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, and how to protect your business. Whether you’re hiring a biller, an attorney, or a consultant, this episode will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Sponsored by MarginKeepers

Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Let MarginKeepers handle your bookkeeping so you can focus on growing your practice. Learn more at https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers.

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 startup list here. ✅ Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders here.

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 credentialing new RBTs.

• Balancing flexibility, boundaries, and expectations with new hires.

• Developing job descriptions and skill assessments for effective onboarding.

• The pros and cons of hiring experienced versus "green" (new) staff.

• Creating processes to ensure staff development and retention.

Whether you're just starting your ABA business or have been running one for years, this episode offers valuable insights into refining your hiring and onboarding practices.

This episode is brought to you by Margin Keepers. Running an ABA business comes with its share of challenges—managing clients, staff, and insurance is no easy feat. Leave the accounting to the experts! Margin Keepers specializes in ABA business finances and can give you the peace of mind to focus on what really matters—your clients and your practice's growth.

👉 Learn more about Margin Keepers at www.marginkeepers.com.

Guest:

Joseph Wilson, Operations Manager at Imagination Station, is leading the operational side of a newly established ABA practice. Along with his wife, who serves as the clinical director, Joseph is focused on building a sustainable, client-focused organization. As a member of the ABA business community, Joseph is passionate about learning best practices to support his staff and enhance service quality for families.

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 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 paid time off in ABA, how to prevent burnout while ensuring client coverage, and the evolving role of AI in ABA business operations. If you're an ABA business owner or leader, this episode is packed with thought-provoking scenarios to help guide your practice management decisions.

🔹 Join the ABA Business Leaders Membership to access exclusive resources and support for your ABA practice: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders

🔹 Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free startup checklist here: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list.

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.

• Practical strategies to improve communication, onboarding processes, and staff support.

• Innovative tools, including training platforms, to empower teams and reduce turnover.

• The importance of providing RBT certification and clear growth opportunities.

Join us for actionable insights, real-life examples, and the tools you need to create a supportive environment where employees thrive and clients benefit. Whether you're just starting your ABA practice or looking to refine your operations, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

Tune in now to learn how to build a stronger, more resilient team in 2025.

If you are interested in joining our ABA Business Leaders Membership and Training Platform, click here -> https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Platform

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 Behavioral Alignment Compass. Discover how values-driven leadership and well-structured systems can empower teams, improve employee retention, and create lasting positive outcomes for both clients and staff.

Dr. Paul Gavoni is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and a former Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. As a BCBA-D, COO, and leadership consultant, he has dedicated his career to applying behavior analysis across industries to foster growth and performance.

Sponsored by MarginKeepers

Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! MarginKeepers has in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

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 overwhelmed by the idea of accreditation, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Learn how the ABA Policy Handbook from 3 Pie Squared can help you navigate this process with ease. Designed with input from over 1,000 ABA practices, these handbooks provide all the policies and procedures you need to meet accreditation standards, including client processes, staff utilization, and continuous improvement policies. With free updates for life and guidance on making your handbook a practical tool, you'll be prepared to not only meet accreditation requirements but also enhance the quality and sustainability of your practice.

Join us to learn how to accreditation-proof your business while staying true to your mission of delivering ethical, high-quality ABA services.

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 medical necessity.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey, Amanda’s unique perspective and wealth of experience will inspire and inform your practice. Don’t miss this conversation about the intersection of technology, clinical expertise, and patient care.

Want to learn more about NonBinary Solutions? Check out Knowetic AI!

Knowetic.AI, a clinical decision support system helping clinicians streamline their processes and enhance patient outcomes. Learn more at www.knowetic.ai.

Starting a practice or looking to enhance your existing one? Download our free startup list here. Access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders by exploring membership options with 3 Pie Squared here.

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 BXMastery.com, a goal library offering structured resources for BCBAs.

About Martin Myers

Martin Myers is a BCBA with nearly 15 years of experience in the ABA field, focusing on leadership, strategy, and caseload management. He is the Chief Strategy Officer at Grateful Care ABA and the creator of BXMastery.com, a resource for sequencing goals and supporting BCBAs in skill development. Martin is also the author of the Flat Rock Weekly blog, where he shares insights on managing caseloads and improving practices for BCBAs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Managing ABA Practices Effectively: How leadership, training, and relationships drive sustainability.

• Setting Expectations for Success: Improving compliance and documentation through proactive strategies.

• The Value of Relationships: Why prioritizing meaningful connections supports staff retention and practice growth.

• Building Core Values: Identifying what you won’t compromise to strengthen company culture.

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we sit down with Jennifer Heidt, Director of Training at Above and Beyond Therapy. Jennifer shares her insights on fostering leadership, promoting transparency, and building collaboration within ABA organizations. We discuss challenges faced by RBTs and BCBAs, strategies for empowering staff, and the importance of creating supportive workplace cultures.

Jennifer's extensive experience in clinical practice and leadership roles has equipped her with a deep understanding of mentorship, training, and the value of connection and empathy in ABA.

Connect with Jennifer Heidt:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-heidt-8746b938

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by MarginKeepers.

Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field.

Affiliate link: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

In this episode of ABA Business Leaders presented by 3 Pie Squared, Alexandra Tomei, BCBA, joins us to discuss the intersection of public policy, clinical standards, and staff empowerment in ABA practices. As the Director of Clinical Standards at BlueSprig and a passionate advocate for public policy, Alexandra shares her insights on balancing operational efficiencies with individualized care, supporting RBTs and BCBAs, and fostering a culture that prioritizes quality and collaboration.

We also explore the challenges faced by ABA providers, including compliance, rate negotiations, and maintaining high-quality services amid operational constraints. For those starting or managing an ABA practice, Alexandra offers actionable advice on how to build sustainable, ethical practices that truly empower both staff and clients.

Guess what! We are offering FREE RBT training for the month of December for those who sign up at our new training platform! Check it out here- https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Training_Program