Beyond The Science Podcast

In this episode, live from the Arizona ABA Conference, we are talking to Timothy Yeager, a top leader at Centria Healthcare.

Timothy shares his inspiring journey from a struggling undergraduate to driving clinical innovation in ABA therapy. Discover his powerful insights on leadership, company culture, and empowering teams to deliver meaningful change for individuals with autism.

Timothy also reveals personal stories of overcoming obstacles, balancing passion with professional growth, and how Centria is tackling the nationwide demand for quality ABA services. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable lessons on leadership and ABA therapy!

Timestamps:

00:00 Timothy Yeager’s journey to ABA clinical innovation

03:05 10-year journey to getting a bachelor's degree

05:11 Leadership principles and empathy in autism work

08:41 Company culture and culture nuances

09:59 Empowering local teams as a leader

11:02 Balancing vulnerability and value in leadership

14:19 Being a beer revolutionary

16:41 Centria’s mission for ABA access and workforce development

19:01 Defining success in ABA therapy

20:55 Timothy’s COVID journey and its impact on Centria

23:35 Challenges with in-home ABA therapy post-COVID

24:35 Balancing personal passion with professional excellence

26:35 Insights on balancing career with family life

Live from the ABA Conference in Arizona, we sit down with Adam Hahs, Chief Science Officer at Hope Bridge, to explore the future of behavior therapy and its impact on the field.

Discover how ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), innovative leadership, and cutting-edge research are building clinical resilience and transforming ABA care for both clinicians and families.

Whether you're interested in AI integration, mentorship, or leadership development, this episode offers deep insights into the strategies that are shaping the next generation of ABA practices and improving outcomes across the board.

Timestamps:

00:00 Live from the Arizona ABA Conference

00:41 Introduction to Adam Hahs, Chief Science Officer at Hope Bridge

02:41 What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

03:39 Hope Bridge Initiatives and the Fellowship Program

05:18 The most important leadership characteristics

07:27 Hope Bridge’s Fellowship Program and BCBA Exam Pass Rates

10:11 The challenges of implementation of ACT

11:26 Adam’s experience as a professor and his approach to teaching

15:23 The Bridge Program and mentorship

17:15 Future of ABA: AI integration and ethical considerations

21:52 Continuity of care challenges for children aging out of ABA services

In this episode, we are talking to Natasha Nelson, also known as Supernova Mama, who shares her inspiring journey as a black mother raising two autistic daughters while navigating her own neurodivergence.

She opens up about the challenges of accessing autism diagnosis and services in Black communities, the impact of systemic barriers, and the importance of early intervention. Natasha also discusses the significance of positive discipline, community support, and bridging the gap between law enforcement and neurodivergent individuals.

With a powerful blend of personal experience and advocacy, Natasha offers hope and practical insights for families navigating neurodivergence.

Timestamps:

01:13 Introduction to the episode

03:28 Natasha Nelson (Supernova Mama) and her background

07:29 The challenges of parenting as a neuro-divergent adult

10:09 Diagnosing neuro-divergence in parents when their children are diagnosed

13:49 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

17:09 Systemic barriers to autism diagnosis in black communities

21:21 A role of lack fathers in supporting their neuro-divergent children.

23:03 The advice to black fathers with neuro-divergent children

27:04 Navigating Autism in Communities of Color documentary

34:57 The history of ABA therapy and how it has evolved

43:18 Natasha’s military experience and a story about a bullet hole in her MacBook

48:51 Police interaction with neuro-divergent Individuals

59:21 Advice for police officers on handling situations with neuro-divergent individuals

1:04:08 The upcoming Supernova Parenting Summit and its goals

1:14:48 - Showing Up as a Whole Human Natasha discusses being open about her neurodivergence and living authentically.

In this captivating episode , we sit down with Dr. Ajamu Nkosi, a distinguished BCBA and co-founder of the Southern Behavioral Group, to explore the profound impact of mentorship and behavior analytic consultation in schools, including his pioneering approach the BACS model.

Dr. AJ shares his experiences as a Black male BCBA, discussing the importance of representation in the field and the challenges he’s overcome. We also dive into his pioneering work in school consultation, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners.

Additionally, we highlight the significance of the upcoming inaugural BMBA Conference, where Dr. AJ and other thought leaders will discuss the future of ABA, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that spans mentorship, education, and leadership in ABA.

Timestamps:

00:22 Who is Dr. AJ?

04:24 Dr. AJ's journey and early career

07:49 What keeps Dr. AJ motivated?

08:45 Pros and cons of being a business owner

12:04 The power of mentorship

16:12 The consequences of having a wrong mentor

23:56 Behavior analytic consultation in schools

29:14 The role of the parents and teachers

32:08 How to address pitfalls in the school system

37:22 The importance of early diagnosis

42:15 Requesting an independent evaluations

47:09 Being a business owner and a parent

51:10 Black men in ABA community

56:58 The future of ABA and the role of RBTs

1:01:44 The International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAAO)

1:07:20 How to make a career in the ABA field

1:11:56 Off-the-clock segment: Personal Reflections and Future Goals

In this episode, our amazing guest Joannie, an autism mom and paramedic, shares her family's incredible journey.

From viral TikTok moments to heartbreaking school struggles, Joannie's story is a powerful testament to the realities of raising children with autism. Discover her strategies for sensory-driven behaviors, her battles for quality care, and the unbreakable bond that keeps her family strong.

This episode goes beyond the science, offering a raw and emotional look at the joys and challenges of autism parenting. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper understanding of the autism experience, don’t miss this episode. Tune in now!

Timestamps:

01:50 Introduction to Joannie, a mom of 2 autistic kids

02:46 Introducing autistic children to a new partner

06:59 Why spanking is not the solution?

09:38 Joni’s journey as a mother of 2 autistic kids

12:09 The diagnosis and getting quality services

19:17 Parents should educate themselves on their special education rights

24:06 Behavioral management and alternatives to spankings

29:58 Challenges of parenting autistic children

34:48 The comments after sharing their life on TikTok

37:46 Parents seek BCBA certification to help their children

43:20 Openness on social media

In this captivating episode, join us as we dive deep into the transformative world of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and its profound impact on the education system. Hear from Dr. Bruce Tinor, a pioneering BCBA and school principal, as he shares his remarkable journey from the

classroom to the boardroom and his unwavering commitment to empowering black men in the field.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of integrating ABA principles into schools, from navigating the complexities of restraints to fostering collaborative partnerships between educators, parents, and behavior analysts. Gain insights into the critical role of data-driven decision-making and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of behavior analysis leaders.

Prepare to be inspired as we explore the innovative initiatives of the Black Men in Behavior Analysis (BMBA) organization, and witness the emergence of a powerful brotherhood dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of black men in this dynamic field. Don't miss this

opportunity to uncover the transformative potential of behavior analysis in education and beyond.

Timestamps:

00:36 Introduction to Dr. Bruce Turner and his career path

07:25 Career changes in law enforcement and special education

12:26 Restraints in ABA therapy for children with severe behaviors

16:31 The importance of proactive interventions in staff training

18:34 Behavior analysts in IEP meetings and involvement of parents

24:18 Supporting black men in behavior analysis

29:32 ABA field growth and community building among black men

32:46 Importance of respect and collaboration between RBTs and BCBAs

36:33 Barriers to success like cultural disconnect and lack of support from leadership

39:24 Future GULA projects and advice for any aspiring professionals

42:44 Personal vision for education and ABA

45:44 Challenges in implementing Applied Behavioral Health in school systems

49:59 Bridging the gap between BCBAs and school administrators

1:05:52 BCBA/principal perspective and using scientific evidence in decision-making

1:07:28 ABA therapy, business, and leadership

In this groundbreaking first episode, three passionate black male professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) come together to share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

From navigating a predominantly white field to building their own businesses, these men offer raw, honest insights into diversity in ABA. They discuss the power of mentorship, community, and representation while tackling tough topics like working with aggressive older children and cultural barriers.

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that goes beyond textbook ABA and dives deep into the real-world experiences of these inspiring trailblazers.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Science podcast

00:50 Who are the hosts of the podcast?

02:00 Mission and vision of the Beyond the Science podcast

03:46 Jeron Trotman, the founder of Black Men in Behavior Analysis

04:49 Jeron Trotman, the founder of Black Men in Behavior Analysis

10:05 Joseph Adams, the owner of Adams Behavior Consulting LLC

12:48 The importance of hearing diverse voices in ABA

19:08 Challenges faced by black male ABA professionals

23:52 The power of community and mentorship

29:50 A podcast as a safe space to share information and insights

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