ABA Business Leaders

By Stephen Smith

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sust

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3636 ratings

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FAQs about ABA Business Leaders:

How many episodes does ABA Business Leaders have?

The podcast currently has 210 episodes available.

ABA Business Leaders episodes:

June 25, 2026 System That Support ABA with Brian Lopez
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Dr. Brian Lopez, PhD, BCBA, licensed clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, and Director of Psychological Services and Research at JumpStart Autism Collective.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in autism services, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Lopez explains why better outcomes for ABA learners require more than strong clinical programming. From early diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration to telehealth innovation and scalable service delivery, he shares how providers can build systems that support children, families, clinicians, and communities.
What Systems Best Support ABA Learners?
Dr. Lopez explains how coordinated systems connecting diagnostics, ABA therapy, healthcare providers, schools, families, and community resources create stronger learner outcomes.
Why Is Early Autism Diagnosis So Important?
Early diagnosis helps families access services sooner, reduce delays in intervention, and support better developmental outcomes for children with autism.
How Can ABA Providers Improve Access to Care?
The conversation explores how telehealth, operational systems, and innovative service models are expanding ABA services to underserved and rural communities.
Why Does Collaboration Matter in ABA?
Dr. Lopez highlights the importance of collaboration between psychologists, BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and families in supporting learner success.
What Can ABA Business Owners Learn From This Episode?
Listeners will gain insights into leadership, sustainable growth, scalable systems, and maintaining clinical quality while expanding services.
Have a Question for Stephen and April?
📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
---------
Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to launch or grow a podcast for your business?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
Resources & Links
SILNA:
https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
1h 18min
June 18, 2026 The Power of ABA and Speech Therapy with Rose Griffin
What happens when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, founder of ABA Speech, to discuss the intersection of speech therapy and applied behavior analysis.
The conversation explores common misconceptions between disciplines, how ABA companies can successfully integrate speech services, and why communication goals should be developed through genuine interdisciplinary collaboration. Rose also discusses the importance of developmental milestones, AAC implementation, ethical collaboration, and her upcoming book designed to help professionals better support communication development.
How can BCBAs and Speech-Language Pathologists work together more effectively?
Rose explains why collaboration between ABA and speech professionals can be challenging and shares practical strategies for building stronger interdisciplinary partnerships that improve outcomes for autistic learners.
Should ABA companies hire Speech-Language Pathologists?
Learn the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for ABA organizations looking to integrate speech therapy services into their practice, including what leaders should know before hiring an SLP.
What communication skills should behavior analysts understand?
Rose discusses foundational communication development, language milestones, joint attention, AAC, and why understanding speech and language development helps BCBAs create more effective interventions.
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
Resources & Links
Pre-order link of Rose Griffin’s book: https://abaspeech.lpages.co/say-it-with-me-book-page/

Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group:
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
36min
June 11, 2026Nervous System Regulation, Authentic Leadership, and the Humanity Behind ABA
What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection?
In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.
Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.
Questions To Be Answered
What is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?
Why is authenticity important?
How does emotional suppression affect leaders?
Are we too focused on compliance?
How can you regulate during stress?
Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth?
Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
MarginKeepers:
https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers
Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
...more
1h 6min
June 04, 2026 How Do We Define Quality ABA Services
How do we define quality ABA services with Bryant Silbaugh
What is quality assurance in ABA, and how can behavior analysts measure service quality more effectively?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith speak with Dr. Bryant Silbaugh, behavior analyst, researcher, author, and Founder of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), about the systems, processes, and measurements that drive high-quality ABA services. Bryant explains how ABA organizations can define quality, evaluate clinical performance, establish meaningful outcome measures, and build systems that support continuous improvement. He shares practical insights from his work in autism treatment, behavioral intervention quality management, and ABA service delivery research.
The conversation covers quality assurance frameworks, goal setting, key performance indicators (KPIs), clinician self-evaluation, treatment outcomes, and the role of organizational systems in delivering effective ABA services.
Key Topics Covered
What quality assurance means in applied behavior analysis
How to measure ABA service quality
Common service delivery blind spots in ABA organizations
Defining quality indicators for behavioral interventions
The relationship between clinical quality and business performance
His research has focused on operant variability, pediatric feeding disorders, autism intervention, and ABA service delivery quality. He is the author of Quality Control for Behavior Analysts: How to Manage Behavioral Intervention Quality in Autism Service Settings, a practical framework for measuring and managing intervention quality in autism service settings.
Bryant is the Founder and CEO of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), Founder and Chair of the IGNITE Quality Conference, and Director of Clinical Excellence, Quality, and Research at Gateway Pediatric Therapy.
Have a Question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Registration pages for supervision huddles: https://www.nasqn.org/
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
1h 23min
May 28, 2026 How Can ABA Providers Build Stronger Relationships with Parents?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith speaks with Melanie Thurston and Amanda Williamson, BCBA, about one of the most important factors in successful ABA therapy: strong parent-provider relationships.
The conversation explores how ABA providers can communicate more effectively with families, build trust with parents navigating an autism diagnosis, and better understand what families truly want from therapy. Melanie and Amanda share practical insights for BCBAs, clinic owners, and ABA professionals looking to create more compassionate, collaborative care experiences.
How can ABA providers build trust with parents?
ABA providers can build trust with parents through transparent communication, empathy, and understanding. Families want to feel heard, respected, and included in the treatment process. Each family is different, and considering these differences is crucial for maintaining a strong working relationship with families.
Why is parent communication important in ABA therapy?
Strong communication helps ensure consistency between therapy sessions and home life, improves caregiver confidence, and creates stronger long-term outcomes for children receiving ABA services.
What questions should BCBAs ask families?
BCBAs should ask families about their priorities, concerns, routines, stressors, and long-term goals. At the same time, not starting immediately with goals can avoid initial overwhelm, when a family is coming to terms with a diagnosis.
About the ABA Business Leaders Podcast
The ABA Business Leaders Podcast is hosted by April Smith and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared, experienced ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and exited a seven-figure ABA practice. The podcast helps ABA business owners and clinicians grow sustainable organizations, improve operations, and deliver high-quality care.
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
...more
1h 2min
May 21, 2026 Supporting Parents in ABA Therapy
What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care.
Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians.
The Big Questions
What is parent-led ABA therapy?
A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making.
Why is parent trust important?
It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported.
What should parents expect from a BCBA?
Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines.
Why are compliance-based goals controversial?
The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life.
How can BCBAs involve parents more?
By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group:
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Stephen’s Book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1
...more
1h
May 14, 2026 Burnout and Systematic Change in ABA
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it.
They explore why burnout is often less about personal failure and more about broken systems, and how many ABA business owners continue operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their teams or themselves. Stephen, April and Dr. Becca break down the importance of stepping outside your own operations to identify where stress, inefficiency, and overwhelm are really coming from.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Find out more at www.mkmaudio.com

Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio
Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here:
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact
...more
1h 16min
May 07, 2026 7 Common Mistakes When Starting an ABA Business
Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth.
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make when starting their practice, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems.
Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting a seven-figure ABA practice through 3 Pie Squared, Stephen and April share practical guidance for business owners who want to build a stronger, more sustainable company from day one.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a Consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
49min
April 30, 2026 ABA CEO Moms
What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood?
In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of being both a mom and the CEO of an ABA Business.
From unexpected challenges and the constant mental load, to learning how to ask for help and intentionally designing an ideal week, this episode explores the practical and emotional side of balancing leadership, family, and personal wellbeing.
The panel also shares candid stories about what surprised them most when stepping into both motherhood and entrepreneurship, how they manage the never-ending workload that comes with both roles, and why protecting time for yourself is essential.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
1h 20min
April 30, 2026 ABA CEO Moms
What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood?
In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of being both a mom and the CEO of an ABA Business.
From unexpected challenges and the constant mental load, to learning how to ask for help and intentionally designing an ideal week, this episode explores the practical and emotional side of balancing leadership, family, and personal wellbeing.
The panel also shares candid stories about what surprised them most when stepping into both motherhood and entrepreneurship, how they manage the never-ending workload that comes with both roles, and why protecting time for yourself is essential.
Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432
Resources & Links
Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24
ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8
Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs
...more
1h 13min

FAQs about ABA Business Leaders:

How many episodes does ABA Business Leaders have?

The podcast currently has 210 episodes available.

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