ABA Business Leaders
by Stephen & April Smith
You started an ABA practice because you wanted to provide good services. Now you are also responsible for hiring, payroll, billing, training, supervision, policies, and making sure there is enough money to keep it all going. Somewhere in there you are supposed to have a life too. We get it. We ran an ABA practice for nearly 10 years, and we know what it feels like when the business depends on you to hold everything together. ABA Business Leaders is hosted by April and Stephen Smith, the owners of 3 Pie Squared. We talk about the practical work of starting, running, and growing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice. That includes the decisions that affect your staff, your families, your finances, and the quality of the services you provide. Some problems look simple until you start looking at where they came from. A billing issue may have started at intake. A staff performance issue may come back to unclear expectations or tr
Episodes
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Why ABA Businesses Struggle: Sean Daly on Profit, Staffing & Sustainable Care
What does it really take to run a sustainable ABA practice? Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared welcome Sean Daly for an honest conversation about the business realities that can challenge even dedicated behavior analysts. Drawing on his experience building, downsizing and ultimately closing...
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Scruffy, Shoulds and Mighty Mouse: Executive Functioning and Self-Awareness for ABA Leaders
Why can’t I just be consistent? Stephen and April Smith talk with Nicole Skotz, M.S., BCBA and ADHD coach, about executive functioning, capacity and self-awareness for ABA business leaders. Nicole shares ACT tools leaders can use on themselves, from treating “should” as a cue to naming your inner...
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From Burnout to Action: Applying Behavior Analysis to Ourselves and Our Organizations
Dr. Becca Tag returns to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast for Part 2 of a conversation that began with burnout, self-care, systemic challenges, and the realities facing ABA clinicians and leaders. This time, April, Stephen, and Becca focus on the question left open after the first discussion…
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You'll Never Train Staff The Old Way Again
How can ABA business owners give employees a clear path to grow while making training and pay decisions more consistent? Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared welcome Mallory to introduce their ABA training platform and explain the thinking behind its growth path system. Mallory has helped...
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Building an ABA Business Around Values, Quality, and the People Doing the Work
The podswap with ABA on Tap continues. In Part 2, Stephen and April welcome ABA on Tap hosts Mike Rubio, BCBA, and Dan Lowery, BCBA, to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast after Stephen and April joined them for Part 1 the previous week. The conversation picks up with Stephen’s “vision test” and a...
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What Does Quality ABA Really Look Like? Building Better Systems with Jumpstart Autism
Welcome back to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, brought to you by 3 Pie Squared. In this episode, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Brian Lopez and Kara Batson of Jumpstart Autism Collective for a practical conversation about what quality really means in ABA services and how business owners...
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The Only Practice Management System You'll Ever Need
Welcome back to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, brought to you by 3 Pie Squared. In this episode, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Taylor Beagle, BCBA and Director of Product Experience at 3 Pie Squared, to officially introduce 3 Pie Squared's new ABA practice management software. Built…
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Hiring the Right People: Building a Stronger ABA Team with Joseph Bolden
Welcome back to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, brought to you by 3 Pie Squared. In this episode, Stephen and April sit down with Joseph Bolden, Head of Recruiting at 3 Pie Squared, to take a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges facing ABA business owners: finding, hiring, and retaining...
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The Joy of Running an ABA Business: Finding Meaning in the Day-to-Day
Running an ABA business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Between operational challenges, leadership responsibilities, staffing, and the constant needs of the people you serve, it can be easy to lose sight of what made you want to do this work in the first place. In our...
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National Wellness Month: Building Better Workplaces in ABA
As part of National Wellness month, we’re re-airing some classic older episodes which look at Mental Health, Burnout and more. In one of our most insightful episodes to date, we welcomed Chris, Liz, and Rebecca from AByay! to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast to talk about something that doesn’t…
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ABA Business Leaders Podcast: Empathic Leadership and Supporting RBTs
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Mallory and Jennifer to discuss empathic leadership and the experience of RBTs and other frontline ABA professionals. The conversation covers workplace culture, burnout, recognition, career development,...
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National Wellness Month: I Hate My Job!
In this special National Wellness Month re-release, Stephen and April Smith revisit one of the most honest conversations they've had about burnout, workplace culture, and the realities of working in ABA. Inspired by real posts shared across Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and other online communities,...
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Training and Supervision with Allyson Wharam
How much training should an RBT receive before working with clients? Is online training as effective as in-person instruction? And why are so many talented clinicians leaving the ABA profession? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith are joined by Allyson...
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Is ABA Cancelled?
Is ABA Canceled? What Every ABA Business Owner Needs to Know With social media full of headlines asking whether ABA is "getting canceled" or if the industry is in crisis, it's easy for business owners to feel uncertain about the future. In this episode, Stephen and April tackle those concerns...
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The Cost of Saving Money in Your ABA Business
Saving money sounds like good business. But what happens when being frugal starts costing you more in lost time, staff frustration, compliance risk, and burnout? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith unpack the hidden cost of underinvesting in your ABA...
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Top 5 Employee Handbook Policies Every ABA Business Needs
Ever wondered why handbooks are so crucial to ABA business success? A strong employee handbook helps create consistency, protects your business, and gives your team confidence in how your organization operates. In this episode, Stephen and April Smith continue their discussion on building the...
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Podswap: In the Field with Allyson Wharam
A Special Podcast Swap with Allyson's In the Field Podcast This week, April and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared and the ABA Business Leaders Podcast joined Allyson's In the Field: The ABA Podcast for a special podcast swap episode. April and Stephen share the story behind building and operating...
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System That Support ABA with Brian Lopez
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Dr. Brian Lopez, PhD, BCBA, licensed clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, and Director of Psychological Services and Research at JumpStart Autism Collective. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience…
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The Power of ABA and Speech Therapy with Rose Griffin
What happens when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, founder of ABA Speech, to discuss the intersection of speech therapy and...
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Nervous System Regulation, Authentic Leadership, and the Humanity Behind ABA
What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection? In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore...
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How Do We Define Quality ABA Services
How do we define quality ABA services with Bryant Silbaugh What is quality assurance in ABA, and how can behavior analysts measure service quality more effectively? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith speak with Dr. Bryant Silbaugh, behavior analyst,...
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How Can ABA Providers Build Stronger Relationships with Parents?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith speaks with Melanie Thurston and Amanda Williamson, BCBA, about one of the most important factors in successful ABA therapy: strong parent-provider relationships. The conversation explores how ABA providers can communicate more...
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Supporting Parents in ABA Therapy
What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care. Zandra Santella is a BCBA and...
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Burnout and Systematic Change in ABA
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it....
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7 Common Mistakes When Starting an ABA Business
Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth. In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make…
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ABA CEO Moms
What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood? In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of…
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Red Flags in ABA
ABA Business Leaders Rewind: Red Flags in ABA Service Providers This throwback episode, Stephen and April break down the biggest warning signs to watch for when working with service providers who support ABA businesses. From vendors operating without clinician input to those charging fees that...
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Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul
In this episode, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith celebrate the release of Stephen’s new book, ABA Business Leaders Guide: How To Start, Grow, and Sustain an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul. Stephen shares candid reflections on the writing process, the anxiety that comes with putting…
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ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina
Coming Soon: Stephen Smith’s New Book Stephen’s upcoming book is almost here packed with practical insights for ABA business owners looking to grow with clarity, integrity, and strong operational foundations. Pre-order your copy now: Apple:...
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April Fools'
In this April Fool’s–themed episode, Stephen and April Smith are joined by a panel of ABA owners – Chris, Jennifer, Alecia Barrett, & Mallory Stinger - sharing their most unbelievable (but very real) stories from running an ABA business. From insurance nightmares to staff issues and difficult...
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Buying and Selling an ABA
In this episode, Stephen and April sit down with Alex Veach, founder of Agenda Health, to break down what it looks like to buy or sell an ABA business. From understanding valuations to navigating the emotional and operational challenges of a sale, this conversation gives a practical look at a...
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Self Care in ABA
In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Josh Levine, co-founder of Momentum, for a conversation about burnout, leadership, and the role of self-awareness in the ABA field. Josh shares how a simple habit of daily reflection helped him grow as a clinician and develop a mindset…
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Audit Anxiety in ABA Businesses: Lessons Every Owner Needs to Hear
Audit anxiety is one of the most common — and least talked about — pressures facing ABA business owners. Hosts Stephen and April, joined by Alecia Barrett from A. Barrett Academy LLC, share candid stories about the audits they personally went through, including moments when accusations of fraud…
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ABA Business Leaders and Work-Life Balance
In this solo episode, April Smith takes a direct and nuanced look at burnout in the ABA industry, and challenges the way we talk about it. Rather than accepting burnout as an inevitable byproduct of leadership, April explores the illusion of burnout and how it shows up specifically for ABA…
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Why Are Prior Authorizations in ABA Changing?
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen discuss the evolving landscape of prior authorizations in ABA with Jeff Morelli from Silna Health. SILNA handles prior-authorizations using the power of AI, all designed specifically for ABA Businesses and their workflows.…
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️ Artificial Intelligence in ABA
In this episode, Stephen and April sit down with Dr. David J. Cox, a uniquely cross-disciplinary thinker whose work spans behavior analysis, bioethics, behavioral economics, and data science. With formal training from Union Graduate College, a PhD from the University of Florida, and post-doctoral...
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Valentines Episode - Couples as Co-owners Panel
ABA Business Leaders Podcast Stephen and April Smith are seasoned ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and successfully exited a seven-figure ABA practice. Now, through 3 Pie Squared, they help other ABA business owners grow sustainable, values-driven companies without burning out or losing sight...
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Aligning Values and Growth in ABA Businesses
In this episode, Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared explore how values shape decisions, culture, and growth in ABA businesses. Drawing from their experience building and exiting a seven-figure practice, they discuss aligning goals with values, learning from mistakes, and turning abstract...
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ABA Practice Management Software: Why You Need It and What to Look For
ABA Practice Management Software: Why You Need It and What to Look For Running an ABA practice and delivering great clinical care go hand in hand with efficient systems and reliable software. In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Charlene Kurth, Chief...
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Back to Basics: One Decision That Moved the Business Forward
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith, co-founder of 3 Pie Squared, hosts an expert panel discussion featuring: Alecia Barrett BCBA, COBA, LSW and owner of A. Barrett Academy, LLC located in Holland Ohio Brooke Schneider, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LBA is the Founder and Clinical...
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ABA Business Leaders Support Group
In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, host April Smith, co-founder of 3 Pie Squared, is joined by Jennifer Helten and Mallory Stinger for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the realities of owning and leading an ABA business. Together, they explore the…
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Back to Basics – HIPAA 101
Back to Basics – HIPAA 101 In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared return to fundamentals, breaking down HIPAA through the lens of real operational decisions ABA owners face every day. They are joined by Nandy Bo, Cybersecurity Expert from…
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Back to Basics: Planning The End From The Start
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared, the conversation focuses on one of the most overlooked elements of long-term success in an ABA business: exit planning. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and exiting a...
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How to Create Company Culture and Support Your ABA Practice Staff
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down what it really takes to create a healthy, sustainable company culture while supporting staff at every stage of an ABA practice’s growth. Drawing on their experience building, scaling…
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Back to Basics: Insurance Process
In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down one of the most misunderstood and operationally critical areas of running an ABA practice: insurance processes. From claim denials to prior authorizations, insurance workflows can either...
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Back to Basics: Financial Planning for Your ABA Business
Back to Basics: Financial Planning for Your ABA Business In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April sit down with Shep from Live Oak Bank to simplify the world of ABA Finance, ABA funding, and smart financial planning for your ABA practice. Whether you are launching a...
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ABA Business Accountancy & Bookkeeping Explained!
ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you’re a new ABA provider or operating...
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Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last
Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts April and Stephen Smith explore one of the most important parts of growing a healthy ABA business: the people you bring into it. They dig into hiring, leadership, mentorship, and the...
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Back to Basics: Building for Growth
Back to Basics: Building for Growth In this Back to Basics episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith unpack what it really takes to grow an ABA business without burning yourself out in the process. From breaking inefficient systems before they break you to...
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Defining Success in Your ABA Business
Sponsored by SILNA This episode is proudly sponsored by SILNA, a platform helping ABA providers navigate compliance, resources, and advocacy in the field. 👉 Learn more Episode Summary Success looks different for every ABA business owner, especially as your company grows. April and Stephen…
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About this show
You started an ABA practice because you wanted to provide good services. Now you are also responsible for hiring, payroll, billing, training, supervision, policies, and making sure there is enough money to keep it all going. Somewhere in there you are supposed to have a life too.
We get it. We ran an ABA practice for nearly 10 years, and we know what it feels like when the business depends on you to hold everything together.
ABA Business Leaders is hosted by April and Stephen Smith, the owners of 3 Pie Squared. We talk about the practical work of starting, running, and growing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice. That includes the decisions that affect your staff, your families, your finances, and the quality of the services you provide.
Some problems look simple until you start looking at where they came from. A billing issue may have started at intake. A staff performance issue may come back to unclear expectations or tr
Hosted by
Stephen & April Smith
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