ABA Business Leaders

What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care. Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians. The Big Questions What is parent-led ABA therapy?A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making.Why is parent trust important?It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported.What should parents expect from a BCBA?Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines.Why are compliance-based goals controversial?The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life.How can BCBAs involve parents more?By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities.Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/ Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUsStephen’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1  

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it. They explore why burnout is often less about personal failure and more about broken systems, and how many ABA business owners continue operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their teams or themselves. Stephen, April and Dr. Becca break down the importance of stepping outside your own operations to identify where stress, inefficiency, and overwhelm are really coming from. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Find out more at www.mkmaudio.com   Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact 

Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth. In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make when starting their practice, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting a seven-figure ABA practice through 3 Pie Squared, Stephen and April share practical guidance for business owners who want to build a stronger, more sustainable company from day one. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs 

What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood? In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of being both a mom and the CEO of an ABA Business. From unexpected challenges and the constant mental load, to learning how to ask for help and intentionally designing an ideal week, this episode explores the practical and emotional side of balancing leadership, family, and personal wellbeing. The panel also shares candid stories about what surprised them most when stepping into both motherhood and entrepreneurship, how they manage the never-ending workload that comes with both roles, and why protecting time for yourself is essential.  Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs 

ABA Business Leaders Rewind: Red Flags in ABA Service Providers This throwback episode, Stephen and April break down the biggest warning signs to watch for when working with service providers who support ABA businesses. From vendors operating without clinician input to those charging fees that don’t align with value, this episode sharpens your ability to vet partners effectively. They also cover why broad, unfocused service offerings, lack of referrals, and hard selling tactics should raise immediate concerns. You’ll walk away with practical questions to ask before committing, plus insight into how 3 Pie Squared evaluates vendors to protect both clinical quality and business performance. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 Schedule a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips