In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders , we’re diving into a question that stirs up passionate debate across the ABA field: Should a BCBA always own the clinic? Guest Jennifer Helten , founder of Unique Pathways, joins Stephen and April to explore why non-clinician ownership doesn’t mean lower quality—and how it might just be the key to a more balanced and sustainable ABA model. Jennifer brings her decades of experience to the table and shares her inspiring journey from nanny to...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 75
🎙️ Quality over Quantity: Is More Supervision Always Better? In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen explore a foundational question in ABA practice management: does more supervision always lead to better outcomes? Or is there a point where quantity starts to undercut quality? They discuss: Why micromanagement isn’t supervision—and when stepping back is best Strategies for aligning supervision intensity with client and staff needs The real costs of over-super...
Apr 18, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 74
In this raw and heartfelt episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen open up about a crucial topic that impacts many in the field: ABA business owner burnout . From long hours to emotional exhaustion, they share personal stories, explore the blurred line between burnout and depression, and challenge the culture of wearing burnout like a badge of honor. April leads a deep discussion about how burnout shows up behaviorally, the role of cynicism, and how business owners can...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 73
Thinking about expanding from in-home ABA services to opening your own clinic? Before you sign that lease or envision your dream sensory room, Stephen and April break down the real questions you need to ask first. In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders podcast, they share hard-earned lessons and practical insights on when — and if — a clinic is the right next step for your ABA practice. From financial forecasting and zoning laws to lease pitfalls and staff transitions, this ...
Apr 04, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 72
The Truth Behind Client and Staff Cancellations Client and staff cancellations are one of the most common — and frustrating — challenges in ABA practice management. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen take a deep dive into the hidden patterns behind cancellations and how they impact everything from staff morale to medical necessity and insurance utilization. They explore how to shift your mindset from reactive frustration to proactive analysis by viewing c...
Mar 28, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 71
Local Owner Highlight – When to Scale Your ABA Business In this episode of ABA Business Leaders , we sit down with Chris Robinson , owner of ABYAY , and Maria Zito , director at ABYAY , to discuss the challenges and strategies behind scaling an ABA business. From leadership development to overcoming staffing hurdles, Chris and Maria share their journey, including key insights on when and how to expand sustainably. Key topics include: ✅ Building and strengthening a leadership team ✅ Managing rapi...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 70
In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , we welcome Melanie Thurston , a critical care nurse, author, and dedicated mother to a child with autism. Melanie shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism, balancing professional life, and building strong caregiver relationships. She discusses the importance of supporting parents during the ABA intake process, reducing barriers for caregivers, and fostering collaboration between ABA providers an...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 69
Mastering Marketing – Local Outreach Done Right In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , we dive deep into the power of local outreach and ethical marketing for ABA practices. Marketing expert Matt Harrington , founder of ABA Digital Marketing , joins us to share actionable strategies for ABA business owners to build meaningful referral networks, enhance community connections, and stand out from corporate competitors. Matt explains why traditional marketing tactics—like dropping...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 68
How to Scale Your ABA Business Scaling an ABA business is more than just adding clients—it requires financial planning, marketing strategies, and operational systems that support long-term success. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , we dive into the key factors that determine whether your practice is truly ready to scale. Our guests, Matt Harrington, BCBA ( abadigitalmarketing.com ) and Johanna Eddy, CPA ( Margin Keepers ), share their expertise on: Avoiding common financi...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Closing an ABA practice is an emotional and strategic decision. In this episode, we sit down with Mallory Stinger, BCBA , who shares her journey of closing her ABA business after years of dedication. We discuss the challenges of letting go, managing emotions, and planning for what comes next. Whether you’re thinking about transitioning out of your practice or just curious about the process, this conversation provides valuable insights into ABA practice management, business transitions, and profe...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Red Flags in ABA Service Providers As the ABA industry grows, so do the number of service providers offering support to ABA businesses. But how do you know who to trust? In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, Stephen and April discuss the major red flags to watch for when choosing consultants, service providers, and vendors for your ABA practice. From overpriced services to companies with no real ABA experience, we break down what to look for, what questions to ask,...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 65
In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, hosts Stephen and April welcome Joseph Wilson , Operations Manager at Imagination Station . Joseph and his wife recently launched their ABA practice and are navigating the critical process of onboarding new staff. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and lessons learned when hiring, training, and supporting Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Key topics covered include: The complexities of onboarding and credentiali...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , we play a fun yet insightful game of "Would You Rather?" with Jennifer Holton, BCBA of Unique Pathways and Mallory Stinger, BCBA of Mallory Stinger ABA . We dive into tough hiring decisions for ABA practices in 2025, discussing the balance between hiring for experience versus cultural fit, the value of schedulers versus adding more BCBAs, and the impact of technology on onboarding and practice management. We also explore the challenges of...
Jan 31, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 63
In this episode of ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen dive into one of the most persistent challenges facing the ABA field—retention. From attracting top talent in a highly competitive market to building meaningful systems for employee support, they tackle the tough realities of hiring and retaining BCBAs and RBTs. Key topics include: The difficulties of finding qualified BCBAs in certain states. The pros and cons of "growing your own" BCBAs by fostering in-house training and development. ...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Aligning Leadership with Values: Behavioral Intelligence in ABA with Dr. Paul Gavoni In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , Dr. Paul Gavoni (Dr. Paulie Gloves) joins us to explore how aligning leadership with core values can transform ABA practices. Drawing from his extensive experience in education, human services, and combat sports, Dr. Gavoni shares insights on Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), and his innovative concept—the...
Jan 17, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Accreditation is becoming a growing requirement for ABA practices, driven by regulatory boards and payers. In this episode, April and Stephen dive into the complexities of accreditation, discussing what it means for your business, its potential impact on quality standards, and the challenges faced by small practices. They explore the fine line between compliance and intention, questioning whether accreditation raises service quality or simply adds another layer of bureaucracy. If you’re feeling ...
Jan 10, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 60
In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, we sit down with Amanda Ralston, founder of Nonbinary Solutions and creator of Knowetic.AI , to discuss how AI is transforming clinical decision-making in the ABA field. Amanda shares her insights on balancing innovation and ethics, building effective clinical tools, and the importance of quality in ABA services. Learn how Knowetic.AI supports clinicians by providing structured pathways to improve patient outcomes and ensure me...
Jan 03, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 59
In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders , we’re joined by Martin Myers , BCBA and Chief Strategy Officer at Grateful Care ABA. Martin shares valuable insights on building strong ABA leadership , establishing meaningful relationships with staff , and driving progress in ABA practices . We discuss strategies for ABA practice management , setting clear expectations for staff, and aligning company values with actionable goals. Martin also highlights his passion projects, including BX...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 58
