ABA Business Leaders

Episode Title: Start an ABA Company: Back To Basics

This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast as part of their ‘back to basics’ series for 2025, Stephen and April sit down to share hard-earned lessons about the early stages of business ownership. From carving out time while still in a 9–5 to setting boundaries that stick, they dig into the practical — and often overlooked — steps that can make or break an ABA business.

From money management to mentorship, and from fighting isolation to facing failure, this episode is packed with insights for ABA leaders ready to take their...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith get personal with some life updates, share exciting news about the growth of their team, and introduce new services—including billing support. They also announce an upcoming podcast series focused on startup advice and take on common misconceptions about what it really takes to start an ABA business.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your practice or already managing a growing team, this episode delivers practical insights about balance, planning, and the mindset shifts that fuel long-term success.

And...

ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: “ABA Hotline & Community Questions!

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith discuss the launch of a new hotline ((737) 330-1432) for listeners to ask questions about running ABA practices. They dive into the most common concerns facing ABA business owners, including insurance claims, rate negotiation, cancellation policies, and the challenges of scheduling and hiring staff.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen and April emphasize the importance of curiosity, clear communication, and structured onboarding to ensure high-quality services and sustainable business practices in the ABA field.

Ta...

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – AMA Edition: Balancing Ethics, Teams, and the Future of ABA

In this special AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode, Stephen and April take questions straight from the ABA Business Leaders community, diving into the real challenges and conversations that matter most to ABA practice owners and leaders. From navigating profit margins in Medicaid services to helping young adults transition into meaningful adult programs, no topic is off-limits.

The discussion also unpacks the role of private equity in ABA, the constant balance between structure and flexibility in team management, and how leaders can build...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses Part 2

This week on the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen is joined by two familiar voices from Episode 1 — Chris and Meghan. Together, they dive into the realities of burnout, the importance of preparation, and what it really takes to build an ABA business that can weather the ups and downs.

From financial pitfalls to leadership blind spots, this candid conversation shines a light on both the mistakes and the solutions that help ABA leaders not only survive but thrive.

🔍 Inside the Episode:

✅ Preparation matters – Meghan explains why...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 Episode Title: Building Resilient ABA Businesses

Episode Summary In this candid conversation, Stephen and April sit down with Chris and Meghan to unpack one of the most pressing issues in the ABA industry: owner burnout. They explore the emotional, financial, and operational pressures that come with running an ABA business, from payment delays to the constant weight of financial responsibility. The discussion highlights strategies that help business owners not only survive but thrive, including leadership development, financial literacy, and peer collaboration.

Sponsored by SILNA This episode is brought to you by SILNA Health, the ABA pra...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

Building ABA Teams That Thrive (Part 2): Managing ABA Business Caseloads

In this follow-up episode, April and Stephen sit down once again with Maria and Caitlyn from ABYay! to continue the conversation on what it takes to lead, support, and grow successful ABA teams.

This time, they explore the nitty-gritty of treatment plans, report writing, and building sustainable caseloads for BCBAs and supervisors. From clear documentation to curiosity-led feedback, Maria and Caitlyn offer a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and mindset that keep their staff supported and clients progressing.

🔍 Inside the Episode:

📝 Templa...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

Building ABA Teams That Thrive: Structure, Support & Culture!

Sponsored by MarginKeepers

In this two-part episode, April and Stephen sit down with Maria and Caitlyn—two key leaders at ABYay!—for a grounded, practical discussion on how to truly support the people working within your ABA business. From building trust through frequent check-ins to revamping training based on staff feedback, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone managing teams in behavior analysis.

Together, they share how ABYay! is doing things differently: fostering collaboration, empowering supervisors, and intentionally building a culture where everyone feels heard, conn...

🎙 Would You Rather? Real ABA Leaders Tackle Tough Choices

In this fun but revealing episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April hosts a powerhouse panel of ABA business owners—Chris, Jennifer, Mallory, Robin, and Alecia—for a special “Would You Rather?” edition. The game might be light-hearted, but the insights are anything but. From delegation and burnout to payroll panic and exit strategies, this group doesn’t hold back.

With decades of combined experience and plenty of real talk, the panel shares the hard decisions ABA leaders face every day—and how to move through them wi...

🎙 AI Meets ABA: The Future of Behavior Analysis with Adam Ventura

In this forward-thinking episode, April and Stephen sit down with Adam Ventura, to explore the rapidly evolving intersection between artificial intelligence and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Adam Ventura, MS, BCBA, is a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence and behavior science. He is the Founder and CEO of Intraverbal AI, a company dedicated to transforming applied behavior analysis (ABA) through AI-powered tools that support ethical decision-making, supervision, and clinical efficiency. From concerns about data security to philosophical shifts in how we define "expertise," this conversation is...

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast: Finding Your Why with ‘ABA on Tap’

In this special crossover episode, April and Stephen team up with Mike and Dan of the ABA On Tap podcast for a candid conversation about the often-unspoken challenges of ABA business ownership. Together, they explore what it really takes to start and grow a sustainable practice, and the personal and professional costs when your foundation isn’t strong.

From the importance of having a clear “why,” to why some BCBAs shouldn’t be business owners, this episode is packed with straight talk, field-tested advice, and a few laugh...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 Looking After Your RBTs, Part 2: Knowing Your Worth With Special Guests: Chris, Liz, and Rebecca from AByay!

In Part 2 of this raw and real conversation, April and Stephen continue their deep dive with the incredible team at AByay!—Chris, Liz, and Rebecca—unpacking the realities of working as an RBT and what meaningful support looks like.

This episode answers hard questions:

👉 When is it time to leave your ABA company?

👉 What do RBTs truly want and need from their workplaces?

👉 Why are so many technicians burning out—and how can we stop it?

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 Real Talk for RBTs: Advocacy, Burnout & Better Workplaces

With special guests: Chris, Liz, and Rebecca from AByay!

In this eye-opening episode, April and Stephen sit down with Chris, Liz, and Rebecca—the brilliant minds behind AByay!—to shine a spotlight on the people who keep the ABA field running: RBTs.

From emotional fatigue to unclear expectations, we unpack what RBTs really experience and what needs to change to create better, healthier workplaces.

They explore how RBTs can advocate for themselves without burning out, why joy and preferred stimuli aren’t “extras,” and how BCBAs...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Rest Is Productive

In this refreshingly honest episode, April and Stephen dig into something rarely talked about in ABA business and entrepreneurial circles: rest. From hobbies to mental incubation to joy at work, they explore how taking breaks—real, intentional ones—can actually drive better decision-making, creativity, and resilience as a practice owner.

If you’ve been stuck in nonstop hustle mode or struggling to find space for yourself in the middle of your business, this episode is your permission slip to pause. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s strategic.

Inside the e...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’ to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities around ABA supervision. Whether you’re a new BCBA stepping into a supervisory role or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation sheds light on how to build stronger, more effective supervision practices that support growth.

They explore why self-assessment is critical, how to identify and...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. 🎧 New Episode Every Tuesday: We relea...

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Ego Driven Hiring

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen tackle a topic that doesn’t get enough air time: the role of ego in the hiring process. Whether you’re building your first team or adding BCBAs to an existing staff, understanding how ego can shape (and sabotage) your decisions is key to building a healthy, sustainable practice.

They unpack why trusting your gut is important, but also why you need to watch out for ego-driven choices that can lead to high turnover, poor culture f...

Welcome to the ABA Business Leaders News, the go-to show for aspiring and current ABA practice owners who want to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of ABA.

Every week, your hosts April and Stephen Smith bring you actionable insights, news, and real-world advice to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins of starting and running your own ABA practice.

🗓️ Live Every Monday: We stream this podcast live in our exclusive Facebook group, where members can interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences.

🎧 New Episode Every Tu...

🎙 ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: Clarity, Capacity, and Efficiency with Silna Health

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen are joined by Jeff Morelli, CEO of Silna Health, a company purpose-built for the complexities of billing for ABA services. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by prior authorizations, eligibility checks, or constant insurance back-and-forth, this is the episode for you.

They break down how Silna’s Care Readiness Platform is streamlining front-end revenue cycle management—so ABA practice owners can stop chasing paperwork and start scaling with confidence. Whether you're figuring ou...

🎙️ Finding Joy in the Journey

In this episode, April and Stephen get into the joy of running an ABA business—specifically, how they’ve learned to rediscover and protect joy in the midst of operational stress, leadership demands, and daily challenges. Whether you're feeling burnout creep in or just looking for a spark of inspiration, this conversation is for you.

They share personal values, practical mindset shifts, and intentional practices that have helped them reconnect with their "why" and bring more meaning—and joy—back into their work. From tracking your energy to practicing mindfulness, this episode...

🎙️ 3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier

In this episode, April and Stephen pull back the curtain on the unexpected hurdles they've encountered while running an ABA practice. From creating workplace culture to navigating policy challenges, they break down three major aspects of the business they assumed would be smooth sailing—but turned out to be far more complex.

You'll hear real-world lessons, reflections on common missteps, and practical strategies to navigate these challenges with clarity and intention. Whether you're in the early stages of building your ABA Business or managing a growing team, April and Stephen...

Workplace conflict isn’t just frustrating—it can derail your ABA team's morale, productivity, and culture. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen unpack what workplace “drama” really looks like, why it happens, and how ABA business owners can address it without letting it take over. They explore root causes like miscommunication, unclear expectations, burnout, favoritism, and gossip—while offering practical strategies for resolution and culture building.

From recognizing covert signs of toxic work environments to implementing real systems that support staff, this episode is packed with honest discussion and hard-earned insights from both cl...

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen sit down for a candid conversation about what’s keeping them grounded amidst the chaos of running a business. From using meditation to manage overwhelm to creating procedures for when no procedures exist, this conversation is full of relatable insights and sanity-saving strategies. They discuss how to create space between urgency and action, how to train staff on responding without panic, and why every ABA business owner needs a plan for when things don’t go to plan. It’s a raw and useful discussion about managing stress—e...

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, we’re diving into a question that stirs up passionate debate across the ABA field: Should a BCBA always own the clinic? Guest Jennifer Helten, founder of Unique Pathways, joins Stephen and April to explore why non-clinician ownership doesn’t mean lower quality—and how it might just be the key to a more balanced and sustainable ABA model.

Jennifer brings her decades of experience to the table and shares her inspiring journey from nanny to business owner, guided by a deep, personal mission to empower children and families...

🎙️ Quality over Quantity: Is More Supervision Always Better?

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen explore a foundational question in ABA practice management: does more supervision always lead to better outcomes? Or is there a point where quantity starts to undercut quality?

They discuss:

In this raw and heartfelt episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen open up about a crucial topic that impacts many in the field: ABA business owner burnout. From long hours to emotional exhaustion, they share personal stories, explore the blurred line between burnout and depression, and challenge the culture of wearing burnout like a badge of honor.

April leads a deep discussion about how burnout shows up behaviorally, the role of cynicism, and how business owners can unintentionally pass burnout down to their teams. Stephen adds candid insights on mental load, boundaries, and th...

Thinking about expanding from in-home ABA services to opening your own clinic? Before you sign that lease or envision your dream sensory room, Stephen and April break down the real questions you need to ask first.

In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders podcast, they share hard-earned lessons and practical insights on when — and if — a clinic is the right next step for your ABA practice. From financial forecasting and zoning laws to lease pitfalls and staff transitions, this conversation covers what every ABA business owner needs to consider before making the move.

They...

The Truth Behind Client and Staff Cancellations

Client and staff cancellations are one of the most common — and frustrating — challenges in ABA practice management. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen take a deep dive into the hidden patterns behind cancellations and how they impact everything from staff morale to medical necessity and insurance utilization.

They explore how to shift your mindset from reactive frustration to proactive analysis by viewing cancellations as valuable data points. Learn how to track the right metrics, identify patterns in time-of-day, geography, and staff enga...

Local Owner Highlight – When to Scale Your ABA Business

In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, we sit down with Chris Robinson, owner of ABYAY, and Maria Zito, director at ABYAY, to discuss the challenges and strategies behind scaling an ABA business. From leadership development to overcoming staffing hurdles, Chris and Maria share their journey, including key insights on when and how to expand sustainably.

Key topics include: ✅ Building and strengthening a leadership team ✅ Managing rapid staff changes and maternity leaves ✅ Keeping BCBA, RBT, and client needs balanced ✅ Strategies for acquiring new clients while maintaining quality ✅...

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we welcome Melanie Thurston, a critical care nurse, author, and dedicated mother to a child with autism. Melanie shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism, balancing professional life, and building strong caregiver relationships.

She discusses the importance of supporting parents during the ABA intake process, reducing barriers for caregivers, and fostering collaboration between ABA providers and families. Melanie also touches on critical topics such as the impact on siblings, transitioning into adulthood, and the emotional journey parents face.

Her...

Mastering Marketing – Local Outreach Done Right

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we dive deep into the power of local outreach and ethical marketing for ABA practices. Marketing expert Matt Harrington, founder of ABA Digital Marketing, joins us to share actionable strategies for ABA business owners to build meaningful referral networks, enhance community connections, and stand out from corporate competitors.

Matt explains why traditional marketing tactics—like dropping off donuts—fall short and how to create lasting relationships with pediatricians, speech therapists, and community partners. He also covers Google Business Profiles, online...