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 business owner, guided by a deep, personal mission to empower children and families. Together, they explore the power of collaboration between business and clinical leaders, and why mutual trust, clear roles, and a commitment to outcomes are the pillars of an ethical ABA practice.

What you’ll learn:

• The ethics and effectiveness of non-BCBA-owned clinics

• How business owners and clinical directors can work in harmony

• Building systems that prioritize staff training and child outcomes

• Real-world strategies for balancing sustainability and clinical care

🎯 Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here.

📘 Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, including the ABA Business Leaders Membership, featuring 34 CEUs, webinars, expert panels, and a network of practice owners. Click here.

Meet Our Guest: Jennifer Helten is the owner and founder of Unique Pathways. Her path into ABA began unexpectedly—but her purpose was always clear. After experiencing personal loss as a child and discovering the power of advocacy through grief, Jennifer has spent over 20 years championing children and their families. Unique Pathways is her commitment in action: a place where kids are met at their level, given a voice, and supported every step of the way.

🎙️ 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-supervising (and how to make it sustainable)

• The importance of staff training, observer effects, and fading support

• Practical tools for managing supervision across large caseloads

This episode also introduces a practical supervision guideline and highlights how the ABA Business Leaders Membership helps ABA providers implement scalable, ethical supervision models while aligning clinical goals with business demands.

Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start up list here.

Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, click here.

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 unintentionally pass burnout down to their teams. Stephen adds candid insights on mental load, boundaries, and the stress of juggling personal and professional responsibilities. They also touch on systems that help, like regular check-ins and building a support network, plus the impact of societal pressures and lack of community in modern leadership roles.

Whether you're in the startup phase or deep into your ABA journey, this episode invites you to pause and reflect. Let’s stop normalizing burnout—and start creating sustainable, balanced ABA practices.

This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers 🧾 Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! MarginKeepers has in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field and helps ABA business owners manage their finances with ease and confidence.

🔗 Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here.

🔗 Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders Click here.

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 conversation covers what every ABA business owner needs to consider before making the move.

They also dive into:

• Why most in-home clients won't transition to clinic-based services (and what to do about it)

• The overlooked operational risks that come with running a clinic

• Planning with intention — not pressure — and aligning your business vision with your personal life

• Whether owning office space or leasing is right for you

• The importance of marketing, staffing strategy, and quality control KPIs for scaling

Looking for support as you grow your ABA business? 📘 Access the ABA Business Leaders Membership and explore resources on clinic planning, audits, KPIs, compliance, and more: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders

🎯 Ready to take the next step?

Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? 📥 Download our free start-up list here.

🌐 Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, click here.

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 cancellations as valuable data points. Learn how to track the right metrics, identify patterns in time-of-day, geography, and staff engagement, and why clear definitions and consistent data collection are key.

Whether you're struggling with split shifts, scheduling gaps, or persistent call-outs, this episode offers practical strategies and a challenge to help you start auditing your own cancellation patterns to build a more efficient and supportive ABA business.

💼 Sponsored by MarginKeepers Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Check them out: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

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 rapid staff changes and maternity leaves ✅ Keeping BCBA, RBT, and client needs balanced ✅ Strategies for acquiring new clients while maintaining quality ✅ Lessons learned from stepping back as an owner

If you’re looking to scale your ABA practice while maintaining quality care and team stability, this episode is a must-listen!

Learn more about Chris Robinson & Maria Zito’s ABA practice at ABYAY

🔹 Want to grow and strengthen your ABA business? Join the ABA Business Leaders Membership for exclusive resources and support! Learn more here.

📢 Starting a practice and need guidance? Download our free ABA Business Startup Checklist here.

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 and families. Melanie also touches on critical topics such as the impact on siblings, transitioning into adulthood, and the emotional journey parents face.

Her heartfelt insights provide invaluable lessons for ABA business owners, clinicians, and caregivers striving to create meaningful, supportive relationships.

About Our Guest:

Melanie Thurston is a critical care nurse specializing in cardiovascular intensive care and ECMO life support. She is also an author, sharing her experiences as a parent of a child with autism to inspire and support other families navigating similar journeys. Her book, Mom, I'm Mater: My Life as an Autism Mom, provides a raw and heartfelt account of life as a special needs parent. Learn more about Melanie and her work at booksbymelaniethurston.com.

Resources and Support:

📘 Check out Melanie’s book, Mom, I'm Mater: My Life as an Autism Mom – Visit www.mommater.com 📋 Starting a practice or need guidance? Download our free ABA start-up checklist here. 👥 Join our ABA Business Leaders Membership for exclusive resources, business strategies, and support for ABA providers. Learn more here.

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 off donuts—fall short and how to create lasting relationships with pediatricians, speech therapists, and community partners. He also covers Google Business Profiles, online presence, and ethical ways to generate referrals to ensure your practice gets noticed.

If you're an ABA business owner looking to strengthen your local outreach efforts, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you grow your practice the right way.

🔹 Starting a practice or want to optimize your current one? Download our free ABA Business Start-Up Checklist here. 🔹 Looking for expert resources and networking opportunities? Explore the ABA Business Leaders Membership with 3 Pie Squared here.

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 financial mistakes when growing your ABA practice

• The importance of structured pay scales and financial planning

• Effective marketing strategies to attract and retain ideal clients

• How to ensure your business maintains quality as you scale

🔹 Resources for ABA Business Leaders:

• Looking for expert guidance and community support? Explore the ABA Business Leaders Membership to access exclusive tools, networking opportunities, and resources.

• Starting a practice or need help growing your existing one? Download our free ABA Business Start-Up Checklist here.

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 professional growth.

About Our Guest: Mallory Stinger, BCBA, has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2009 and became a BCBA in 2016. She initially entered ABA while searching for a teaching job in El Paso, Texas, and quickly found her passion in the field. After years of building a successful ABA practice, Mallory made the difficult decision to transition out of ownership for personal and professional growth. She now focuses on supporting the ABA community in new ways, including collaborating on CEU content and professional development.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📌 Looking to start, grow, or transition your ABA business? The ABA Business Leaders Membership provides step-by-step guidance, 34 CEUs, and exclusive access to expert insights. Learn more here.

Additional Resources for ABA Business Owners:

✅ Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free ABA Business Start-Up List here. ✅ Join the ABA Business Leaders Membership and access exclusive resources for ABA business owners. Explore membership options here.