Hi Rasmus & Friends

In this episode of our Different Paths for BCBAs mini-series, we sit down with Alecia, the founder of Barrett Academy, alongside lead RBTs Adrianna and Amy as they complete their supervision hours on the journey toward the BCBA exam. Together, they share the story behind how Barrett Academy began, what it means to build a mission-driven organization from the ground up, and how meaningful supervision and practicum support can shape the next generation of behavior analysts. From what makes Barrett Academy different to staying focused on the child in front of you, this conversation highlights the heart, growth, and community that define one unique path in the field of ABA.

In this episode of Mini Series: Different Paths for BCBAs, we explore how Verbal Beginnings grew from a mission-driven vision into a large, enterprise-level ABA organization without compromising clinical quality. Diana shares the problem she set out to solve and the pivotal decisions that allowed VB to scale with intention. We also hear from one Clinical Director about balancing leadership with hands-on clinical oversight and how BCBAs are mentored at every stage of their careers, alongside a newer BCBA reflecting on early-career growth within a larger organization. Together, the conversation highlights career pathways, the advantages of scale, the role of technology like Hi Rasmus in supporting consistency and collaboration, and what it truly means to “focus on the child in front of you” as an organization grows.

In this panel episode, we sit down with several BCBAs who are using Head Start Health as they build and grow their own ABA practices. Each clinician shares the story behind their decision to start a business, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right systems in place can make private practice more sustainable and child-focused. From leadership lessons to workflow support, this conversation highlights what it really looks like to build a practice your way—while staying grounded in the work that matters most.

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, host Amy Cook sits down with Holli Beth Clauser, founder of ABA C.A.R.E.S. Staffing and Summit and host of The People Contingency Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, lived experience, and the future of ABA. Holli shares her personal autism journey and how it shapes her human-centered approach to supporting and retaining RBTs and BCBAs in a high-burnout field. Together, they explore the tension between traditional ABA and the neurodiversity movement, reimagine what ethical staffing and leadership could look like, and discuss why focusing on people is essential to meaningful change. This episode is a powerful reminder that at the heart of every system and strategy is always the child in front of us.

What does it take to build a truly integrated, person-centered autism care model? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Breanne Hartley and Dr. Steven Merahn from UNIFI about the story behind whole child care and what it means to design systems that reflect the full complexity of children’s needs. We explore how their unique backgrounds shape the way they approach clinical excellence, shared plans of care, meaningful outcome tracking, and the evolving role of ABA in value-based care. From systems-level redesign to practical implementation, they share what organizations often miss—and what they’re most hopeful about. The conversation ends on a personal note, with reflections on how they each “focus on the child in front of you.”

In this episode, we uncover The Story Behind Resilience: An Autistic BCBA’s Journey to Founding an ABA Organization. Our guest shares his powerful personal journey of growing up on the spectrum, the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his path, and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in behavior analysis. Now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of his own ABA company, he reflects on how lived experience influences his leadership, clinical practice, and advocacy for neurodiversity. We also explore his newest role as a father—and how balancing family, business, and mission brings fresh perspective to his work and life.

In this episode, Dr. Lynn Koegel, renowned autism researcher and co-developer of Pivotal Response Treatment, joins us to reflect on nearly 50 years of pioneering child-led, naturalistic therapy. We discuss why motivation, joy, and real-world engagement are essential to learning, what it means to support both children and their families, and how her early work continues to shape the future of autism care. Dr. Koegel also shares what’s next: her focus on AI-supported communication and keeping innovation at the center of her mission. It's a conversation full of insight, warmth, and forward thinking.

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Liat Sacks, BCBA and founder of Study Notes ABA, to hear the inspiring story behind her wildly popular study platform and podcast. From a pivotal moment of mentorship to creating free study classes that snowballed into a thriving community, Liat opens up about growing her brand, showing up at conferences, balancing business and parenting, and navigating the ups and downs of being a bold voice in the ABA space. With nearly 5 million podcast downloads and a mission rooted in giving back, Liat shares what’s next for SNABA—and why she’s taking her work on the road this summer.

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Leanne Page, BCBA, author and founder of Parenting with ABA. Leanne shares how her personal and professional journey led to creating accessible, compassionate resources for parents grounded in the science of behavior. From her early days as a classroom teacher to building a platform that supports families worldwide, Leanne reflects on the power of small, practical shifts that create lasting change. Whether you're a parent, clinician, or just curious about the real-life application of ABA, this episode offers heart, humor, and actionable insight.

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we hear from three dedicated BCBAs—Ian Santus, Mindy Rothstein, and Sean Yocum—as they share the personal journeys that led them to the field of ABA.

Ian’s plans to become a pilot changed after a vision impairment led him to discover ABA by chance. Mindy made a meaningful career shift from math to ABA, driven by a desire to make a real impact. Sean’s path was deeply personal, inspired by his brother’s autism diagnosis and a strong commitment to help others through ABA.

Their stories reveal the unique “why” behind each career and highlight the diverse experiences that fuel the passion and purpose in ABA. Whether you’re new to ABA or a seasoned professional, tune in to explore the story behind the why.