In the Field: The ABA Podcast

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I chat with Mellanie Page, CEO of The ABA Collective and Executive VP of Operations at ABS Kids. Mellanie brings a rare blend of clinical and operational insight to the world of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), offering a practical and accessible approach to making meaningful change from within ABA organizations.Key Topics:From Clinical to Operational Leadership: Mellanie shares how her unexpected transition into operations led her to pursue an MBA and, ultimately, build learning programs that bridge the gap between business strategy and clinical excellence.What is OBM, Really? We break down the broad umbrella of OBM—what it is, how it differs from traditional ABA, and the subspecialties within it, such as performance management, safety, and instructional design.Practical OBM in Action: Mellanie walks us through her “Practical OBM” framework, designed to help everyday BCBAs apply OBM in their current roles. Learn how pinpointing high-impact behaviors and aligning systems can lead to powerful organizational change.Job Crafting and Burnout Recovery: Discover how OBM skills can help you reshape your current role to align better with your values, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction—without needing a new job title.Bridging the Science with Systems Thinking: From motivational interviewing to change management, Mellanie shares how she integrates soft skills with hard data to build sustainable, values-aligned systems of improvement.Getting Buy-In as a Practitioner: Learn how to communicate your ideas in a way that resonates with leadership, by framing them around organizational values, ROI, and layered system alignment.Key Takeaways:You don’t need to wait for permission to start using OBM—change can start within your own caseload or team.OBM isn’t about titles or certifications; it’s about building skills that create meaningful, scalable impact.The most effective organizational change starts with small, clearly defined, high-impact behaviors.Understanding stakeholder values and system alignment is critical to making sustainable improvements.OBM and instructional design are deeply aligned in their focus on performance, outcomes, and practical implementation.Connect with Mellanie and The ABA Collective:Website: https://www.theabacollective.com/LinkedIn: Mellanie PageInstagram: @theabacollectiveUpcoming Events:OBM Practitioner Program: 12-week cohort-based experience for designing and implementing real OBM projects with group coaching and support.Digital Clinician: A program for clinicians interested in creating digital products and leveraging online business models to scale their impact.Business of ABA Conference: A virtual event happening in September focused on operations, strategy, and growing with quality in mind.Free CEUs: Monthly workshops on practical applications of OBM and ABA in real-world settings.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam continues her conversation with Liz Matthews, CEO of EMG Consulting. After exploring burnout and personal evolution in Part 1, this episode dives into what that evolution looks like in practice—through hiring, supervision, equity, and organizational design.Liz shares how she’s built a workplace that prioritizes flexibility without sacrificing quality, and how leadership grounded in values, boundaries, and honest conversations has helped EMG become one of Virginia’s Best Employers.💬 Key Topics:Intentional Hiring and Interview Design: How Liz’s team uses structured, values-driven interviews to identify candidates who align with the culture—and why she’s willing to say no, even to highly qualified applicants.Flexible Systems with Accountability: How EMG balances autonomy and support, and why quality and flexibility aren’t mutually exclusive.Rethinking Pay and Progression: The challenges of building equitable compensation in a field where negotiation advantages are uneven.The Role of Supervision: Why EMG’s approach is rooted in shared values, honest feedback, and slowing down the process to focus on long-term fit and clinical integrity.Knowing When It’s Not a Fit: Candid stories about supporting trainees, setting boundaries, and recognizing when behavior analysis may not be the right path for someone.Practice Drives Policy: How EMG constantly evolves internal systems based on reflection, feedback, and real-world application—not just what looks good on paper.✨ Key Takeaways:Flexibility without clarity leads to confusion. Clarity without flexibility leads to burnout. EMG’s model tries to avoid both.Trainees and staff are selected with care, not just credentials. Culture fit and internal motivation matter.You don’t need to scale fast to be successful. You need to scale intentionally.Real leadership means making hard calls—including downsizing when growth isn’t values-aligned.“Practice drives policy” is more than a phrase—it’s a guiding principle that allows the organization to evolve without losing its foundation.📣 Connect with Liz:Instagram: @emg_consultingFacebook: EMG ConsultingLinkedIn: Elizabeth Matthews📚 Book Mentioned: Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan👂 Listen to Part 1:Didn’t catch the first half of this conversation? Be sure to listen to Part 1, where Liz shares her story of burnout, evolution, and reconnecting with purpose.🎧 Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast and explore more resources at SidekickLearning.net.#BCBA #ABA #LeadershipInABA #Supervision #ABABusiness #InTheFieldPodcast #SidekickLearning #WomenInLeadership #ValuesDrivenWork #OrganizationalCultureDisclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam sits down with Liz Matthews, CEO and founder of EMG Consulting, for a raw, honest conversation about burnout, identity, and what it really means to do values-driven work in behavior analysis. From being one of the first dozen BCBAs® in Virginia to navigating insurance reform, motherhood, and personal evolution, Liz shares how reconnecting with her values—and a supportive community—helped her reshape not just her mindset, but her entire business model.This is Part 1 of a two-part series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stay in this field and stay well.💬 Key Topics:The Early Days of ABA in Virginia: What it was like to be one of the first BCBAs® in the state, and how the field exploded post-insurance reformBurnout and Identity: Liz’s personal story of burnout while navigating motherhood, military spouse life, and professional overwhelmThe Power of Community: How connecting with values-aligned behavior analysts helped her rediscover meaning in her workBusiness Redesign from the Ground Up: The evolution of EMG Consulting—why Liz moved away from traditional models and toward individualized, flexible, equity-informed systemsDoing Better, Even When It’s Hard: Liz reflects on past practices, the importance of consent and compassionate care, and the vulnerability of realizing "we didn’t always get it right"Equity, Flexibility, and Women in Leadership: A candid conversation about parenting, caregiving, and what it means to lead from a place of reflection and purpose✨ Key Takeaways:Burnout doesn’t always look like collapse—it can look like autopilot. And it often demands a deeper look at your values.Systems can be built using the science of behavior—Liz shares how she uses assessment, feedback, and qualitative data to design a flexible, individualized workplace.Compassionate, affirming care isn’t a departure from ABA—it’s an evolved application of it.Women make up the majority of the field but are still underrepresented in leadership. That gap matters.📌 Don’t Miss:➡ Liz’s perspective on why “doing better” starts with acknowledging harm ➡ Her innovative approach to individualized job roles and benefits ➡ A heartfelt story of crying on stage at APBA—and the healing power of shared experience👀 What’s Next:In Part 2, we go even deeper: what supervision looks like at EMG, how Liz hires and retains high-quality team members, and the concrete systems she’s built that earned her company a Best Employer title in Virginia.📣 Connect with Liz:EMG Consulting: https://www.emgaba.com/LinkedIn: Elizabeth Matthews https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmmatthews/💡 Enjoyed this episode?Share it with a colleague, follow the show, or leave a review—this is how we keep real conversations like this going.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Episode Title: Expanding BCBA® Careers: Supporting Diverse Practice Paths in ABA with Nicole ParksHost: Allyson Wharam, Creator of Sidekick LearningGuest: Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted ConsultationIn this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam sits down with Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted Consultation, to challenge the status quo of applied behavior analysis. Together, they explore how BCBA®s can move beyond traditional autism therapy roles and pursue fulfilling careers in subspecialty areas of ABA. Nicole shares her journey across forensic systems, adult mental health, and consulting—offering a roadmap for behavior analysts ready to carve their own path.🔑 Key Topics:Breaking the Mold: Nicole shares her early career in forensics and mental health, and what drew her back to non-traditional ABA work after time in autism therapy.The Subspecialty Framework: A 3-part plan for diversifying ABA practice—centered around supervision, learning opportunities, and advocating for job creation.Funding vs. Fulfillment: A candid discussion about compensation, burnout, and why many BCBA®s stay in autism therapy even when their heart lies elsewhere.Real-World Scope: Why understanding your scope of competence—and how to expand it—is essential in navigating subspecialty roles.The Undercurrent: Nicole’s membership program designed to support and inspire ABA professionals exploring diverse practice areas.💡 Key Takeaways:BCBA®s are not limited to autism therapy—our science has far-reaching applications across healthcare, education, justice, animal behavior, and more.Exposure to diverse practice areas, ethical supervision, and ongoing mentorship are critical for growing the next generation of well-rounded behavior analysts.A major barrier to practice diversification is visibility—both in job listings and in the way we teach and talk about ABA.When one behavior analyst breaks into a new space, we all benefit—especially when we bring others along with us.Connect with Nicole Parks and Rooted Consultation:Website: Rooted ConsultationThe Undercurrent: Continuing Education Membership for Subspecialty AreasIgnis Path: Remote Supervision in Subspecialty AreasLinkedIn: Nicole ParksInstagram: thembabcba | @RootedConsultationSubscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast:Don’t miss future episodes exploring innovation in supervision, training, and practice. Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast and explore more resources for BCBA®s and ABA businesses at Sidekick Learning.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, we dive into the significant updates from the 5th Edition Task List to the 6th Edition Test Content Outline (TCO) for the BCBA exam. We discuss what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these updates impact both trainees and supervisors in the field of ABA.Whether you're preparing for the exam or supporting trainees, this episode will help clarify key shifts, including new terminology, changes in task weighting, and the growing emphasis on cultural responsiveness, ethical considerations, and applied assessment practices.Key Topics Discussed✅ Task List → Test Content Outline (TCO): Understanding the name change and its implications✅ Structural Updates: Sections are now called Domains (A-I) with minor category refinements✅ Exam Weighting Adjustments: Changes in emphasis on key areas, including ethics, behavior assessment, and supervision✅ New & Expanded Content Areas:Ethical & Professional Issues: More focus on cultural humility, bias, and professional risksConcepts & Principles: Additions like behavioral momentum, multiple control in verbal behavior, and matching lawAssessment & Measurement: Emphasizing environmental constraints and procedural integritySupervision & Management: Explicit focus on promoting equity and effective supervision✅ How These Changes Affect Supervisors & Trainees: Practical strategies for integrating these updates into training and study plansResources Mentioned📌 Sidekick Learning’s 6th Edition Crosswalk – Download the breakdown of changes at www.sidekicklearning.net📌 February 2022 BACB Newsletter – Official source announcing these updates📌 Sidekick Learning’s Supervision Curriculum & Mock Exams – Designed to align with the new TCODisclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I chat with Patrick Faga, behavior scientist and co-founder of FirstWork, about how technology is transforming discrete trial training (DTT) and behavior analysis. Patrick shares how his experiences as a behavior technician inspired the creation of FirstWork, a direct lesson delivery platform designed to simplify DTT while maintaining its core flexibility and personalization.Key Topics:What is FirstWork? Patrick explains how FirstWork streamlines DTT by digitizing lesson delivery, eliminating the need for physical flashcards, and integrating reinforcement systems within a tablet-based platform.Balancing Tech and Human Connection: Patrick discusses how technology like FirstWork enhances the teacher or technician’s ability to connect with learners by removing time-consuming manual tasks.Affordances and Constraints of Technology: Learn about the unique advantages FirstWork offers, such as real-time feedback and customizable programs, as well as thoughtful consideration of its limitations and learner fit.Improving DTT Outcomes: How FirstWork leverages concept formation, critical and variable features, and automated data collection to promote generalization and support goal achievement.Impact on Teams and Organizations: Patrick dives into how FirstWork benefits ABA teams by saving time, reducing costs, and improving the consistency of lesson delivery, making it a game-changer for both practitioners and learners.Key Takeaways:Technology doesn’t replace teachers or technicians—it enhances their ability to focus on the learner by automating repetitive tasks.DTT, often misunderstood as overly rigid, becomes more dynamic and engaging when integrated with tools like FirstWork.FirstWork’s customizable features ensure lessons are tailored to each learner, while the platform's reinforcement system motivates participation and strengthens autonomy.Keywords: Discrete Trial Training, ABA, Behavior Analysis, Technology in ABA, DTT Platforms, Reinforcement Systems, Behavior Technician Tools, Concept Formation, Generalization, Patrick Faga, FirstWorkConnect with Patrick and FirstWork:Website: FirstWorkEmail: info@firstworkapp.comFirstWork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstworkapp/Patrick Faga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickfagaInstagram: @firstworkappSubscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss more inspiring conversations about innovation in ABA. Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for insights, tools, and strategies to elevate your practice. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and professional development.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Matt Harrington, founder of the Behaviorist Book Club, to explore the essential role of research literacy in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Mathew shares his journey from clinical work to developing resources that help behavior analysts access and apply research effectively. He introduces practical frameworks, like his "Key Places Framework," designed to make research more accessible and actionable for busy practitioners.Key Topics:The Research-to-Practice Gap: Matt discusses the challenges behavior analysts face in keeping up with rapidly evolving research and how this gap impacts clinical quality.Key Places Framework: An innovative approach for quickly navigating and extracting relevant information from research articles, enabling clinicians to save time and make informed decisions.Overcoming Barriers to Research Access: Practical tips for accessing essential ABA journals, handling paywalls, and making time for continued learning.Importance of Research Literacy in Supervision: Why developing research literacy is crucial for new clinicians and how supervisors can support this skill.Bootcamps and Courses: Insights into Matt's educational programs at the Behaviorist Book Club, including his "Pathways" bootcamp for intensive learning in severe behavior reduction.Key Takeaways:Accessing and applying ABA research doesn’t have to be daunting. Matt's frameworks empower clinicians to efficiently find and use research, fostering better clinical outcomes.Research literacy is an essential skill for behavior analysts, not only to improve intervention efficacy but also to build confidence in clinical decision-making.Supervisors play a crucial role in developing research literacy and critical thinking skills in new behavior analysts, preparing them for long-term success in the field.Keywords: ABA, Behavior Analysis, Research Literacy, Behaviorist Book Club, Key Places Framework, Clinical Quality, Research-to-Practice Gap, Severe Behavior Reduction, ABA SupervisionConnect with Matt:Website: www.behavioristbookclub.comFree Resource: Solving Clinical Challenges with Research - Free CEU course covering the Key Places Framework and research finding techniques.Facebook: ABA CafeSubscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more insights and interviews with experts in behavior analysis. Visit www.sidekicklearning.net for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities!Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Navigating School-Based ABA and Supervision with Jennifer SpilewskiIn this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I’m joined by Jennifer Spilewski, a BCBA with over 20 years of experience working in school-based settings. Jennifer shares her unique journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a district-level BCBA, offering valuable insights into how behavior analysts can navigate the school environment while providing effective supervision.Key Topics:Transitioning to School-Based ABA: Jennifer’s journey from special education to ABA, and how her experiences shaped her role as a BCBA in schools.Supervision in Schools: The challenges and opportunities in providing supervision to those working in schools, from teachers to paraprofessionals, and how supervisors can offer meaningful support.Collaboration with Teachers: Why building strong relationships with teachers and other staff is essential for successful behavior intervention and data collection.Adapting ABA Practices in Schools: How to apply ABA principles like reinforcement, data collection, and behavior intervention planning in varied school settings, including inclusion and resource classrooms.Unrestricted Activities in School Settings: Creative strategies for accruing fieldwork hours in school environments, such as working with PBIS systems and teaching behavior analytic principles to staff.Key Takeaways:School-based BCBAs often work with adults (teachers, paraprofessionals) more than directly with students. Jennifer highlights the importance of teaching others how to implement behavior analytic strategies.Flexibility and creativity are crucial for adapting ABA principles to different school settings, such as modifying reinforcement systems for different age groups or classroom environments.Building relationships with school staff is critical for successful behavior intervention and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.The transition from being a classroom teacher to a school-based BCBA requires adjusting to working across multiple schools and handling more complex layers of collaboration and administration.Keywords: School-Based ABA, Behavior Analysis, Supervision, Teacher Training, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Data Collection, Special Education, Behavior Plans, Fieldwork Supervision, Jennifer SpilewskiConnect with Jennifer:website: www.sidekicklearning.netemail: jennifer@sidekicklearning.netUpcoming Event: Jennifer will be presenting a live CEU event on October 28, 2024, titled “Consult, Collaborate, Empower: Tools for School-Based Coaching.” The event will focus on practical tools for BCBAs working in school settings, and all proceeds will support disaster relief efforts. Learn more and register here.Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more expert insights and innovative practices in ABA supervision. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Podcast Episode: Collaboration in School-Based ABA with Bailey PayneIn this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Bailey Payne, a BCBA and educator with vast experience in school-based ABA. We dive into how she transitioned from clinical work to focusing on supporting schools and teachers through behavior analytic strategies. Bailey also shares insights from her recently published book, which focuses on making ABA principles accessible to teachers and parents.Key Topics:Transitioning to School-Based ABA: Bailey shares her experience shifting from clinical practice to working in schools and the importance of maintaining scope of competence.Challenges in Schools: We discuss how privacy laws, funding issues, and limited resources impact the ability to implement ABA strategies in public schools.Building Rapport: Bailey emphasizes the importance of building relationships and gaining teacher buy-in when implementing ABA principles in classrooms.Collaborative Approaches: Why effective collaboration between BCBAs and teachers is crucial, and how valuing each other’s expertise can lead to better outcomes for students.ABA Dissemination: Bailey’s passion for making ABA principles accessible, her approach to disseminating ABA through training and her book, and how her experiences as a single mom and educator influenced her work.Key Takeaways:School-based ABA requires flexibility, humility, and the ability to navigate a complex educational ecosystem.Collaboration with teachers is key, and understanding the cultural and practical realities of the classroom is essential for success.Data collection and practical strategies need to be digestible and accessible for parents and teachers, which is a major focus of Bailey’s new book.Keywords: School-Based ABA, Behavior Analysis, Collaboration, Teacher Training, Special Education, Public Schools, Data Collection, Bailey Payne, Applied Behavior Analysis, Scope of Competence, ABA DisseminationConnect with Bailey:Facebook: Behavior Breakthrough with Bailey PayneInstagram: @behavior_breakthroughWebsite: www.baileypayne.comBook: Behavior Breakthrough available now for pre-order!Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more insights and interviews with experts in behavior analysis. Visit www.sidekicklearning.net for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities!Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Episode Summary:In this episode, Allyson speaks with Nicole Shallow, a behavior analyst and sleep consultant based in Vancouver, Canada. Nicole shares her journey into the world of behavioral sleep consulting and the critical role of understanding the underlying physiological factors affecting sleep. They explore how behavior analysts can expand their scope to address sleep issues, how to stay within one's scope of competence, and why collaboration with medical professionals is essential.Nicole provides valuable insights into the assessment process, the connection between sleep and other issues like gastrointestinal problems, and the importance of building strong, individualized sleep plans for clients.Key Topics Discussed:Nicole’s journey into sleep consulting and behavior analysis, starting as a Behavior Interventionist and specializing in sleep through mentorship.How sleep is often a symptom of broader physiological or environmental issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or stress.The importance of understanding sleep physiology and when to refer to medical professionals.Behavioral strategies for addressing common sleep issues and building individualized sleep interventions.Tips for behavior analysts wanting to expand their scope of competence into new areas, such as sleep.Collaboration with parents and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to sleep interventions.The need for more research in the field of behavior analysis on sleep, given the current limitations of small sample sizes.How Nicole integrates ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) principles and soft skills when supporting families through sleep challenges.Actionable Step:For practitioners interested in expanding their skills into sleep consulting, start by reviewing behavioral sleep medicine research and completing a relevant CEU. Nicole suggests getting mentorship in sleep consulting to ensure competency in addressing more complex sleep issues.Resources Mentioned:Nicole Shallow - Your Behavior GalHanley’s Sleep Assessment ToolBehavior Live (for CEs related to sleep)LinkedIn (for networking and mentorship opportunities)Connect with Nicole:Instagram: @yourbehaviorgalWebsite: Your Behavior GalTakeaways for Listeners:Building a successful sleep intervention requires understanding not only behavioral factors but also physiological and environmental components.Collaboration with parents and other professionals is essential to creating sleep plans that work for each family.Behavior analysts can broaden their scope and contribute to more comprehensive care by specializing in areas like sleep.Disclaimer: BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®. All information and products are for educational purposes only.