ABA Business Leaders

By Stephen & April SmithBusiness Entrepreneurship Science Social Sciences

ABA Business Leaders episodes

December 27, 2024Leadership in ABA: Building Values, Managing Relationships, and Driving Progress with Martin Myers
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.
1 hr 3 min
December 20, 2024 Leadership, transparency, and collaboration in ABA organizations, with Jennifer Heidt
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
1 hr 17 min
December 13, 2024 Building Better ABA Care: Public Policy and Staff Empowerment
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
58 min
December 06, 2024Innovating ABA Practice with AI Solutions
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Michael Gao, the visionary CEO of Alpaca Health, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing the way ABA practices manage their documentation and streamline operations. Michael shares the journey behind Alpaca Health, a HIPAA-compliant platform designed to reduce administrative burdens on clinicians by automating session notes, treatment plans, and more.
Tune in to explore:
The challenges of balancing clinical work and documentation.
How AI tools can enhance accuracy and save time for BCBAs and RBTs.
The importance of maintaining compliance and reducing errors in ABA practice management.
Whether you're an ABA business owner, a BCBA, or an RBT, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology can help reclaim your time and improve service delivery.
Interested in more?
Starting a practice or looking to enhance your current systems? Download our free ABA Business Start-Up List here- https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list
Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders here- https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders
58 min
November 29, 2024How can we help? Using ACT with Meg Solomon.
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL- https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Training_Program
Join hosts April and Stephen on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, featuring Meg Solomon, founder and lead BCBA at ABA Across Environments. Meg shares her inspiring journey from corporate and culinary fields to establishing an agency rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dive into the challenges and opportunities of aligning ABA practices with values-based approaches, supporting staff, and enhancing caregiver collaboration.
This episode unpacks practical insights into addressing burnout, fostering staff well-being, and reshaping family engagement. Whether you're an ABA business leader or a practitioner, learn how to embed ACT principles to drive sustainable, meaningful outcomes in all settings.
Starting a practice or refining your approach? Download our free ABA Business Startup List here.
Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared for exclusive ABA business resources here.
1 hr 20 min
November 22, 2024 Lessons from the Field: Overcoming Staffing, Billing, and Growth Hurdles in ABA Practices
Episode Description
In this special Halloween-themed episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, co-hosts Stephen and April are joined by a distinguished panel of ABA business leaders to share their most hair-raising and enlightening experiences from the field. From staffing crises and recredentialing nightmares to tackling billing and authorization challenges, our panelists open up about the obstacles they've faced and the strategies they've used to overcome them.

Meet Our Panelists:
- Jennifer Helten, BCBA, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Pathways. Learn more about her work at Unique Pathways.
- Mallory Stinger, BCBA, Owner of Mallory Stinger ABA Services & Consulting. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
- Robin Stone, M.S., BCBA, Owner of Innovative Behavior Options. Discover her services at Innovative Behavior Options.
- Deric Toney, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, Owner of The Dozen ABA. Learn more at The Dozen ABA.

🎃 In the spirit of Halloween, our panelists also dive into their "spooky" business stories and share actionable advice for avoiding similar pitfalls. Whether you're a seasoned ABA provider or just starting your practice, this episode is packed with relatable experiences, practical tips, and a dash of holiday fun.
Call-to-action:
Starting a practice or want to strengthen your established one? Download our free ABA business startup checklist here.
Join the ABA Business Leaders membership for exclusive resources, tools, and support. Learn more here.
50 min
November 15, 2024 I Hate My Job: Exploring Real Solutions
In this episode, hosts April and Stephen tackle complex issues within ABA therapy, addressing common criticisms, ethical concerns, and the passionate debate around its practices. They discuss the importance of compassion in ABA, the need for meaningful collaboration, and setting clear boundaries as practitioners. Diving into reactions and critiques from social media, April and Stephen advocate for quality care that respects clients’ individual needs and dignity. Join them as they explore actionable strategies to build a supportive, ethical ABA community, emphasizing transparent communication, compassionate leadership, and commitment to client-centered 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 here.
1 hr 13 min
November 08, 2024 I Hate My Job: Reactions to Posts
Join hosts Steven and April in the Three Pi Squared ABA Business Leaders Podcast as they explore the ins and outs of building ethical, sustainable ABA practices.
In this episode, they react to ABA-related TikToks. Some from very happy behavior techs, and some not so much. While they face the reality of being a behavior technician in 2024, they also share insights on staff wellbeing, company ethics, and self-care in the field.
Whether you're a practitioner or business owner, tune in to learn how to elevate your ABA practice.
40 min
November 01, 2024 I Hate My Job: Real Stories of Ethical Dilemmas
In this episode, we dive into real stories from ABA professionals, tackling the ethical challenges and workplace struggles that are all too common in the field. With so many nuances in client management and staffing, setting up a practice can feel overwhelming. For those starting out or looking to refine their approach, we recommend our free start-up list as a foundational guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list. And for those ready to join a network of ABA business leaders, explore our exclusive membership options for resources and support at https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders.This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers. Focus on what matters—providing quality ABA services—while MarginKeepers handles your accounting needs with expertise in the ABA field. Learn more at https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers.
1 hr
October 25, 2024 I Hate My Job: Voicing the Frustrations of ABA Professionals
In this episode of I Hate My Job: Voicing the Frustrations of ABA Professionals, we react to real-life stories shared by ABA professionals facing ethical dilemmas, burnout, and communication breakdowns in their workplaces. We explore the importance of advocating for oneself and clients while maintaining ethical standards, even in challenging work environments.
For those starting an ABA practice or looking to ensure everything is in place for their established business, our free start-up list can provide essential guidance. You can download it at https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list.
Additionally, we discuss how being part of a supportive community, like the ABA Business Leaders Membership, can help business owners and professionals gain exclusive resources and insights to navigate the complexities of the ABA field. Learn more about joining at https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders.
1 hr 1 min

About ABA Business Leaders

From the publisher's feed

You started an ABA practice because you wanted to provide good services. Now you are also responsible for hiring, payroll, billing, training, supervision, policies, and making sure there is enough…

money to keep it all going. Somewhere in there you are supposed to have a life too.

We get it. We ran an ABA practice for nearly 10 years, and we know what it feels like when the business depends on you to hold everything together.

ABA Business Leaders is hosted by April and Stephen Smith, the owners of 3 Pie Squared. We talk about the practical work of starting, running, and growing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice. That includes the decisions that affect your staff, your families, your finances, and the quality of the services you provide.

Some problems look simple until you start looking at where they came from. A billing issue may have started at intake. A staff performance issue may come back to unclear expectations or training that never included a competency check. A full schedule can look great while the company is struggling to make payroll. These are the kinds of things we talk through.

Along with our guests, we share experiences, ask questions, and discuss what owners and leaders can do to build better systems. You’ll hear conversations about:

Starting an ABA practice: Planning, startup costs, credentialing, choosing funders, and building the foundation before taking on more than you can support.
Hiring and supporting staff: Recruiting, onboarding, training, supervision, feedback, accountability, and helping people understand what is expected of them.
Billing and financial health: Claims, denials, cash flow, funder rates, expenses, and understanding whether the services you provide are financially sustainable.
Quality and ethics: Looking beyond billables to consider treatment quality, staff support, family communication, and the pressures that influence everyday decisions.
Policies, compliance, and audit preparation: Turning requirements into processes people can follow and keeping documentation from becoming something you scramble to fix later.
Leadership and growth: Delegating, tracking useful measures, developing leaders, and getting information out of the owner’s head so the team can do its work.
Technology and practice management: Making scheduling, documentation, communication, training, and billing easier to manage without creating more work for everyone.

We also talk about the strain of ownership. It is difficult to support your team when you are burned out, making every decision, and fixing the same problems every week. Hiring more people or adding more clients does not automatically fix that. You need to understand what is breaking down and build systems that your team can actually use.

Whether you are preparing to open your doors, managing an established practice, or leading a team, our goal is to give you something useful to think about and bring back to your company. We want more ABA businesses that can provide quality care, support their staff, pay their bills, and keep doing that over time.

Learn more about our training, handbooks, consulting, credentialing, billing services, and practice management software at 3piesquared.com.