Reinforcing Conversations

What do you do when your daughter needs therapy, the system has a six-month waitlist, and you happen to have 20 years of experience in tech and HR? If you are Tiffney Vivo, you build the thing that should have already existed.In this episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Tiffney Vivo, Co-Founder and CEO of Therapprove, a platform that connects families of children with special needs to pediatric therapists — quickly, transparently, and without the chaos of navigating the current system alone. Tiffney's daughter Avanelle was born with Down syndrome in 2020, and the experience of fighting through waitlists, mismatched providers, and a fragmented referral system lit a fire that became Therapprove.This episode is equal parts entrepreneurship story, parent testimony, and honest look at a broken system. Whether you are a clinician working inside it, a parent navigating it, or someone who has ever wondered why getting a child into therapy takes so long, this conversation is for you.Tiffney Vivo is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of leadership experience in HR staffing, sales management, and technology. As Co-Founder and CEO of Therapprove, she leads a platform dedicated to connecting caregivers with pediatric therapists, providing timely and trustworthy therapy solutions. Inspired by her own journey as a mother to her daughter Avanelle, who was born with Down syndrome in March 2020, Tiffney created Therapprove to help families access the care their children need without unnecessary delays.Before founding Therapprove, Tiffney launched Connect4.io, a platform that connected software engineers with companies, and held leadership roles in tech consulting, education, and staffing. Therapprove won the Spring 2024 Crossroads Pitch Competition and received a $10,000 investment from Flywheel Fund. The platform operates similarly to OpenTable — families upload their information, and clinics with openings that match their child's needs reach out directly, placing children on a single shared waitlist across multiple clinics.Website: therapprove.comLinkedIn: Tiffney VivoInstagram / social: @therapproveLike, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing:📸 ⁠⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠⁠📘 ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠🎥 ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠📧 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠🌐 ⁠⁠supervisionreimagined.com⁠⁠ 🌐⁠⁠ABA Made Ez⁠Season 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.

Not everyone who ends up in ABA planned to be here: and Demi Fragale is proof that the most unexpected paths can lead to the most meaningful careers. In this episode, Christina & Nicole sits down with Nicole’s friend and colleague Demi, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and NY State Licensed Behavior Analyst who came to the field by way of a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre and a life chapter that took some beautiful, unplanned turns.Demi's journey raises questions every BCBA and aspiring practitioner will recognize: What do you do when your personal and professional worlds overlap? How do you navigate the ethics of relationships that exist before a clinical role begins? And what does it mean to bring your whole self,  your art, your history, your humanity, into a field that is sometimes more comfortable with data than with depth?This is a conversation about career pivoting, the ethics of multiple and dual relationships, and what happens when the person who inspired your career becomes part of it.Like, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing:📸 ⁠⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠⁠📘 ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠🎥 ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠📧 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠🌐 ⁠⁠supervisionreimagined.com⁠⁠ 🌐⁠⁠ABA Made Ez⁠Season 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.

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 Instagram⁠⁠ABA on Tap on Spotify⁠⁠ABA on Tap on Apple Podcasts⁠Listen 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📘⁠ Facebook⁠🎥⁠ YouTube⁠📧 [email protected] 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.

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 agreementsCritical compliance areas like HIPAA, billing audits, and fee-splitting rules that can make or break your license and reputationHow to navigate the complex landscape of buying or selling ABA practices, valuing companies, and managing liabilities from past operationsThe real risks of misclassifying employees versus independent contractors and how to protect your license and avoid costly auditsWhy legal compliance isn’t just a regulatory hurdle but a pillar of excellent patient care and sustainable business growthThis 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: Garbacz ZlotowitzABA Legal ServicesLinkedInLike, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing:📸 ⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠📘 ⁠Facebook⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube⁠📧 ⁠[email protected]⁠🌐 ⁠supervisionreimagined.com⁠ 🌐⁠ABA Made EzSeason 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.

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 Workspace12-Week Year Framework (search for "The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran")AI Tools for Session Notes (Google Gemini)New England Center for ChildrenConnect with Megan Richardson:⁠The Organized Analyst on Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Listen 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📘 ⁠Facebook⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube⁠📧 ⁠[email protected]⁠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.

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📘 Facebook🎥 YouTube📧 [email protected]🌐 supervisionreimagined.com 🌐ABA Made EzSeason 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.

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. 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: LinkedInTravelMation FacebookRachelmorellitravel.comtlescape.com ResourcesTSA CaresDisney Disability Access ServiceIBCCESAutism on the SeasWings for All - the ARCHanks FriendsAutism FliesLike, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokEmail us: [email protected] Keywords: autism travel, accessible travel, behavior analysis, family travel, travel resources, Disney accessibility, cruise support, travel planning, BCBA, travel tips

In this episode of "Reinforcing Conversations," hosts Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres welcome Dr. Liza Geonie, a BCBA-D and researcher focused on the intersection of behavior analysis and misinformation in online environments. Dr. Geonie shares her unique journey into the field of behavior analysis and her current research on how behavior analytic principles can help understand why people share misinformation online. She discusses the role of reinforcement, attention, and social approval in shaping online behavior, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms.They explore the spectrum of social media use, discussing how it can range from a simple habit to a potential addiction, particularly in the context of parenting and youth engagement.  The conversation wraps up with practical advice on how to engage with social media thoughtfully, including strategies for managing emotional reactions and the importance of taking time to respond.Season Two is Sponsored by The New England Center for ChildrenAbout Dr. Liza Geonie: Liza is a BCBA-D and researcher studying how behavior analytic principles apply to misinformation and online behavior. Her work explores why people share inaccurate information even when they know better, and how reinforcement, attention, and social approval shape what spreads online. She regularly writes, presents, and consults across disciplines, translating core behavioral principles to modern online environments, and is currently developing CEU trainings and resources to help professionals navigate digital behavior more intentionally.Find Liza on LinkedInResources:BrickRootsGoogle ScholarFind us on Social Media:InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokEmail us: [email protected] Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

What does “leisure” really mean, and who gets to decide what counts?In this episode, Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres challenge some of the most common assumptions about leisure skills in ABA. Through honest conversation and real-life examples, they explore why leisure is more than toys or playtime, and how it connects to self-regulation, independence, relationships, and mental health.They talk openly about screens, boredom, stimming, special interests, and the pressure parents feel to constantly entertain their children. You’ll hear practical strategies for teaching leisure skills in a way that feels natural, respectful, and sustainable—without forcing kids into activities that don’t fit who they are. The episode also highlights why honoring individual interests isn’t “giving up,” but instead opens doors to learning, connection, and autonomy.If you’ve ever wondered how to help a child (or yourself) truly enjoy free time without guilt, this episode is for you.Learning Objectives:Identify functions of leisure behavior as discussed in applied and family-centered contextsDescribe at least two evidence informed strategies for teaching leisure skills that respect individual preferences, developmental level and neurodivergent presentations.Apply a behavioral lens to evaluate the appropriateness of a leisure activity by considering motivation, autonomy and generalization rather than social norms. Season 2 of Reinforcing Conversation is sponsored by the New England Center for Children. Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube TikTok Email us: [email protected]: Inclusive Tabletop Gaming Groups for Neurodiverse KidsSouth Orange Sensory Activation Vehicle: More InformationCitationsPrice, S. (2024). Finding their spark: Non-screen special interests for autistic children and teens. Rainmaker Publishing. Nuzzolo-Gomez, R., Leonard, M. A., Ortiz, E., Rivera, C. M., & Greer, R. D. (2002). Teaching children with autism to prefer books or toys over stereotypy or passivity. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(2), 80-87.

Nicole and Christina unpack what truly drives motivation in ABA; why it changes, how it impacts behavior, and how to respond. They break down motivating operations, the difference between skill and motivation deficits, and simple ways to boost engagement through “low effort, high reinforcement”. They discuss the utility of token economy systems and how to ensure extrinsic motivation is meaningful and functional. A quick, practical guide to understanding motivation and supporting learners with strategies that build confidence and independence.Learning Objectives: Identify how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation contribute to learner engagement across settings.Explain the role of token economies and reinforcement systems in increasing meaningful, functional participation.Pinpoint parameters to consider when selecting reinforcement procedures, including potential for harm and potential for reinforcer dependency. This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by ⁠The New England Center for Children⁠. Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠Tiktok⁠Email us: [email protected]:Cooper, J. O., Heron, T., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis. Pearson UK.Deleon, I. G., Iwata, B. A., & Roscoe, E. M. (1997). Displacement of leisure reinforcers by food during preference assessments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(3), 475-484.Keywords: ABA, applied behavior analysis, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, RBT, registered behavior technician, autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, motivation, token economy, edibles, reinforcement, punishment, burn out, functional learning, early intervention

In this episode, Nicole and Christina unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in ABA: control. From instructional and stimulus control to emotional regulation, boundaries, and autonomy, they explore how “control” shows up in real life, with kids, clients, and ourselves.Through personal stories, clinical insight, and plenty of humor, they reframe control not as coercion, but as empowerment: helping learners build trust, flexibility, self-advocacy, and skills that actually matter in their world.A must-listen for BCBAs, educators, and parents of neurodivergent kids who want ABA that’s compassionate, contextual, and human.Identify and explain at least 3 types of control utilized in ABADescribe at least two common misconceptions about control along with at least two strategies for reframing control as trust-building and autonomy supported teaching.Apply at least two flexible, naturalistic strategies to support learner autonomy and reduce reliance on coercive control This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by ⁠The New England Center for Children⁠. Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠Tiktok⁠Email us: [email protected]: ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, RBT, Registered Behavior Technician, Autism, ADHD, Neurodivergent, Parenting, Control, Motivation, Empowerment, Autonomy

In this conversation, Chad Pearce joins Nicole & Christina to discuss the intricacies of recruiting within the ABA field, emphasizing the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, the need for niche recruiting, and the challenges faced by BCBAs in the job market. Chad shares insights on salary expectations, work-life balance, and the impact of AI on recruiting processes. The discussion also touches on the significance of company culture, the importance of asking the right questions during interviews, and the necessity of maintaining a good reputation in the industry. All three share personal anecdotes and offers advice for both candidates and employers in the ABA space.This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by The New England Center for Children. About Chad Pearce:Chad Pearce: Chad Pearce is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and father of five who brings over 20 years of leadership and service experience to the behavioral health and recruiting industries. After retiring from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, Chad co-founded Recruit ABA in 2021 with his sister, Taylor Pearce, BCBA, blending her clinical expertise with his recruiting background to help ABA providers nationwide build stronger, mission-driven teams.Guided by his Christian faith, Chad believes true success is measured by integrity, relationships, and impact. Whether supporting clients, mentoring others, or raising his family, his mission is to serve with purpose and honor God in every decision.Recruit ABARecruit ABA on InstagramRecruit ABA on LinkedIn Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!Instagram⁠⁠FacebookYoutubeTiktokEmail us: [email protected]: ABA, BCBA, RBT, Applied Behavior Analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Autism, Recruiting, Entrepeneurship

Explore how the financial health of an ABA practice directly impacts its ability to attract and retain top talent. Dive into the key business metrics that reveal whether a company is truly sustainable: from profit margins and payer mix to labor costs and overhead.Listeners will walk away with a clear understanding of what “healthy” numbers look like for an ABA practice, why they matter for both employers and employees, and how financial transparency can build trust and stability within a team.For employers, this episode offers practical benchmarks and red flags to help ensure payroll, benefits, and professional growth remain consistent for staff. For employees, it provides tools and questions to help evaluate whether a company’s business practices align with long-term stability and support.We’ll connect the dots between financial practices and workplace culture, showing how strong business foundations ultimately lead to stronger teams and better care.Ethan Schwarzbach is the CEO and Co-Founder of Flychain He has spent the last fifteen years working at the intersection of traditional finance and technology, with a specific focus on small business lending, banking, accounting, and payments. As the son of a small business owner in healthcare, he wanted to bring his knowledge of institutional financial products, services, and technology to support small businesses across healthcare. Find Flychain on Social Media:Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn http://www.flychain.us/⁠This season of Reinforcing Conversation is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children. The New England Center for Children,  for over 50 years the worldwide leader in autism education and research. Through our schools, clinics, consulting services, and the ACE® ABA Software System, we are shaping a more inclusive future for all. Optimize the financial health of your practice with our healthcare-specific tools: Accounting and Bookkeeping, Capital, and CFO Intelligence. Check out Flychain today

Welcome to our 2nd episode of Season two made possible with support from New England Center for Children. In this episode, join Nicole and Christina for real talk about rapport, communication, and collaboration in behavior analysis. 🎧 Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, or parent, this episode dives into how relationships drive real progress. We break down CEUs that matter, advocate for meaningful teamwork, and share stories from the field that remind us: ABA works best when it’s human. Keywords: ABA, RBT, BCBA, CEUs, Behavior Analysis, Rapport, Collaboration, Autism, Professional Development, EthicsLike, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rfconversationsEmail us: [email protected]:Sellers, T. P., Valentino, A. L., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2016). Recommended practices for individual supervision of aspiring behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(4), 274-286.O’Neill, P., Magnacca, C., Gunnarsson, K. F., Khokhar, N., Koudys, J., & Malkin, A. (2024). Cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis: Provider and recipient perceptions in Ontario. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17(1), 212-227.Reeves, A. (2017). Teacher perceptions, use, and knowledge of applied behavior analysis-based techniques (Doctoral dissertation, Appalachian State University).Squires, M. E. (2023). Collaboration between special education teachers and board certified behavior analysts (Master's thesis, Brigham Young University).Denne, L. D., Hastings, R. P., & Hughes, J. C. (2017). UK parents’ beliefs about applied behaviour analysis as an approach to autism education. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 32(4), 543-555.Turgeon, S., & Lanovaz, M. J. (2021). Perceptions of behavior analysis in France: Accuracy and tone of posts in an internet forum on autism. Behavior and Social Issues, 30(1), 308-322.Law, V., Turner, L. B., & Brewer, A. T. (2024). Using Peer-Led Behavioral Skills Training to Teach Trainees Active and Empathic Listening Skills in a Virtual Environment. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-14.Taylor, B. A., LeBlanc, L. A., & Nosik, M. R. (2019). Compassionate care in behavior analytic treatment: Can outcomes be enhanced by attending to relationships with caregivers?. Behavior analysis in practice, 12(3), 654-666.

Welcome to Season 2 of Reinforcing Conversations, made possible with support from New England Center for ChildrenIn this episode of Reinforcing Conversations, hosts Christina Torres and Nicole Stewart discuss the importance of reflection in personal and professional growth, particularly for behavior analysts. They explore the significance of self-awareness, accountability, and the role of community in fostering development. The conversation also touches on the Dunning-Kruger effect, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of adaptability in practice. Listeners are encouraged to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and to actively engage in their own growth journeys.Learning Objectives:Behavior analysts will identify the importance of self-awareness in the role of accountability as a behavior analyst. Behavior analysts will learn questions to ask themselves to increase accountability in practice and promote self-growth.Behavior analysts will identify personal barriers and challenges they may face related to their own growth as a clinician. Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rfconversationsEmail us: [email protected], Z. L., & El-Roy, D. (2024). Exploring Interprofessional and Self-Compassion Competencies for Applied Behavior Analysis Professionals: A Qualitative Study. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-14.Penney, A. M., Bateman, K. J., Veverka, Y., Luna, A., & Schwartz, I. S. (2023). Compassion: The eighth dimension of applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-15.

We’re covering a very uncomfortable topic today: Punishment procedures in ABA.  There are a lot of reasons why people are Anti-ABA, and punishment is just one of them.  Christina and Nicole discuss the history of punishment in ABA including the most controversial punishment procedure, known as Contingent Electric Skin Shock.  We’ll talk about how punishment is meant to be used in ABA, why families might get to this point, and red flags all team members should look for when considering punishment.  Learning Objectives:Describe the ethical concerns associated with the historical and current use of punishment procedures in ABA, including more extreme uses of punishment. Differentiate between ethical and unethical applications of punishment procedures within ABA, including the misuse of punishment and the lack of informed consent, assent, and least-restrictive alternatives.Identify best practices that behavior analysts, team members, and families should consider when punishment procedures are proposed, with an emphasis on upholding client dignity, safety, and social validity.Link to Podcast Referenced: Least of These Podcast, Episode 34: The Shocking Truth Part #7 - A Survivor SpeaksLike, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠⁠⁠Email us: [email protected] for this episode: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson Education.Leah Dee (Host). (2021, September 23). The “Shocking” Truth – A Survivor Speaks: Part 7 (Ep. 34) [Audio podcast episode]. In Least of These. Tiny Ranch Productions.Ruhalter, K. (2023, September 11). Electric shock therapy is still allowed in one Mass. treatment facility—Advocates say change is long overdue. All Things Considered, WGBH News. Retrieved from WGBH websiteWikipedia contributors. (2025, May 19). Judge Rotenberg Center. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Rotenberg_Center

Another rebroadcast of a live webinar!  This time,  Christina is joined by Attorney James J. Hux all about employee rights and the sticky situations ABA professionals want to be aware of.  This episode of Labor Laws Made Easy is the first in a 4-part series available on behavior Live and focuses on wages and hours laws.  Join Christina, Attorney Hux and Nicole to learn more about how employers and employees can protect themselves and ensure fair, legal practices.  Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Labor laws vary by state—please consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.Purchase the webinar & CEUs hereDescribe the potential legal and financial consequences (e.g., fines, lawsuits, audits) for misclassifying workers or failing to follow wage laws.Understand both employer and employee rights when it comes to wages, classification, and benefits — and learn how to respond ethically and legally if those rights are violated.Recognize how withholding pay, improper deductions, or delayed payments can create ethical and legal risks for businesses and negatively affect employee well-beingAbout James J. Hux: James J. Hux is an employment law attorney based out of Ohio.  His passion lies in making sure that everyone’s voice is being heard.   A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Hux started his own law practice in 2017 specializing in workers rights. Find him: @attorneyhux on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedInhttp://huxlawfirm.com/Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠⁠Email us: [email protected]

This episode of the podcast crosses over into Nicole & Christina's original partnership: The ADHD Exchange. The ADHD Exchange is a series of workshops designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical strategies for supporting individuals with ADHD. This specific session focuses on working collaboratively with parents. This topic is designed to reshape the way behavior analysts, and other clinicians approach parent coaching. Rooted in a low-dosage ABA model and informed by real-world practice with families of children with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles, this episode emphasizes collaboration, compassion, and practicality. This episode is a must for parents or caregivers who are unsure of what to expect in "parent training" or who are not getting the support they are looking for. Learning Objectives:1. Describe strategies to build collaborative partnerships with parents that align intervention goals with family values and visions, and uphold neurodiversity-affirming practices.2. Apply ABA techniques within parent coaching to promote sustainable behavior change and inform skill acquisition targets in direct therapy for clearer cohesive programming across the board.3. Analyze ethical and compassionate practices for supporting parents of neurodivergent children while respecting family autonomy and cultural differences.Purchase the webinar & CEUs hereCheck out the rest of the ADHD Exchange on BehaviorLive! Resources & Citations:Marchese, N.V., Weiss, M.J. Supporting Behavior Analysts in Providing Compassionate Care: The Development of the Parent Partnership Questionnaire (PPQ). Behav Analysis Practice (2023). https://doi-org.proxy.wexler.hunter.cuny.edu/10.1007/s40617-023-00827-8https://activeparenting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AP4-SURVEY-1.pdfFogg, B. J. (2020). Tiny habits: The small changes that change everything. Harvest.https://livesinthebalance.org/our-solution/Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠Email us: [email protected]

This episode of Reinforcing Conversations features our very first guest, none other than Nicole’s newly minted 11-year old son, Jack.  Jack will share his mental health journey, what he has found supportive in the classroom, and ways in which having a behaviorist for a mom is great and not-so-great.  He is articulate, transparent and comes equipped with some gen alpha words and laughs. He and Nicole highlight how to build a relationship with empathy, acceptance and humor, even when Nicole’s parenting is less-than-perfect.Christina and Nicole will share their thoughts on Jack’s journey, adding layers of recommendations for parents and providers alike.  Join Christina, Nicole and Jack to learn from their experiences.About our guest: Jack is an 11 year old who loves baseball, space, robotics, music and more. He has a spirited personality and has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and giftedness. He demonstrates high emotional intelligence, and enjoys speaking about his experience as a neurodivergent child. He hopes to help adults understand children more. Learning Objectives: Behavior Analysts will identify the ways in which adults provide verbal and non-verbal cues, both positive and not positive to children/clients.Behavior Analysts will pinpoint advantages and potential disadvantages of combining medication with behavioral therapy. Behavior Analysts will recognize stressors and potential strategies that may be helpful for supporting families in the home setting Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversations⁠Email us: [email protected]

Pre-recorded at ABAI, join Nicole & Christina for this in-person talk about why they love conferences. We recommend that everyone attends professional development conferences, and especially those involved in ABA spaces. Here our advice for getting the most out of the actual event, and the travel opportunity for the ultimate and always-desired work-life balance. Line dancing? DC architecture? Networking? Career opportunities? Conferences have it all!Even more, we also share exciting news:New England Center for Children is the Visionary Founding Sponsor for Reinforcing Conversations. We are so excited to partner with them (listen why!) and the ACE ABA Software. If you haven't checked them out, head over to acenecc.org ASAP! Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversationsEmail us: [email protected]

In this episode of Reinforcing Conversations, we take a closer look at the clinical setting in ABA. Clinical settings offer a controlled environment where treatment plans can be delivered with high fidelity, allowing for measurable outcomes and clear data patterns. For clients, this often translates into consistent routines and well-tracked progress. For behavior analysts, it can be a space where the science of behavior analysis shines—where skills, graphs, and outcomes align with intention and design.But while the clinical model has many strengths, it’s not without its challenges. Nicole and Christina explore both the promise and the pitfalls of clinical work, offering a balanced, honest look at what it means to practice ABA in this setting—for professionals, for families, and most importantly, for clients.Learning Objectives:Behavior Analysts will identify how the clinical setting creates optimal conditions for high treatment fidelity. Behavior Analysts will explore drawbacks of providing treatment in the clinical setting, and how to overcome those drawbacks.Behavior Analysts will learn actionable ways to establish relationships with caregivers and other stakeholders when providing treatment in a clinical setting.

In this episode of Reinforcing Conversations, we start our journey through different ABA settings.  We’re starting with one of the most common, and most challenging settings - home-based ABA.  How do BCBAs and RBTs successfully collaborate with parents, caregivers and family members to blend home-based ABA with family life successfully?  Learning Objectives:Behavior Analysts will identify the barriers in place for each person within the home-team setting.Behavior Analysts will explore strategies to set their home-teams up for success. Behavior Analysts will learn actionable ways to show compassion and create a positive culture when providing in home ABA therapy Like, subscribe and share our podcast.Follow us on social media:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversationsEmail us: [email protected] Nicole over at supervisionreimagined.comFind Christina over at abamadeEZ.com

In this episode of Reinforcing Conversations, Nicole and Christina dive into one of their favorite topics—fieldwork supervision. Nicole co-owns Supervision Reimagined with Gabriella Davila, and Christina leads an ABA Scholars group, so they both spend their days immersed in supervision systems and supporting the next generation of behavior analysts.How do trainees know what to expect from their supervision experience? How can supervisors ensure a strong, ethical, and supportive start to supervision?Together, Nicole and Christina explore logistics, relationship-building, and the ethics of establishing a solid foundation for fieldwork supervision. While this episode is geared toward ABA students, RBTs, and BCBAs, parents and related professionals are more than welcome to listen in and learn about how supervision truly shapes the field.Behavior Analysts will review the top components necessary for starting supervision with new trainees.Behavior Analysts will identify soft skills to build a positive supervisory relationship.Behavior Analysts will explore ways to increase their efficiency with supervisory practices. Like, subscribe and share our podcast.Follow us on social media:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversationsEmail us: [email protected] Nicole over at supervisionreimagined.comCitations:Sellers, T. P., Valentino, A. L., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2016). Recommended practices for individual supervision of aspiring behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(4), 274-286. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2022). BCBA supervision training curriculum outline (2.0). Behavior Analyst Certification Board. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Supervision_Training_Curriculum_240829-a.pdfBehavior Analyst Certification Board (2020). Fieldwork checklist and tip sheet. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fieldwork-Checklist-and-Tip-Sheet-241227-a.pdfHajiaghamohseni, Z. (2019). Supervision Behaviors of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts with Precertification Candidates (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina).Sellers, T. P., Valentino, A. L., Landon, T. J., & Aiello, S. (2019). Board certified behavior analysts’ supervisory practices of trainees: Survey results and recommendations. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12, 536-546.LeBlanc, L. A., & Luiselli, J. K. (2016). Refining supervisory practices in the field of behavior analysis: Introduction to the special section on supervision. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(4), 271-273.Turner, L. B., Fischer, A. J., & Luiselli, J. K. (2016). Towards a competency-based, ethical, and socially valid approach to the supervision of applied behavior analytic trainees. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 287-298.Sellers, T. P., Alai-Rosales, S., & MacDonald, R. P. (2016). Taking full responsibility: The ethics of supervision in behavior analytic practice. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(4), 299-308.Sellers, T. P., LeBlanc, L. A., & Valentino, A. L. (2016). Recommendations for detecting and addressing barriers to successful supervision. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 309-319.Valentino, A. L., LeBlanc, L. A., & Sellers, T. P. (2016). The benefits of group supervision and a recommended structure for implementation. Behavior analysis in practice, 9, 320-328.

In this episode, Nicole and Christina talk about what it’s like to be parents and BCBAs, and how being a parent has informed their journey.  Both women will share suggestions and tips for parents, BCBAs and those who wear both hats.  Listen to learn ways to balance ABA in your life without letting it take over! Learning Objectives: Behavior analysts will identify personal circumstances that serve as setting events for their practice in ABA.Behavior analysts will identify barriers that parents with neurodivergent and special needs children face when in treatment.Behavior analysts will explore behavior analytic strategies for maintaining professional and personal life balance to prevent burn-out. Like, subscribe and share our podcast.Follow us on social media:⁠https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversationsEmail us: [email protected] yourself,Christina & Nicole

Are you wondering what a BCBA is and what we do all day? Have you ever been asked to describe your job and career aspirations? Us too, and boy is it hard!In this episode, Nicole and Christina will share their stories through ABA that led them to the creation of this podcast, how to explain what it is that we do, and how to share this information in a way that others can easily understand.Being a BCBA means so many different things, let's feel empowered to embrace all the hats we roll and skills we have. Learning objectives: Behavior analysts will be able to explain their job responsibilities in behavior analytic and jargon-free terminologyBehavior analysts will be able to define their scope of practiceBehavior analysts will learn about options for practice and when to seek supportLike, subscribe and share our podcast.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/reinforcing.conversations/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572360794805https://www.youtube.com/@reinforcingconversationsEmail us: [email protected] yourself,Christina & Nicole

Welcome to Reinforcing Conversations with Nicole &Christina, where we shape better behavior one talk at a time. This podcast dives into the essentials of ABA, behavior analysis, and psychology, bridging the gap between science and practice. Whether you’re a parent navigating challenging behaviors, a student eager to learn, or a BCBA seeking fresh insights, Nicole and Christina are here to make complex ideas relatable, actionable, and inclusive for everyone. Join us to explore the possibilities of behavior science in everyday life.