My BCBA Life

The BCBA's Role as a Supervisor with Marissalyn Gonzales, BCBA

Thank you for listening! You can access .5 Supervision CEUs with the link below. Access your CEU Certificate: https://form.jotform.com/260895851418165 -------------------- Most BCBAs focus on technical skills, but the secret to truly empowering your team—and boosting client success—lies in soft skills. Marissalyn Gonzales, a veteran BCBA with a decade of diverse experience, reveals how authentic communication, empathy, and trust-building with RBTs and student analysts can transform your supervision approach. In this episode, you’ll discover: * How to foster genuine rapport with your team by treating RBTs as humans first * Practical strategies for giving meaningful, effective feedback without the dreaded sandwich method * The importance of active listening, remembering personal details, and showing compassion to improve motivation and performance * Why soft skills are just as critical as clinical expertise in delivering quality ABA services * Lessons learned from traveling the country with a military spouse—and how these insights shape her supervision style If you’re tired of superficial supervision and want to connect more deeply with your team to elevate client outcomes, this conversation will flip your perspective on leadership in ABA. Perfect for supervisors at all levels who crave stronger relationships, better communication, and a more human-centered approach. Whether you’re a BCBA, student analyst, or aspiring supervisor, these insights will help you build trust, inspire your team, and ultimately deliver more effective therapy. Don’t miss the chance to learn from Marissalyn's real-world experiences—because in ABA, soft skills can make all the difference. -------------------- 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:59 The Role of BCBAs as Trainers and Supervisors 04:43 Building Relationships with RBTs and Student Analysts 07:48 The Importance of Soft Skills in ABA 10:41 Feedback and Communication Strategies 13:36 Navigating Challenges in the Field 16:47 Final Thoughts and Compassion in ABA

PDA Isn’t Defiance with Kaitlin Wilder

Thank you for listening! You can access .5 Ethics CEUs with the link below. CEU Links: https://form.jotform.com/260484210616148 ---------------- What if the “noncompliance” you’re seeing isn’t defiance at all—but a nervous system that genuinely can’t handle one more demand? In this episode, we sit down with behavior analyst and ACT-based coach Kaitlin Wilder to rethink PDA, pressure, and what actually helps kids (and clinicians) move forward. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: 1. What is PDA, and why do some people prefer “pervasive drive for autonomy” over “pathological demand avoidance”? 2. Why do traditional reinforcement systems often backfire with PDA profiles? 3. What does “it’s a can’t, not a won’t” actually look like in real life? 4. What is “demand energy,” and how do kids detect it instantly? 5. How does ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) fit into ABA work—especially in schools? Kaitlin Wilder shares her background as a school-based behavior analyst and special education teacher, describing how “real life” school environments often make even the best plans fall apart. She explains how burnout, anxiety, and an identity built around overworking eventually led her to take FMLA during COVID—and how learning ACT helped her shift from external behavior control to internal flexibility and values-based action. The conversation then turns to PDA: what it is, why the label is contentious, and why it’s often experienced as “a can’t, not a won’t.” Kaitlin describes how PDA strategies can start as social avoidance tactics and escalate when the child feels unheard or pressured—especially when adults rely on authority, charts, and consequences. She emphasizes that compassion and presence matter, but warns that “the next step” mindset can itself become a demand. ACT, she argues, is uniquely suited here because it centers the person’s experience, language, and values—helping them untangle anxiety-driven avoidance loops and build committed action that comes from within. About The Guest: Kaitlin Wilder is a behavior analyst with 15 years of experience across school-based roles, including special education teaching and district behavior support. She now runs Wild Sub Behavior, integrating ACT-informed coaching and direct clinical work—especially with complex cases—focused on psychological flexibility, autonomy-supportive practice, and sustainable change for neurodivergent individuals and the professionals who support them. Time Stamps: 00:00 Kaitlin’s 15-year journey in ABA + school-based reality 10:45 Burnout, COVID pressure, and taking FMLA 12:36 Discovering ACT, leaving public school, starting a coaching business 14:43 Introducing PDA topic + “lived experience” emphasis 15:37 PDA language: “pathological demand avoidance” vs “pervasive drive for autonomy” 18:46 Real-life school example: escalation, overwhelm, “nothing works” 22:04 “It’s a can’t, not a won’t” + shifting perspective 29:06 “Demand energy” + why “next step” can become the demand 32:39 Anxiety as future-focused planning that drives avoidance 35:45 ACT as neuroaffirming and person-centered—treating the child like a real client 42:35 PDA community distrust of ABA + need for affirming practice 49:25 Teacher training + burnout + self-work as the missing ingredient 52:49 Closing message: confidence as freedom from needing to be “right” Links for the Guest: Connect with Kaitlin Wilder: wildsidebehaviorcoaching@gmail.com [wildsidebehaviorcoaching@gmail.com] https://www.facebook.com/kaitlinwilderhere [https://www.facebook.com/kaitlinwilderhere] https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinwilderhere [https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinwilderhere] https://www.linkin.com/in/kaitlinwilderhere [https://www.linkin.com/in/kaitlinwilderhere] Ready to shift from “How do I make them comply?” to “How do I reduce pressure and build real flexibility?” Tune in to the full episode for practical insights on PDA, ACT, and creating change that actually lasts.

Supporting siblings of Children with Autism with Kayla Paquette

Thank you for listening! You can access .5 Ethics CEUs with the link below. CEU Links: https://form.jotform.com/260343839957066 [https://form.jotform.com/260343839957066] ---------------- What is it really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with autism, and are we paying enough attention to their experience? In this episode we explore the often unseen emotional world of siblings and what families and professionals can do to better support them. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: 1. What challenges do siblings of children with autism commonly face? 2. How can parents balance intensive care needs while nurturing their other children? 3. What practical tools help siblings feel seen, validated, and supported? 4. How can conversations about autism be handled in age appropriate, empowering ways? 5. What strengths and positives can emerge from growing up alongside a neurodivergent sibling? Todays guest is Kayla Paquette, a BCBA who recently launched her own private practice. The focus is on the sibling experience in families raising a child with autism. Kayla highlights how siblings often carry invisible stressors, including social pressure and emotional displacement, while sometimes being placed in caregiving roles. The conversation shifts toward actionable guidance for parents and clinicians. Kayla emphasizes intentional one on one time, validating complex emotions, avoiding comparisons, and fostering open dialogue. The episode closes by reframing the sibling experience to include its powerful strengths such as empathy, resilience, and deep emotional awareness. About The Guest: Kayla Paquette is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with seven years of experience in ABA. She recently launched her own private practice providing in home, school, and daycare ABA services, as well as community based social skills and enrichment groups. She also offers photo shoot support packages for families and travel consulting. Kayla is the author of the children’s book “Sometimes It’s Hard,” written to help siblings of children with autism feel seen and understood. Time Stamps: 1. 00:00 Introduction and CEU information 2. 02:30 Meet Kayla Paquette and her private practice 3. 08:15 The overlooked experience of siblings 4. 18:40 Social stress and caregiver roles 5. 27:10 Practical strategies for parents 6. 36:25 Introducing the book “Sometimes It’s Hard” 7. 44:50 The positive impact on siblings Ready to better support the siblings in your families and caseloads? Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies, emotional insight, and meaningful tools you can implement right away.

Preparing to be the Right Person for the Job With Meaghan Timko, BCBA

Thank you for listening! You can access .5 Ethics CEUs with the link below. CEU Links: https://forms.clickup.com/14171965/f/dgftx-79217/2BRWARRQHOEBNOY35R?Type%20of%20CEU%27s=.5%20BACB%20Ethics%20CEUs&Instructor=Meaghan%20Timko,%20BCBA [https://forms.clickup.com/14171965/f/dgftx-79217/2BRWARRQHOEBNOY35R?Type%20of%20CEU%27s=.5%20BACB%20Ethics%20CEUs&Instructor=Meaghan%20Timko,%20BCBA] --------------- What does it really take to lead effectively in the world of ABA without burning out? In this episode, we explore how intentional leadership and clear priorities can help BCBAs build meaningful careers while protecting their personal lives. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: 1. What qualities matter most when hiring and developing ABA professionals? 2. How does passion influence long-term success in the ABA field? 3. What leadership skills are essential beyond clinical expertise? 4. How can BCBAs realistically maintain work-life balance in demanding roles? In this episode of My BCBA Life Meaghan Timko, Chief Operating Officer at Gradual Behavioral Health joins to share her path through the ABA field and the lessons she learned transitioning into leadership. The conversation focuses on hiring and workforce development, emphasizing the importance of passion, alignment, and transparency when building teams. Meaghan explains why technical competence alone is not enough and how strong leadership depends on communication and genuine care. The episode concludes with a discussion on work-life balance. Meaghan outlines how she sets priorities, creates boundaries, and makes intentional time for family and personal interests, offering realistic guidance for long-term sustainability. About The Guest: Meaghan Timko is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Chief Operating Officer at Gradual Behavioral Health. She brings extensive experience in both clinical practice and organizational leadership, with a strong focus on people-centered systems and sustainable growth. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to BCBA Life Circle 00:47 Meet Meaghan Timko: A Journey in ABA 01:53 The Right Person for the Job 02:24 Hiring and Workforce Development in ABA 03:43 The Importance of Passion in ABA 11:27 Leadership and Soft Skills in ABA 25:34 Work-Life Balance for BCBAs 32:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Ready to grow as a leader without sacrificing balance? Tune in to the full episode for practical insights and real-world perspective.

Preparing to handle Loss and Grief with Tricia Lund

Thank you for listening! You can access .5 Learning CEUs with the link below. CEU Links: https://forms.clickup.com/14171965/f/dgftx-79257/A527DD1MQ0BE474BAD?Type%20of%20CEU%27s=.5%20BACB%20Learning%20CEUs&Instructor=Patricia%20Lund,%20BCBA How do you support a child or adult with disabilities through death and loss when many of us are uncomfortable talking about it ourselves? In this episode of My BCBA Life, Penina sits down with BCBA and thanatology specialist Tricia Lund to unpack how grief shows up for neurodivergent individuals and what BCBAs can realistically and ethically do to help. Tricia Lund is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with approximately 10 years of experience. She began her career working in schools and clinics and now primarily supports teens and adults with disabilities living in group homes and day habilitation programs in Texas. Recognizing a major gap in how our field addresses death and grief, she pursued additional certification in thanatology, allowing her to integrate evidence-based principles about death, dying, and bereavement into her ABA practice while remaining solidly within scope. Key Takeaways: 1. Grief is not “less real” for people with disabilities; their grief is often ignored or minimized, which can complicate the grieving process and increase distress. 2. Understanding death requires grasping its permanence, universality, biological basis, and causation; many clients with cognitive differences need explicit teaching and support in these areas. 3. Start early: use neutral, everyday examples (plants, animals, media) to introduce concepts of life and death and to build accurate, concrete language (including on AAC devices). 4. Primary losses (the person who died) often create a cascade of secondary losses (home, routine, transportation, community, financial freedom) that can be even more impactful in daily life. 5. BCBAs can stay within scope by focusing on education and participation, modifying environments, supporting involvement in rituals, and collaborating with counselors and spiritual leaders for deeper grief work. 00:00 - How the topic of death and grief emerged in her practice 03:06 – What thanatology is and why a BCBA would pursue it 05:13 – How children (and many adults) understand death, and the core concepts needed 06:32 – Permanence, universality, and biology of death; cultural and media distortions 07:30 – Causation and how cognitive level affects grief responses and timing 11:02 – Disenfranchised grief and how society minimizes certain losses 12:18 – Why people with disabilities are often excluded from funerals and rituals 14:01 – When to start talking about death with children: “Do it now” and how 14:29 – Building vocabulary, using real-life examples, and correcting media myths 16:39 – What to prioritize immediately after a loss: safety, stability, and presence 20:03 – Grief reactions vs. “problem behaviors” and why punishment is harmful 21:52 – Primary vs. secondary losses and how BCBAs can address the secondary ones 24:47 – Scope of practice: education and participation vs. facilitation and intervention 27:34 – Why this work is needed for “typical” adults as well, not just clients 28:30 – Using clear language (“dead,” “death,” “dying”) instead of euphemisms 29:22 – Addressing your own death-avoidance so you can better support clients Ready to rethink how you, as a BCBA or caregiver, approach death, loss, and grief with the individuals you support? Tune in to the full episode for practical frameworks, compassionate strategies, and a fresh perspective on staying within scope while truly showing up for your clients.