Reinforcing Conversations meets ABA on Tap, Part I

Reinforcing Conversations meets ABA on Tap, Part I

What happens when two ABA podcasts walk into the same recording space and just start talking? In this special crossover episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery, the longtime co-hosts and co-owners behind ABA on Tap, for a conversation so packed with good stuff that you'll have to catch Part 2 on their feed. Mike and Dan have been in the ABA world together for nearly 20 years, starting from the kind of first-day-on-the-job story that nobody forgets. They built their company, Ascend Behavior Partners, two years ago after watching corporate buyouts quietly chip away at their clinical values, and they have been putting their money where their mouths are ever since. Seven seasons and counting, and they show up every Sunday like clockwork. The four of them have more in common than you might expect, and this episode is proof that the best conversations happen when you stop talking at people and just start talking with them. Why You Can't Miss This Episode: * 🎙️ Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build and sustain an ABA podcast across multiple seasons, and why Mike and Dan keep showing up. * 💼 Explore what it means to go out on your own in this field, including the real costs, the growing pains, and the surprising rewards of betting on yourself. * 🏫 Dig into one of the field's most honest debates: center-based services versus inclusive settings, and how clinical recommendations can get tangled up with billing incentives. * 🌎 Learn how BCBAs are expanding outside the medical model through dissemination, digital products, independent evaluations, community consulting, and even specialized transportation. * ⚖️ Hear about Christina's push to get BCBAs recognized as Guardian ad Litems in Connecticut family court, and why BCBA licensure is way overdue. Connect with ABA on Tap: * ⁠ABA on Tap on Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/abaontap] * ⁠ABA on Tap on Spotify⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/abaonatap] * ⁠ABA on Tap on Apple Podcasts⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aba-on-tap/id1499230423] Listen Now: Part 1 is right here. Part 2 drops May 10th on the ABA on Tap feed, so make sure you follow them wherever you get your podcasts. This one is too good to leave half-finished. Like, subscribe, and share. It's the best way to support the work we're doing: * 📸⁠ @reinforcing.conversations⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/] * 📘⁠ Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805] * 🎥⁠ YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations] * 📧 rf.conversations@gmail.com Season 3 is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children, the worldwide leader in autism education and research for over 50 years.

The Legal Side of ABA: Compliance, Corporate Structure & Protecting Your Practice

Most ABA providers and entrepreneurs overlook critical legal nuances, until a compliance slip or legal inspection hits. Ellesha LeCluyse, a healthcare law expert with a decade of experience, exposes the hidden legal pitfalls in ABA practice ownership and offers practical strategies to safeguard your practice today. You’ll discover: * The legal structures behind startup ABA practices and how to optimize your ownership model using MSOs and profit-sharing agreements * Critical compliance areas like HIPAA, billing audits, and fee-splitting rules that can make or break your license and reputation * How to navigate the complex landscape of buying or selling ABA practices, valuing companies, and managing liabilities from past operations * The real risks of misclassifying employees versus independent contractors and how to protect your license and avoid costly audits * Why legal compliance isn’t just a regulatory hurdle but a pillar of excellent patient care and sustainable business growth This episode is perfect for BCBA practice owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring ABA business founders who want to understand the legal landscape that impacts their license, reputation, and future success. If you’re serious about building a compliant, ethical, and thriving practice, Ellesha’s insights will arm you with the knowledge to do just that—minus the legal nightmares.Why stay in the dark? The cost of ignorance can be ownership loss, hefty fines, or service disruptions. But with the right legal foundations, you can focus on what truly matters—delivering impactful care and growing your business confidently.Tune in to uncover the legal secrets every ABA practice owner must know—and how you can proactively protect your practice today. About Ellesha LeCluyse, J.D.: Ellesha combines deep experience navigating healthcare compliance with creative, transaction-focused problem-solving. She has earned a stellar reputation for providing strategic counsel to innovative clients across the healthcare sector, including ABA clinics, BCBAs, and management companies navigating complex state and federal regulations. At Garbacz Zlotowitz, Ellesha leads the firm's ABA Legal Services practice, providing end-to-end legal, compliance, and structural guidance for ABA providers, helping practices form, scale, and stay audit-ready across every state. Her work spans LLC/PLLC formation, HIPAA and Corporate Compliance Manuals, employment and contractor agreements, payercontracting, and change of ownership transactions. Find Ellesha: * Firm website [gz-llp.com]: Garbacz Zlotowitz * ABA Legal Services [gz-llp.com/practice-areas/aba-legal.html] * LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/elleshalecluyse] Like, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing: * 📸 ⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/] * 📘 ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805] * 🎥 ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations] * 📧 ⁠rf.conversations@gmail.com⁠ [rf.conversations@gmail.com] * 🌐 ⁠supervisionreimagined.com⁠ [https://www.supervisionreimagined.com] * 🌐⁠ABA Made Ez [www.abamadeez] Season 3 of Reinforcing Conversations is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — for over 50 years, the worldwide leader in autism education and research. Through their schools, clinics, consulting services, and the ACE ABA Software System, they are shaping a more inclusive future for all. Learn more at necc.org [necc.org].

Building a Life You Love: Systems, Burnout & the Organized Analyst

What does it actually look like to build a specialty, grow a business, and raise a baby all at once? In this episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Megan Richardson, M.A., BCBA, founder of The Organized Analyst and creator of Thrive Academy, for an honest, warm, and wildly relatable conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a career that fits your life. Megan is known in the ABA world as the BCBA Bestie,the person who tells you what your supervisor probably should have but did not. She helps BCBAs organize their work, reclaim their time, and stop sacrificing their personal lives at the altar of a caseload. She also happens to be a brand-new mom navigating all of this in real time, which makes her exactly the kind of guest we love: deeply credentialed, completely real, and living the thing she teaches. Why You Can't Miss This Episode: * 🛠️ Transform your workflow with digital tools like Notion and planners, say goodbye to chaos and hello to calm! * 💡 Discover the power of mindset in overcoming challenges and dodging burnout. * 🚀 Learn how to set boundaries and become your own best advocate in the workplace. * 🌟 Embrace self-awareness and self-compassion as your secret weapons for career longevity. * 💤 Get the scoop on balancing work with personal well-being, including sleep hacks, parenting tips, and mental health boosters. Must-Have Resources for ABA Pros: * Notion - All-in-One Workspace [https://www.notion.so/] * 12-Week Year Framework [https://amzn.to/3f5X5gW] (search for "The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran") * AI Tools for Session Notes (Google Gemini) [https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/gemini/1234567890] * New England Center for Children [https://www.necc.org/] Connect with Megan Richardson: * ⁠The Organized Analyst on Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedanalyst] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganrichardson] Listen Now: If you're a BCBA or RBT feeling the pressure, this episode is your go-to guide for reclaiming control and thriving in your career. Tune in and transform your approach to ABA today! Like, subscribe, and share. It's the best way to support the work we're doing: * 📸 ⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/] * 📘 ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805] * 🎥 ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations] * 📧 ⁠rf.conversations@gmail.com⁠ [rf.conversations@gmail.com] Season 3 is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — the worldwide leader in autism education and research for over 50 years.

Letters to Our Younger Selves in ABA

Our Season 2 Finale!! If you could go back and give your younger self advice about working in ABA, what would you say? In this episode, Nicole and Christina (ABA Made Ez) get real about what they wish they'd known when they first entered the field — from navigating different settings and choosing the right population, to the BCBA credential, supervision, and the growing pains of a field still finding its footing. Whether you're brand new, an RBT figuring out your next step, or a seasoned BCBA who forgets what it felt like to start, this one's for you. Is ABA the right field for you?It takes patience, flexibility, and genuine connection with the people you serve — plus the ability to handle the messy, unpredictable reality of the job. Nicole and Christina get honest about what that actually looks like. ABA settings: home, clinic, school — and how to chooseChristina walks through her journey across all three environments and explains why getting exposure to multiple settings is one of the most valuable things new practitioners can do. ABA vs. speech therapy, OT, and teachingNicole and Christina break down the real differences — caseload sizes, degree requirements, and why ABA is one of the most accessible entry points into human services. The BCBA credential: what it is, how to get it, and what's changingFrom the RBT pathway all the way to BCBA, plus the 2032 master's degree requirement and why keeping your CEUs current is non-negotiable. You do NOT want to retake that exam. RBTs: what's new in 2027 and questions to ask employersStarting in 2027, RBTs maintain credentials just like BCBAs. Nicole and Christina share smart interview questions that go beyond the rehearsed answers — and how to hold your employer accountable. The BCBA's limitations — and where the field is headedNicole gets honest about insurance funding largely tied to autism, the barriers to research and publishing, and the debate over who counts as an "expert." Christina shares her policy work, including amending Connecticut's State Practice Book to include behavior analysts in family law. * Behavior analysts will identify key interview questions to evaluate supervision quality and professional development support. * Behavior analysts will distinguish between ABA settings and reflect on which environment best fits their goals. * Behavior analysts will summarize upcoming credentialing changes, including the 2032 master's requirement and 2027 RBT maintenance standards. * Behavior analysts will explore barriers to research recognition and advocate for a more inclusive definition of expertise in ABA. Like, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing. * 📸 @reinforcing.conversations [https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/] * 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805] * 🎥 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations] * 📧 rf.conversations@gmail.com [rf.conversations@gmail.com] * 🌐 supervisionreimagined.com [https://www.supervisionreimagined.com] * 🌐ABA Made Ez [www.abamadeez] Season 2 is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — the worldwide leader in autism education and research for over 50 years.

Accessible Travel: A Guide for Families with Autism with Rachel Morelli

In this episode, Rachel Morelli, a board-certified behavior analyst and travel advisor, discusses the intersection of autism and travel. She shares her journey from BCBA to creating accessible travel experiences for families with children on the autism spectrum. The conversation covers essential resources for families, navigating theme parks, cruising opportunities, and the importance of preparation and skill-building for successful travel. Rachel emphasizes the transformative power of travel experiences and the need for support within the autism community.Season Two is sponsored by The New England Center for Children [www.necc.org]. About Rachel: Rachel Morelli is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and independent travel advisor who has built a unique bridge between behavior analysis and accessible travel. With extensive experience supporting families, Rachel brings a deep understanding of behavior, routines, sensory needs, and family dynamics into the travel planning process. She specializes in helping families feel confident traveling by providing education, preparation, and personalized planning designed to reduce stress and increase quality of life. Through her work, Rachel advocates for travel as more than a luxury—it’s an opportunity for connection, skill generalization, independence, and meaningful family memories. How to Find Rachel: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcbarachelmorelli/] * TravelMation Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RachelMorelliTravelmation/] * Rachelmorellitravel.com [www.rachelmorellitravel.com ] * tlescape.com [www.tlescape.com] Resources * TSA Cares [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares] * Disney Disability Access Service [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/] * IBCCES [https://ibcces.org/] * Autism on the Seas [https://autismontheseas.com/] * Wings for All - the ARC [https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/] * Hanks Friends [https://www.hanksfriends.org/] * Autism Flies [https://autismchecked.com/autism-flies/] Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! * Instagram [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] * Facebook [⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠⁠] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rfconversations] * Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com Keywords: autism travel, accessible travel, behavior analysis, family travel, travel resources, Disney accessibility, cruise support, travel planning, BCBA, travel tips