What happens when occupational therapy, ABA, and lived experience collide? In this episode, Michelle shares her powerful journey from nursing school dropout to OT and BCBA, her viral TikTok success, and why she believes collaboration, not silos, will change the future of therapy.

From decoding proprioception and sensory systems to tackling the remote vs. in-person BCBA debate, representation in the field, and raising kids with ADHD, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:42 Meet Michelle

01:41 From nursing to OT to ABA

04:26 Why OT + ABA credentials matter

06:38 Gaps in OT training

08:18 Multidisciplinary teamwork challenges

10:12 Sensory and neurological lens in ABA

11:17 Proprioception made simple

13:58 Connecting OT & ABA

15:23 Finding each child’s “formula”

16:36 Teaching vs. direct treatment

17:52 Going viral on TikTok

19:04 RBT support & telehealth debate

20:34 Remote vs. in-person BCBA

23:21 Limits of medical model

24:15 Finding the right balance

25:25 Lightning round: Q&A

27:06 Beyond the “four functions” of behavior

28:02 True cross-discipline collaborations

31:11 Representation & authenticity

33:35 Advice for queer and neuro-divergent pros

35:02 Building trust with families

37:19 Study journal & exam prep

38:09 ADHD: boys vs. girls

40:20 Life outside ABA

44:18 Final message to share

45:19 Where to find Michelle online