Tim Talks: Behavioral Health

What if we’ve been treating the wrong problem in healthcare?On this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Beth DuPree, a breast cancer surgeon turned integrative medicine leader, to explore why traditional medicine often misses the most important part of healing - the mind.With over 35 years in medicine, Dr. DuPree shares how her experience with cancer patients revealed a major gap in care: treating the physical disease without addressing the emotional and neurological impact. The conversation dives into: Why “healing” goes beyond removing disease  The role of the nervous system and vagus nerve in recovery  How bioelectric therapies are changing outcomes in mental health and cancer care  Why medications alone often fail to address root causes  The future of holistic, patient-centered treatment This is a powerful, forward-looking conversation on where behavioral health is heading - and what it will take to truly help patients heal.

What actually breaks when behavioral health organizations try to scale?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Chris Seigel to unpack the real operational challenges behind growth, leadership, and AI in behavioral health.Chris shares his journey from clinician to system builder—and why outcomes aren’t just driven by clinical skill, but by the systems surrounding it.They dive into: The biggest mistakes organizations make when scaling too fast  Why culture matters more than systems  How poor infrastructure gets exposed during growth  What leaders misunderstand about AI in clinical settings  Why AI is not a tool decision - but a governance decision  The role of partnerships and referrals in sustainable growth This is a practical, no-fluff conversation on how to scale responsibly without compromising care quality, team stability, or long-term success.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Lew Zeidner, CEO of EOSIS, to talk about what it really takes to lead and scale behavioral health organizations.Lew shares why so many great ideas fail in execution, the importance of involving frontline staff in decision-making, and how leaders can close the gap between strategy and day-to-day operations. He also discusses burnout, quality of care, client acquisition, and why AI still may not be ready for one of the most sensitive moments in healthcare: the first phone call for help.This is a powerful conversation for behavioral health leaders focused on growth, quality, and lasting impact. 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Paradise Leuta to discuss how ABA can evolve into a more compassionate, culturally aware, and client-centered practice. Paradise shares her personal journey into the field, why creating safe environments matters, and how providers can better serve families by understanding culture, belonging, and real-world needs. They also dive into the future of ABA, listening to neurodivergent voices, and what ethical progress in the field should look like. A thoughtful conversation for clinicians, leaders, and anyone passionate about better care. 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jason Dana Costa, CEO of Horizon Pharmacy, to explore how medication management is transforming outcomes in behavioral health, long-term care, and aging populations.Jason shares why taking the right medication at the right time can prevent hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and improve quality of life. He also breaks down Horizon Pharmacy’s unique community-driven model, where business success helps fund nonprofit behavioral health services.The conversation also dives into leadership, building mission-driven organizations, and how healthcare businesses can grow through trust, education, and strategic relationships. If you care about better systems, smarter care, and real impact, this episode is packed with insight. 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Nick Klinkefus, Founder and CEO of Great Day ABA. Nick shares why he launched a home-based ABA company built around staff support, strong culture, and ethical care.They dive into one of the biggest challenges in behavioral health today: burnout. Nick explains how high turnover impacts clinicians, families, and service quality, and why many organizations keep repeating the same mistakes.The conversation also covers leadership, scaling culture as a founder, referral-based growth, grassroots marketing, and how ABA providers can grow without losing their values.If you care about building a stronger team, better client outcomes, and a healthier future for behavioral health, this episode is packed with practical insight.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of EMG Consulting and President of VirginiaABA, for a powerful conversation on leadership, quality care, and the future of ABA services.Liz shares how she built her organization to remove bureaucracy and make high-quality behavioral support more accessible for families who need it most. She also discusses the real risks of Medicaid service caps, the challenges of competing in a private-equity-driven market, and why strong company culture beats flashy perks every time.If you care about ethical growth, team retention, and building a behavioral health organization that lasts, this episode is packed with insight.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Noah Goldstein, Founder & CEO of House of Hearts ABA. Noah shares how hands-on experience in the special needs community inspired him to launch a fast-growing ABA organization built on compassion, urgency, and high-touch care.They discuss what it means to create a white-glove family experience, why speed and communication matter in building trust, and how intentional hiring and culture can drive long-term growth. Noah also breaks down the referral partnerships that fueled early momentum and the recruitment strategies helping attract top talent today.This is a practical conversation for ABA leaders focused on scaling with quality, heart, and operational discipline. 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Dominique Shorter-Taylor, BCBA, founder of Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting, speaker, mentor, and creator known for her unique perspective as both a clinician and autism mom.Dominique shares how that lived experience shaped the way she serves families, supervises clinicians, and approaches social validity in ABA. She also dives into why the field must break out of its bubble, improve representation, and meet communities where they are through outreach, education, and social media.This conversation is packed with practical insight on leadership, trust-building, diversity, and growing your impact by leading with value first. 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Ruel Dixon joins host Timothy A. Zercher to share his journey from case management to becoming a BCBA and business owner.Ruel discusses the key differences between working in public school systems and private practice, the importance of ethical leadership, and what inspired him to launch his own company. He also breaks down how reputation, community trust, and word-of-mouth referrals continue to drive growth in behavioral health.This conversation is packed with insight for BCBAs, clinic owners, and behavioral health leaders looking to grow the right way.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Kelly Ferris, Owner and Clinical Services Supervisor at Organization for Research and Learning (O.R.L.). With nearly two decades of leadership experience, Kelly shares valuable insights on autism intervention, communication strategies, clinical operations, and building high-quality behavioral health services that create lasting impact.They discuss what it takes to lead with both compassion and excellence, how organizations can scale without losing quality, and why innovation in behavioral health starts with strong systems and stronger people.If you’re a provider, operator, or leader in ABA or behavioral health, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jacqueline Lerma, a school psychologist, behavior specialist, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping children and families thrive.Jacqueline shares how she built a continuum of care that bridges therapy, education, advocacy, and early intervention services for children with autism and developmental needs. She also discusses the growing need for family support, navigating special education systems, and what true advocacy looks like in today’s behavioral health landscape.This conversation is packed with practical insights for providers, educators, and leaders looking to create real impact for the families they serve.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t the market, your competition, or your circumstances… but your own mind?On this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Ashley Smith to explore how high performers can break through fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. Dr. Ashley shares how her personal journey with progressive vision loss shaped her mindset, leadership approach, and mission to help others unlock psychological strength.They discuss anxiety as a signal of growth, why our brains focus on the negative, how leaders can challenge internal narratives, and why discomfort is often the price of real progress.If you want to think bigger, lead better, and stop letting fear call the shots, this episode is for you.

What does great care actually look like in behavioral health today?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Rachel Evans, CEO of Old Town ABA, to break down what it really takes to build a high-quality, sustainable organization in the ABA space.Rachel shares how her personal connection to autism shaped her path into the field - and how that perspective influences the way she leads, hires, and delivers care today.They dive into: What separates good care from great care in modern ABA organizations  Why hiring and developing the right people is the foundation of everything  The real challenges of scaling while keeping clients, clinicians, and teams aligned  Why organic, relationship-driven marketing is still winning in a world of automation Rachel’s approach is simple but powerful: prioritize people, lead by example, and build real relationships at every level of the business.If you're building, leading, or scaling a behavioral health organization, this episode is a must-listen.

What does it really take to create impact in behavioral health beyond just growth?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Zeeshan Ali, Deputy Executive Director at Apna Ghar, Inc., to unpack how behavioral analysis principles can shape not just individuals, but entire organizations and communities.Zeeshan shares how his early experiences in immigrant communities led him into behavioral health, and how he now applies systems thinking to leadership, program design, and nonprofit growth. The conversation dives into balancing mission with scale, building trust in underserved communities, and why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in violence prevention.If you are leading a behavioral health organization or trying to grow with purpose, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on what actually works.

What does it really take to scale in behavioral health… without losing what makes you effective in the first place?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Nicholas Stavros, CEO of Community Medical Services, to break down what sustainable growth actually looks like in the substance use treatment space.Nick shares how CMS grew from just 6 clinics to over 80 locations across the U.S. - not by chasing growth, but by obsessing over quality, infrastructure, and patient outcomes first.They dive into: Why focusing inward can unlock external growth  The balance between scaling and maintaining care quality  How stigma continues to impact addiction treatment  Why science — not ideology — should guide treatment decisions  The real reason their marketing strategy avoids traditional advertising  How community trust drives patient acquisition more than paid ads This is a candid, practical conversation for leaders navigating growth, operations, and impact in behavioral health.Short. Tactical. No fluff.

What actually drives real change in behavioral health?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Clint Hardy, Clinical Therapist and Owner of Hardy Behavioral Health, to unpack what truly helps clients move forward.Clint shares how his personal journey into behavioral health shaped his career, and why lasting change is less about external pressure and more about intrinsic motivation. He breaks down the core elements required for transformation including motivation, knowledge, resources, and overcoming resistance.The conversation also dives into working with trauma and suicidality, the importance of meeting clients where they are, and why building hope early in treatment is critical. On the business side, Clint shares how specialization and clarity in positioning have been his most effective “marketing strategy” and what he’s watching closely as AI and investor-backed therapy groups reshape the industry.This is a practical, grounded conversation for clinicians, operators, and leaders who want to better understand both the human and business side of behavioral health.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim sits down with Nicholas Hilligoss, a human resources leader bringing a unique perspective to the behavioral health space.Nick shares how his early frontline experience working directly with individuals shaped the way he now supports teams, emphasizing empathy, feedback, and perspective-taking as core leadership skills.The conversation dives into what leaders often get wrong about culture, why the “small things” matter more than most realize, and how early behaviors can shape or derail an organization’s environment. Nick also breaks down the real challenges of scaling teams in behavioral health, highlighting the importance of cross-functional alignment and sustainable growth.On the talent side, he shares what’s actually working to attract and retain great people today, from values-based hiring to the “My Child Test” that every organization should consider.If you’re leading, hiring, or scaling in behavioral health, this episode offers practical, grounded insights from the HR side of the equation.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Frances Pereira, behavior analyst, OBM consultant, and founder of Quantum Outcomes, to explore how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can go far beyond traditional clinical settings.Frances shares her journey into the field and breaks down a powerful idea: behavior is behavior, no matter the environment. From improving workplace performance through Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) to influencing public health and policy, she explains where ABA has untapped potential to create real-world impact.The conversation also dives into one of the biggest gaps in training for new BCBAs - the difference between what’s required by funding sources and what the science actually allows. Frances offers a fresh perspective on developing flexible, thoughtful practitioners who can adapt their approach across environments.They also unpack what it really takes to build a values-driven organization, why finding the right fit matters more than scale, and how transparency in marketing helps attract aligned clients and partners.If you’re a behavioral health leader, clinician, or operator looking to expand your thinking beyond the status quo, this episode delivers practical insight without the fluff.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Mike Lifshotz to talk about the real role compliance plays in behavioral health growth, operations, and long-term value.Mike shares how he entered the field, what he learned through the acquisition of Hatch Compliance by Kipu Health, and why compliance should be seen as more than a regulatory checkbox. He explains how the right systems and automation can reduce risk, improve patient care, strengthen operations, and even increase business value during mergers and acquisitions.They also dig into leadership through growth, what it takes to build and scale something new in behavioral health, and why reputation, employee experience, and genuine human connection still matter most in winning new business.This conversation is packed with practical insight for operators, founders, and leaders looking to grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainably in behavioral health.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Steven Merahn, MD, physician executive, author, and advocate for more human-centered systems of care.Dr. Merahn shares how his early work in pediatrics and child development shaped his approach to integrated care, and why truly effective treatment must go beyond siloed disciplines and clinical dashboards. Together, they explore the difference between response and outcome, why care plans should be built around the person rather than the diagnosis, and what it really takes to create buy-in when redesigning care systems.They also dive into the future of autism services, including why the field is at a critical turning point and how child-centered, developmentally informed care may reshape the way providers support autistic children and families.This is a thoughtful conversation on leadership, integration, outcomes, and the human factor in behavioral health.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Kristyn Peterson, PhD, BCBA, LBA, LSSMBB, behavioral scientist, OBM leader, and Interim Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Zendicoded INC.Kristyn shares how she found behavior analysis by accident, why she pivoted into organizational behavior management, and what she has learned working at the intersection of behavioral science, process improvement, and software development. The conversation explores burnout in ABA, how better systems can reduce friction at work, what radical transparency looks like in leadership, and why curiosity beats hard selling when building business relationships.They also discuss psychological safety, cross-functional team alignment, AI in the software space, and how small consultancies can stand out in competitive markets.This episode is a sharp, practical conversation for leaders in behavioral health, ABA, and beyond who care about building better systems, stronger teams, and more sustainable growth.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Jason Barker, Chief Executive Officer of ICBD and ABA Centers, to talk about what it really takes to grow autism services the right way.Jason shares how he found his way back into behavioral health after decades in healthcare leadership, why ABA Centers created its BCBA apprenticeship program, and how his team thinks about scaling without compromising quality of care. He also breaks down the leadership challenges that come with growing across multiple markets, how ABA providers can earn trust in competitive regions, and why AI is quickly changing the future of digital marketing in autism care.This is a practical conversation about growth, leadership, workforce development, and staying grounded in clinical excellence while expanding access to care.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Moishe Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer at The Treetop ABA, to talk about what really drives growth in multi-location behavioral health organizations.Moishe breaks down why most healthcare marketing systems fail, how disconnected teams create wasted spend and frustrated families, and why the real opportunity is not just getting more leads, but getting families into care faster. He shares practical insights on speed to contact, lead-to-service conversion, operational visibility, and the balance between AI efficiency and human connection.Moishe currently leads marketing and growth at The Treetop ABA, a multi-location ABA provider focused on helping children and families access high-quality care. Learn more about their work at http://thetreetop.com/If you work in ABA, behavioral health, or healthcare growth, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas on building smarter systems, improving accountability, and creating marketing that actually supports better outcomes for families.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim sits down with Dov Berman, Chief Financial Officer at NewVista Behavioral Health, to discuss the financial and operational realities of growing a behavioral health organization while maintaining high-quality patient care.Dov shares how he entered the behavioral health space and how financial leadership plays a critical role in supporting patient outcomes, staffing stability, and long-term sustainability. The conversation explores the importance of reliable data, strong leadership teams, and disciplined financial systems in an industry facing staffing shortages, payer challenges, and increasing demand for services.Tim and Dov also discuss how finance intersects with marketing and business development, including why reputation and patient outcomes remain the strongest drivers of growth.This episode offers practical insights for behavioral health executives, operators, and leaders working to build organizations that are both financially strong and mission-driven.

How is AI changing the way ABA professionals work?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Veronica Medina, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and consultant at The ABA Proyect, to discuss how technology and cultural awareness are reshaping behavioral health.Veronica shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of behavior analysis and how her work now spans multiple organizations and international communities. The conversation explores the practical role AI is already playing in ABA, from streamlining documentation and communication to helping clinicians navigate language and cultural differences when working with families around the world.They also dive into how Veronica built her consulting practice through word of mouth, social media, and community partnerships, as well as why culturally relevant education and Spanish-language resources are essential for the future of ABA.This episode highlights how technology, culture, and community are coming together to expand access to behavioral health services globally.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Kamila Iacob, M.A., BCBA, LBA, Co-Founder of MentraTrack, to talk about one of the biggest challenges in ABA today: fieldwork supervision systems that track hours but miss everything else that matters.Kamila shares how her experience in supervision revealed major gaps in visibility, feedback, competency tracking, and audit readiness across organizations. She explains why disconnected systems like spreadsheets, PDFs, and email create risk for trainees, supervisors, and leadership teams, and how MentraTrack was built to bring structure, compliance, and real-time oversight to the process.They also discuss what organic growth looks like for a software company in the ABA space, why trust and product quality matter more than paid ads, and how AI can be used responsibly to improve supervision and skill development.If you are a BCBA, clinical leader, or behavioral health operator thinking about compliance, supervision quality, and scalable systems, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Technology is rapidly transforming behavioral health and ABA services - but is it actually helping clinicians deliver better care?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Melissa Kozak, BCBA, founder of Kozak Consulting and Clinical Partnership Consultant at Therapprove. With nearly 20 years of experience across schools, clinics, homes, and community settings, Melissa shares a clinician’s perspective on how technology should support - not complicate - real-world care.Melissa discusses the gap between how systems are built and how services are actually delivered in the field. She also explores the rise of caregiver-supported models, the growing role of AI in documentation and clinical workflows, and why many clinicians are moving toward specialized and independent practice models.They also dive into marketing and growth strategies in the ABA space, including why relationship-driven partnerships still outperform many traditional marketing tactics - and why ethical growth matters more than ever.If you're a practice owner, BCBA, or behavioral health leader navigating new technology, workforce challenges, or growth strategies, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who operates both in the field and inside the tech ecosystem.In this episode, you'll learn:• Where technology often fails clinicians in real-world settings • Why caregiver support tools are becoming essential in ABA services • How AI transcription and automation may reduce documentation burden • Why specialization is shaping the future of ABA careers • How relationship-driven growth beats transactional marketing • What practice owners should be cautious about when adopting new technology

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Tim Zercher sits down with Nick Chappell, Co-CEO and Founder of Verbal Beginnings, a leading provider of home-based and center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Nick shares his journey from direct work with children and families to co-founding Verbal Beginnings in 2011 alongside Diana Wolf, driven by a mission to expand access to high-quality, team-based ABA care in underserved areas like Maryland. He discusses the importance of strong culture combined with effective therapy, building operational infrastructure to support clinical excellence, navigating the fast-changing ABA landscape, and the power of brand reputation and word-of-mouth in a competitive market.Tune in for practical insights on leadership, scaling ethically, marketing in behavioral health, and adapting to emerging trends like AI - all while keeping clinical quality and family impact at the core.Whether you're an ABA provider, clinician, or leader in behavioral health, this candid 10-minute conversation delivers real-world lessons on growing access to care without compromising standards.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher speaks with Matt Cicoria, Consultant and Founder of Positive Behavioral Outcomes, LLC, and the Producer & Host of the widely popular Behavioral Observations Podcast - one of the most downloaded shows in behavior analysis with millions of listens over nearly a decade.Matt shares key insights from hosting long-form interviews with leading behavior analysts, including recurring guest backstories that resonate deeply with listeners, his deliberate focus on broader applications of behavior analysis beyond autism (e.g., behavioral economics, contingency management, OBM), and why he prefers the term "behavior analysis" over the autism-framed "ABA."The discussion covers overlooked trends like the revolutionary potential of AI in data analysis, automated session data collection, real-time feedback, and ethical implementation. Matt reflects on a memorable and challenging interview with Dr. Carl Hart, lessons in thoughtful communication (including the power of strategic pauses), the exciting growth of the autism services field, and serious concerns around rapid expansion - such as quality control, perverse incentives, clinical leadership experience gaps, and the risk of sidelining applied research in favor of high-demand practice roles.Whether you're a BCBA, RBT, clinic owner, or anyone interested in the future of behavioral science and autism support, this episode offers candid, practical perspectives on sustainable growth, ethics, and innovation in our field.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim sits down with Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni, a globally recognized thought leader, behavior analyst, and former Golden Gloves champion, to explore how behavioral science can transform leadership, organizations, and even combat sports. Paul shares practical insights from his decades of experience applying Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) principles to real-world challenges, from improving performance in schools to coaching world-class fighters.Listeners will learn how to:Apply the Four Hats of Leadership to motivate, train, coach, and maintain high-performing teams.Translate values into observable behaviors to create impact-driven organizations.Approach change management with behavioral principles to maximize results.Whether you’re a leader, educator, or practitioner, this episode delivers actionable strategies to leverage behavioral science for lasting success.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jaime Vinck, President of Meadows Behavioral Health, to explore leadership, innovation, and growth in the behavioral health space. Jaime shares her journey from HR professional to clinical leader, the transformative approach to treating co-occurring disorders and trauma, and how she is driving meaningful change in the field.We discuss:The evolution from sequential to co-occurring disorder treatmentExpanding access to care while maintaining cultural humilityWomen in leadership and shifting industry normsResponsible organizational growth in the face of staffing and patient acuity challengesBuilding trust and brand authority in behavioral health marketingWhether you’re a leader in behavioral health, a clinician, or simply interested in innovative approaches to care, Jaime’s insights offer both practical guidance and inspiration.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Taylor Cowan, M.Ed., Vice President of Business Development at Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education, to unpack the real challenges districts face when serving students with intensive behavioral and special education needs.Taylor shares his journey from pre-K teacher and school administrator to building customized behavioral health and special education programs across the South. The conversation dives into budget constraints, staffing shortages, special education director burnout, and what it truly takes to help students successfully transition back into less restrictive environments.They also explore what makes partnership-based services so difficult to market, why conferences and state-level pilot programs matter, and how proving results locally becomes the most powerful form of growth.If you work in ABA, special education, behavioral health, or district leadership, this episode offers candid insight into what’s happening on the ground - and what’s needed to drive sustainable change.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim sits down with Isaac L. Bermudez, BCBA, Chief Innovation Officer at Brett DiNovi & Associates, to explore leadership, innovation, and marketing in the behavioral health and ABA space. Isaac shares his journey into ABA, the unconventional “entrepreneurial approach” he teaches leaders, and key mindset shifts that help teams thrive in high-stakes, sensitive environments. From leveraging data to creating meaningful KPIs, to using social media and networking as tools for growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders, clinicians, and anyone passionate about ethical and effective behavioral health practice.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Trish Murray, Licensed Behavior Analyst and Co-Owner of Surfside ABA Therapy, to explore what sustainable, family-centered growth really looks like in ABA.Trish shares her 23-year journey from special education into ABA, why she intentionally chose not to scale fast, and how staying small has allowed her team to deliver deeply personal care without burning out clinicians or families. Together, they unpack leadership mindset shifts, motivation in team management, grassroots marketing, and why word-of-mouth still outperforms flashy campaigns.This candid conversation is a must-listen for ABA owners and leaders who want to grow ethically, protect their culture, and stay grounded in what actually matters to families.

In this episode of Tim Talks, Tim Zercher sits down with Margaret Fitch, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Boys & Girls Village, to explore the transformative power of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in supporting children with autism and other special needs. Margaret shares her journey into the field, practical strategies for building trust and rapport with learners, and how small, empathetic interventions can create big breakthroughs for students. From early exposure to autism in her youth to her impactful work today, Margaret provides a window into the heart of ABA and what it truly means to support children in therapeutic and educational settings.Tune in to hear actionable insights on fostering connection, debunking behavior myths, and helping students thrive in environments that might initially feel overwhelming.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Ashleigh Dominguez, BCBA, entrepreneur, and founder of Ashleigh Behavior Analysis, LLC. Ashleigh shares her unique journey into the world of ABA - a happy accident that turned into a 12-year career helping families and clinicians alike.They discuss how technology and AI are transforming the ABA space, from increasing accessibility to assisting clinicians without replacing them. Ashleigh also dives into common mistakes ABA teams make in clinical work, the importance of applying ABA principles internally, and her innovative approach to marketing as she builds her solo practice.If you’re curious about leveraging tech, improving staff outcomes, or creating meaningful connections with clients in behavioral health, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Moshe Katz, Practice Owner and Clinical Director at TE(A)CH Developmental and Behavioral Support, LLC, to explore his journey into ABA, the realities families face when starting services, and what ethical, person-centered care truly looks like.Moshe shares how an unexpected career pivot led him from biochemical engineering into behavior analysis, the emotional weight families carry at diagnosis, and the ongoing challenge of service consistency and staff turnover. The conversation also dives into preparing young adults with autism for independent living, emphasizing individualized treatment over diagnosis-driven care.To wrap up, Moshe offers an honest look at early-stage growth and marketing in behavioral health — from referral relationships to standing out authentically in a crowded space.This episode is a candid, practical listen for ABA leaders, clinicians, and anyone committed to building sustainable, ethical services in their community.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Lee Courrau, creator of the Social Pathways Curriculum, for a candid and practical conversation about the real challenges inside ABA social skills groups - and what actually works instead.Lee shares how she entered the ABA field, why most social skills groups “suck,” and how she developed a structured-yet-playful curriculum that keeps both kids and staff engaged. She also breaks down how providers can turn simple summer programs into six-figure wins, the marketing strategies she uses to grow her audience without sounding salesy, and what ABA leaders should be paying attention to next.If you’re an ABA provider, curriculum developer, clinical leader, or entrepreneur inside the behavioral health space, this 10-minute conversation is loaded with insight you can put to work immediately.

In this bite-sized episode of Tim Talks, Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Jennifer Charles, PhD, BCBA, founder of Building Blocks Resolutions. Dr. Jenn shares her journey into applied behavior analysis (ABA), why she fell in love with its objective, results-driven nature, and how her practice deliberately chooses slow, sustainable growth over the rapid scaling pushed by private equity.They dive into current trends in school-district contracting, the risks of prioritizing price over quality and supervision, and why word-of-mouth remains the most powerful marketing tool when clinical outcomes are exceptional. Dr. Jenn also reveals how her team is positioning themselves as a trusted educational resource through newsletters and webinars - rather than just another service provider.Perfect for ABA owners, BCBAs, school administrators, and anyone passionate about preserving clinical integrity while growing a practice.Sign up for Building Blocks Resolutions’ free newsletters at buildingblockresolutions.com or email [email protected].

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is more than just a therapy for autism—it’s a science that can transform lives across all populations. In this episode, Dr. Scott O’Donnell, PhD, joins Tim Zercher to share his journey into ABA, tackle common misconceptions about the field, and offer insights on preventing burnout for ABA staff. Plus, he dives into how behavioral science can inform marketing strategies and client growth.If you’re in behavioral health, leadership, or marketing for ABA, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on the power of ABA.

Join Timothy A. Zercher as he sits down with Melanie Dallas, a seasoned behavioral health leader with nearly 40 years of experience, to explore the challenges and innovations in mental health care. From creating easier access for complex populations to developing community-focused programs for veterans and recovery-friendly workplaces, Melanie shares actionable insights for leaders, marketers, and anyone invested in behavioral health.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with James Douglas, a behavioral health coach specializing in ADHD for both youth and executives. James shares his journey into behavioral health, how he tailors his approach for very different audiences, and his insights on how the conversation around ADHD and mental health is evolving. He also provides a look at what’s working in client acquisition and how personal connections play a key role in growth.Whether you’re a parent, educator, executive, or behavioral health professional, this episode provides practical strategies and thought-provoking insights on understanding ADHD and supporting neurodivergent individuals in diverse settings.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the future of behavioral healthcare — but not by replacing clinicians. Instead, AI is unlocking more time, more accuracy, and more access to care.In this episode, Tim sits down with Ethan Protzel, Founder & CEO of Behavior Group, to discuss:Why recruiting and retaining great clinicians is harder than everHow AI can eliminate administrative burden and accelerate outcomesThe future of passive data collection in ABAThe most effective recruitment marketing strategy he’s using todayWhether you’re running a growing ABA practice or exploring innovation in clinical operations, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most important topics in behavioral health today.

In this episode of Tim Talks, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Brianne Wolfgramm-Hardy, an expert in behavioral health community development and business strategy. Brianne shares her journey from working direct care in adolescent residential treatment to leading business development at Aspen Grove Behavioral Hospital.They dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of building lasting partnerships in behavioral health, prioritizing people over profit, and creating sustainable systems that improve access to care. Brianne also discusses the ethical responsibility of connecting the right clients with the right services, the importance of trust in provider relationships, and how families benefit from holistic, trauma-informed care.If you’re interested in learning practical strategies for building meaningful partnerships and strengthening community impact in behavioral health, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jen Farris, founder of Sprout MBC, to explore her journey from a college student unsure of her path to a passionate leader in behavioral health. Jen shares the story of how she got into applied behavior analysis, the challenges of building and growing a behavioral health organization in rural communities, and her vision for improving access to services for underserved populations.They discuss:The hardest parts of growing a behavioral health organizationGaps in training for BCBAs and how Sprout MBC addresses themHow to market ABA services effectively without compromising valuesChanging the public perception of ABA and highlighting its positive impactIf you’re in behavioral health, leadership, or looking to build a mission-driven organization, this conversation is full of practical insights and inspiration.

In this powerful episode of Tim Talks, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Duckworth, a public health practitioner and founder of Empowered Solutions, to explore how personal experiences shape professional purpose. From surviving a teenage suicide attempt to building community-focused mental health programs, Dr. Duckworth shares insights on reducing stigma, leveraging community partnerships, and making mental health care accessible to underserved populations.Listeners will learn:How personal challenges can fuel professional advocacyEffective strategies for community engagement in behavioral healthWays to normalize conversations about mental health in families and communitiesThis episode is both heartfelt and inspiring, offering practical guidance and hope for anyone passionate about mental health care and public health.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Frankie Wilson, a behavioral strategist with a diverse career spanning entertainment, ministry, radio, and behavioral health. Frankie shares how behavior shapes brand, insights from psychology every founder should know, and strategies for growing clients effectively while maintaining high-quality service.We dive into the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the integration of AI in client engagement, and how understanding human behavior can transform leadership and decision-making. Whether you’re a founder, clinician, or marketing professional in behavioral health, Frankie’s insights are practical, actionable, and eye-opening.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jim Szyperski, CEO of Acuity Behavioral, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming psychiatric care.Jim shares how his personal connection to mental health led him to build technology-driven solutions for behavioral healthcare. From developing “Nora,” an AI-powered nurse operations assistant, to tackling the inefficiencies in clinical workflows, Jim discusses what it really takes to innovate in an industry that’s decades behind the rest of healthcare.They dive into:The personal story that led Jim into behavioral healthWhy finding mission-aligned team members is harder than it looksHow AI can empower, not replace, clinical decision-makingThe importance of building technology from the ground up with clinician inputHow Acuity Behavioral is leveraging short-form video to reach its audienceIf you’re curious about how technology and compassion can coexist in the future of care, this conversation is a must-listen.

Entrepreneur-turned–mental health leader Tom Telford (CEO, LÉVO) joins Tim to unpack how his wife’s journey to becoming an LMFT led them to build LÉVO -primary mental healthcare focused on the “bio” in the biopsychosocial model.We cover:Tom’s pivot from institutional finance to mental health careThe 3 C’s of team-building: Connect, Communicate, Culture (plus alignment)Why care navigation is so confusing for the public—and how to fix itLeadership during community crisesWhat’s working in growth: referral networks, thought leadership, and (surprisingly) radioIf you or someone you serve is navigating mental health care, this conversation clarifies where to start and how leaders can build teams that actually help people.