Tim Talks: Behavioral Health

What happens when a BCBA with years of clinical experience decides to build the software they always wished existed?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Tyler Krueger, Founder and CEO of SessionABA, to discuss the operational challenges facing independent ABA providers and why better technology can improve both clinical care and workplace culture.Ty shares his journey from clinician and clinical director to software founder, explaining how firsthand experience with documentation, billing, and administrative burdens inspired him to create a practice management platform built specifically for ABA providers. The conversation also explores the importance of protecting independent clinics, building strong organizational cultures, hiring the right people, and creating systems that allow clinicians to spend more time with clients and less time behind a computer.They also dive into practical marketing strategies for growing a behavioral health business, why providing value always outperforms hard selling, and how authentic communities can become the strongest driver of long-term success.Whether you're an ABA clinic owner, BCBA, behavioral health leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, innovation, and building organizations that put people first. 

Patients often leave a healthcare appointment with the right information—but not the understanding they need when questions arise later.In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Mina G. Yacoub, PharmD, BCPS, Founder & CEO of Qik Productions, to discuss one of healthcare's biggest blind spots: what happens after the patient leaves.Drawing on her experience as a pharmacist, Mina shares why patient education shouldn't end at the point of care and how healthcare organizations can improve outcomes by delivering educational content when patients need it most. She also explains how engagement analytics can strengthen patient education without losing the human connection, the challenges of building a healthcare startup, and why solving the right problem matters more than selling the right product.Whether you're a behavioral health leader, clinician, or healthcare innovator, this conversation offers practical insights into improving patient understanding and engagement beyond the exam room.In this episode, you'll learn: Why patients forget critical healthcare information after appointments  How continuous education improves patient understanding and adherence  Using engagement analytics to strengthen patient education  The biggest lessons from building a healthcare startup  Why successful organizations focus on problems before solutions  How digital education is changing the future of patient care

What does it take to transform healthcare without sacrificing quality of care?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Mary O'Connor, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vori Health and former Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic Florida, to discuss why the healthcare system must shift toward value-based care.Mary shares why she transitioned from practicing orthopedic surgery to leading healthcare innovation, how telehealth is improving access while reducing unnecessary costs, and why the current reimbursement model often rewards expensive procedures over better patient outcomes. She also explains why successful healthcare innovation depends on collaboration between clinicians and technology teams, what it takes to build high-performing organizations, and how employers and insurers are driving the adoption of more effective care models.Whether you're a behavioral health executive, healthcare leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical insights into leadership, innovation, and building systems that put patients first. 

What if healing doesn't always start with words?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Dr. Jennifer Couldry, Founder & CEO of Soul Echo Therapy, to explore the powerful connection between sound, the nervous system, and emotional healing.Jennifer shares how her unique background as an opera singer, technology leader, and clinical sound therapist led her to combine music, neuroscience, hypnotherapy, and subconscious work to help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, burnout, and stress. The conversation also dives into the opportunities and risks AI presents in mental healthcare, the importance of human connection in healing, and why nervous system regulation may be the missing piece for many people struggling to move forward.Topics covered include: How sound therapy impacts the nervous system  The role of hypnotherapy in behavior change  AI's place in mental health care  Why younger generations may be vulnerable to AI relationships  Practical strategies for breaking unhealthy patterns  Creative marketing strategies for niche behavioral health services If you've ever wondered how science, sound, and the subconscious intersect, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

What does it take to build a clinic culture that people actually want to be part of?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Rachael Cain, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director at Autism Center of Excellence, to discuss leadership, culture, and the challenges of scaling ABA organizations without losing what makes them special.Rachael shares how understanding individual passions can keep clinicians engaged, why creating fun and joy at work matters just as much as clinical excellence, and how leaders can make new team members feel like they belong from day one.They also explore one of the biggest challenges facing ABA providers today: BCBA burnout and retention. Rachael discusses creative approaches to recruitment, apprenticeship models for new BCBAs, and why personalized benefits may be the future of clinician retention.Topics covered include: Building a culture that keeps clinicians engaged  Maintaining team identity while scaling  Supporting and retaining new BCBAs  Creative employee benefits that actually matter  Community partnerships as a growth strategy for ABA organizations If you're leading a behavioral health organization or growing an ABA practice, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

What does it take to build ABA programs that create lasting independence for learners?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Stacey Shook, PhD, Director of Northwest Behavioral Associates, to discuss what she's learned from more than 25 years in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.Stacey shares how delivering services across clinics, homes, schools, and communities leads to better long-term outcomes, why organizational values matter just as much as clinical skills when hiring and developing staff, and how meaningful supervision and mentorship shape the next generation of behavior analysts.They also discuss the growing challenges of insurance-driven care, clinician recruitment, burnout, and why protecting quality of care must remain the priority—even when financial pressures push organizations in another direction.Whether you're an ABA provider, behavioral health leader, or clinician, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, service delivery, and building organizations that truly make a difference.

What does it take to grow an ABA organization for more than a decade without losing sight of the mission?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Jennifer Helten, CEO and Founder of Unique Pathways, to discuss the leadership principles that have helped her scale a thriving ABA organization while staying committed to children, families, and meaningful outcomes.Jennifer shares why great leaders should say "not right now" instead of simply "no," how mission-driven feedback strengthens culture and retention, and the communication challenges that come with rapid growth. She also explains why longevity and trust have become some of her organization's greatest marketing advantages and why partnering with marketers who truly understand ABA makes all the difference.Whether you're leading an ABA practice, growing a behavioral health organization, or building a mission-driven team, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Justin Chase, CEO of Solari, Inc., to discuss what it truly takes to build behavioral health crisis systems that save lives.Justin shares lessons from leading one of the nation's largest crisis response organizations, including the importance of seamless care transitions, maintaining culture during rapid growth, and balancing compassion with accountability through heart-led leadership.The conversation also explores the future of crisis care, the role of relationships in building successful partnerships, and how organizations can leverage technology and AI while staying mission-focused.Whether you're a behavioral health leader, clinician, or executive focused on scaling impact, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, system design, and creating sustainable growth in high-stakes environments.

On this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim sits down with Jeremy Schall, CEO of Scottsdale Behavioral Health, to discuss the powerful intersection of behavioral health, recovery, and justice reform.Jeremy shares his deeply personal journey from being a defendant and patient within the justice system to becoming a leader dedicated to helping justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives. Together, they explore why connection is at the heart of recovery, the importance of lived experience in behavioral health organizations, and how peer support can transform outcomes for individuals navigating reentry.Jeremy also shares practical insights on building effective reentry programs, preventing staff burnout, and why partnerships with probation departments and justice systems are critical for behavioral health organizations looking to create lasting community impact.This conversation is a powerful reminder that people are more than their past mistakes—and that connection, compassion, and community can change lives.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Dr. R. Nicolle Carr to discuss some of the biggest ethical and access challenges facing the ABA field today.Dr. Carr shares her unexpected journey into behavior analysis, why ethical decision-making often lives in the gray areas rather than the textbook, and how providers can better prepare clinicians for the realities of practice. The conversation explores rural access to ABA services, the limitations of diagnosis-based funding, and the difficult real-world decisions clinicians face every day.They also discuss leadership, creating a culture where ethical concerns can be openly discussed, and why being a trusted community resource may be one of the most effective growth strategies for behavioral health organizations.Whether you're a clinician, leader, or practice owner, this episode offers practical insights on ethics, access, leadership, and sustainable growth in behavioral health.

What role do families play in addiction treatment success?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Carolyn Bradfield, Founder & CEO of Pathroot Health, to discuss why family engagement may be one of the most overlooked factors in treatment retention and recovery outcomes.Drawing from both professional experience and her personal journey as the parent of a daughter who struggled with addiction, Carolyn shares powerful insights into the gaps families face throughout the treatment process. She explains how treatment providers can better support families, reduce early discharges, improve retention, and create stronger outcomes for both patients and organizations.The conversation also explores the financial impact of treatment dropouts, the importance of family alignment, and why education and engagement can be the difference between success and failure in recovery.If you're a behavioral health leader, addiction treatment provider, or anyone passionate about improving recovery outcomes, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, to discuss what it takes to lead and grow a mission-driven behavioral health organization.Drawing on more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience, Dr. Chalakani shares lessons on building a strong organizational culture, staying anchored to your mission during periods of growth, and leading with both compassion and accountability. She also discusses the challenges nonprofit organizations face when scaling services, retaining top talent, and securing the resources needed to support their communities.The conversation also explores practical marketing strategies for behavioral health providers, including the importance of brand consistency, employee advocacy, social media visibility, and creating meaningful engagement through newsletters and events.Whether you're leading an ABA organization, behavioral health practice, or nonprofit healthcare organization, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, culture, growth, and sustainable impact.

What does it take to build an ABA organization where people actually stay?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Armon Aghaie, CEO of Unity Behavioral Services, to discuss leadership, culture, retention, and the future of ABA.After spending a decade scaling technology companies, Armon made the decision to leave the tech world and pursue a mission centered on helping children discover their purpose and potential. That journey ultimately led to the creation of Unity Behavioral Services.Armon shares why he believes most organizations overcomplicate leadership, how a human-first approach has helped Unity achieve virtually unheard-of retention rates, and why being selective about hiring may be the key to building exceptional teams. He also discusses the challenges of scaling an ABA provider, lessons learned from rapid growth, and the marketing strategies helping Unity expand its impact.If you're an ABA leader looking to strengthen your culture, improve retention, and build a mission-driven organization, this conversation is packed with practical insights.Learn more about Unity Behavioral Services: https://unitybehavioralservices.unityco.co

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Rachelle and Avi Wisotsky of RightWay ABA to discuss what it takes to build an ABA organization the right way.Rachelle brings the clinical heart as a BCBA, while Avi brings the operational and business strategy needed to scale. Together, they share how personal connection, caregiver involvement, clinical excellence, and community relationships shape the way they serve families.They also discuss the challenges of rapid growth, maintaining quality care, supporting staff, and why real value in ABA comes from doing the work before asking for anything in return.

What does it take to grow a healthcare organization while staying focused on the people it serves?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Steven Schiff, Chairman of the Board at East Texas Community Clinic, to discuss leadership, growth, and the power of relationships in healthcare.Steven shares how his background in global sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship helped guide the expansion of East Texas Community Clinic from a single-site operation into a growing healthcare organization serving thousands of patients across multiple communities. He explains why building trust with patients, providers, and community partners has been the foundation of the clinic's success.The conversation also explores the challenges of scaling healthcare services, recruiting top clinical talent in rural communities, creating sustainable funding models, and developing innovative partnerships that improve access to care. Steven offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders looking to balance mission, growth, and long-term impact.Whether you're leading a behavioral health organization, healthcare practice, or nonprofit, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, community engagement, and sustainable growth.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Ericka Braggs, Founder of Shape Our Village and co-author of the A Million Possibilities caregiver training curriculum.Drawing from her background as a school counselor and BCBA, Ericka shares why some of the most effective ABA interventions begin by listening before teaching. She discusses the importance of cultural humility, building genuine partnerships with families, and creating programs that work in the realities of everyday life—not just on paper.Ericka also shares the challenges of growing a mission-driven organization, why caregiver training deserves more attention in ABA, and how providers can bridge the gap between clinical expertise and family expertise to create lasting outcomes.Whether you're a BCBA, clinical leader, or behavioral health entrepreneur, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to deliver care that is both evidence-based and deeply human.What You'll Learn: How Ericka's journey from school counseling led her into ABA  Why caregiver training is critical for long-term success  The role of cultural humility in effective treatment  How to build stronger partnerships with families  Challenges of scaling a relationship-driven organization  Marketing lessons for behavioral health innovators  Why human connection may be the missing ingredient in many ABA programs 

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Shannon Werb, CEO of Array Behavioral Care, to discuss the evolution of virtual behavioral health and why the industry's focus is shifting from access to outcomes.Shannon shares how Array is leveraging technology, data, and clinical expertise to demonstrate measurable patient improvement at scale. He explains why virtual care can be especially effective for higher-acuity patients, how healthcare organizations can reduce friction for both clinicians and patients, and what it takes to grow a behavioral health organization without adding unnecessary complexity.The conversation also explores the future of behavioral health marketing, including the growing role of AI, account-based marketing, thought leadership, and how organizations can position themselves for success as buyers increasingly rely on large language models and AI-driven search.Key topics include:• Why behavioral health needs to move beyond access and focus on outcomes• What Array learned from studying patient outcomes at scale• Reducing administrative burden for clinicians through technology• Building sustainable growth without increasing complexity• The impact of AI on healthcare marketing and buyer behavior• Why thought leadership is becoming a competitive advantage in behavioral healthIf you're a behavioral health leader, healthcare executive, or marketing professional looking to understand where the industry is heading, this conversation offers practical insights from one of the leaders helping shape the future of virtual care.

What does it take to grow an ABA organization without sacrificing culture, quality, or clinical excellence?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Diana Wolf, Co-CEO of Verbal Beginnings, to discuss the realities of scaling an ABA organization the right way.Diana shares why many providers struggle when they focus on headcount and expansion before building the operational and clinical infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth. She explains how Verbal Beginnings has built a culture centered on both client outcomes and employee experience, creating an environment where clinicians can thrive while delivering exceptional care.The conversation also explores leadership development, creating the right organizational roles, attracting top talent, and how AI is beginning to reshape marketing and intake processes in behavioral health.Whether you're leading a growing ABA practice, managing clinical teams, or thinking about the future of behavioral health operations, this episode offers practical insights on building an organization that can scale without losing its mission.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why infrastructure must come before expansion• How strong culture protects quality of care• The importance of putting the right people in the right seats• Strategies for reducing burnout and improving retention• How AI is changing intake, marketing, and client acquisition in ABA• What sustainable growth really looks like in behavioral health

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Joy Pendola, Chief Clinical Officer at McCall Behavioral Health Network, to discuss what it really takes to balance clinical excellence with operational demands in behavioral healthcare.Joy shares her journey into the field, the leadership lessons she's learned over nearly three decades, and why quality care should always remain the foundation of organizational growth. The conversation explores clinician retention, supervision, professional development, continuous quality improvement, and the growing impact of compliance and regulatory requirements on behavioral health organizations.Whether you're leading a behavioral health organization, managing clinical teams, or planning for growth, this episode offers practical insights on building systems that support both staff and clients while maintaining accountability and high standards of care.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Zoe Huppman, Human Resource Business Partner at Chimes, to talk about what behavioral health organizations often miss when it comes to retention, hiring, and staff support.Zoe shares her perspective as both a former RBT and current HR leader, highlighting why organizations need to stop simply “filling bodies” and start creating environments where staff can actually stay, recover, and thrive. From realistic job previews to mental health days, quiet break spaces, supervisor support, and stronger community partnerships, Zoe offers practical insight into building teams that last.She also discusses the importance of understanding disability, behavior, and workplace support through a more holistic lens.

What does real buy-in actually look like in behavioral health?In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Monica Gilbert to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in the field: compliance is not the same as commitment.Dr. Gilbert shares why clinicians often mistake attendance and agreement for true engagement - and how that gap leads to burnout, stalled progress, and frustration for both providers and families.They dive into the power of better questions, the role of motivational interviewing, and how shifting from “fixing” to truly understanding can transform outcomes inside and outside the session room.You’ll also hear how Dr. Gilbert has scaled her practice over 16+ years, the importance of stepping back as a leader, and why building the right processes and culture is critical for long-term growth.This is a practical, no-fluff conversation for ABA leaders, clinicians, and behavioral health operators looking to drive real impact.Learn more about Monica Gilbert:www.drmonicagilbert.comhttps://crystalabatherapy.com/

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.