Safe Space - The ABA Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with a Lauren Nava, a passionate BCBA who began her career during one of the most unpredictable times—the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how the shift to telehealth reshaped her approach to supervision, deepened her connection with families, and pushed her to get creative in delivering effective, engaging ABA services remotely. From channeling her inner “Miss Rachel” to navigating tech hiccups and building a loyal team of RBTs, this conversation offers honest insights and practical strategies for thriving in a virtual ABA world. Whether you're new to telehealth or looking to strengthen remote relationships, this episode is full of lessons you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Earnhart, BCBA, and founder of Safe Sensory Sitters, to discuss the inspiration behind starting this specialized service for children with sensory needs. Charlotte shares insights on maintaining ethical standards in ABA practice, balancing the roles of business owner and service provider, and the importance of dignity and professionalism in care. We dive into navigating client boundaries, handling requests outside professional scope, and ensuring transparent marketing. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or ABA professional, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on providing ethical and compassionate care while running a business.

In this episode of Safe Space ABA, Jessica Woolson, BCBA, certified mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) facilitator, joins host Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA, to explore the role of mindfulness, SEL, and trauma-informed care in building resilience within ABA. Drawing from her work with Breathe for Change, Jessica shares how these practices can enhance educator wellness, prevent burnout, and create more inclusive, compassionate learning environments.

Together, they unpack the key differences between being trauma-aware and trauma-informed, explore the six guiding principles of trauma-informed care, and discuss practical strategies for integrating these approaches into ABA and beyond.

1.0 Ethics CEU for BCBAs

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on fostering well-being, equity, and human connection in behavior analysis and education.

In this episode, Michelle Zeman sits down with Miranda Irvin to explore her unique journey toward becoming a BCBA, including her experience working with four different companies during her supervision. They discuss the varied supervision styles, how these experiences shaped Miranda’s professional growth, and the skills she developed along the way. From balancing clinical work with administrative duties to navigating virtual supervision, Miranda shares valuable insights that will resonate with aspiring and newly certified BCBAs. Tune in for practical advice on mentorship, assessment tools, and how to create a meaningful supervision experience that sets you up for long-term success in the field. Plus, earn 1.0 free Supervision CEU!

In this episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, Michelle Zeman speaks with Lisa Vertullo, a Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist and Behavior Consultant at Half Hollow Hills Central School District. With a career that spans over two decades, Lisa shares her journey of working with individuals with autism and how she integrated sleep strategies into her work. She discusses the importance of a holistic approach that includes medical considerations, care coordination, and behavior analysis to address sleep challenges for neurodiverse learners. Tune in for insights on sleep assessments, strategies for success, and how to debunk common myths surrounding sleep for individuals with autism. This episode offers practical tools for families and professionals alike.

In this episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, guest hosts Caroline Linfante and Jennifer Weber from KIT Educational Consulting join Michelle Zeman to explore the intersection of behavior analysis and education. They discuss the biggest challenges teachers face, strategies for balancing academic and behavioral needs, and how behavioral science can enhance student outcomes. From test scores to classroom engagement, inclusive education to cost-effective interventions, this conversation dives deep into the practical application of ABA in schools. Tune in for insights on supporting educators, improving classroom structures, and making learning more effective for all students!

In this episode, host Michelle Zeman is joined by Lindsey Lundquist, owner and founder of Blossom Behavioral Services. Together, they explore the intersection of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, and how integrating these approaches enhances therapeutic practices.The conversation covers the role of flexible thinking and social-emotional strategies in improving client outcomes, and why addressing the nervous system is a key component of behavior therapy. They also discuss the differences between mental health counseling (MHC) and ABA, and how blending traditional counseling techniques with hands-on strategies like play-based interventions can benefit clients.Additionally, Michelle and Lindsey share their insights on the importance of parent coaching, the impact of setting small, attainable goals, and the role of mentoring future professionals to create meaningful social-emotional resources. This episode offers valuable perspectives on how evolving therapeutic models are shaping the future of behavior therapy.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Vinokurov, an inspiring autistic self-advocate, behavior specialist, and advocate for neurodiversity. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, Michelle has made it her mission to support and empower the neurodiverse community throughout her life and career.

Michelle earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2022, and now works full-time as a behavior specialist for a public school district. There, she collaborates with educators to create individualized behavior plans for neurodiverse students, enhancing their quality of life and fostering inclusive learning environments.

In addition to her work in the school district, Michelle plays a key role at Full Spectrum ABA, where she serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant (BCaBA), blogger, and Co-Director of the Autism Inclusion Program. She also runs The World of Autism blog, where she shares her experiences growing up with autism, advocates for the neurodiverse community, and highlights the voices of fellow advocates and changemakers.

Join us for an insightful conversation about navigating life with autism, advocating for inclusion, and the power of individualized support in education and beyond.

In this episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, host Michelle sits down with Maria Capiris, owner of Piece by Piece Billing Solutions, LLC, to discuss the often-complicated world of ABA billing. Maria, an expert in billing for ABA therapy, created the "New Provider Toolkit" to help new and smaller practices navigate the complex billing landscape. Maria shares her journey of developing the toolkit, the key challenges she faced, and the crucial topics every new ABA provider should understand to keep their billing accurate and efficient.

Throughout the conversation, Maria delves into common billing pitfalls, including the impact of modifiers on reimbursement rates, the importance of credentialing across different insurance carriers, and the critical role of verifying insurance benefits. She also covers how to effectively manage claim denials, the significance of billing primary and secondary insurance in the correct order (including the "birthday rule"), and the benefits of outsourcing billing to streamline processes. Maria offers practical advice for providers, along with recommendations for software tools that can make a big difference in workflow efficiency.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand ABA billing, avoid common mistakes, and ensure consistent cash flow in their practice. Plus, Maria gives us a glimpse into future resources and updates to the toolkit that will continue to support providers in their billing journey.

In this inspiring episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, we chat with Monica, the founder and BCBA behind Creative Minds ABA Services Inc., a practice that is redefining the way we approach Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Monica’s innovative and compassionate approach goes beyond traditional ABA therapy by focusing not just on behaviors but also on the emotional states, thoughts, and individuality of each child. Through her unique Happy Relaxed Engaged (HRE) model, she empowers children to thrive in environments that are tailored to foster growth and development.

Monica shares how her personal experiences and passion for underserved communities have shaped her practice, particularly in supporting Medicaid families who face financial challenges. Creative Minds is dedicated to providing neurodiversity-affirming care, helping marginalized families access essential services, and offering support that extends far beyond therapy—including assistance with utilities, groceries, and community outreach.

In this episode, we dive into how Creative Minds creates a whole child approach, balancing ABA therapy with empathy, while also offering valuable supervision for other BCBAs. Monica discusses the importance of collaboration with other professionals, including SLPs, OTs, and sensory integration therapists, to create a truly integrated care model.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of giving back, the need for neurodiversity-affirming practices, and how one woman’s vision is making a tangible impact in the lives of children and families in marginalized communities.