What happens when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, founder of ABA Speech, to discuss the intersection of speech therapy and applied behavior analysis.

The conversation explores common misconceptions between disciplines, how ABA companies can successfully integrate speech services, and why communication goals should be developed through genuine interdisciplinary collaboration. Rose also discusses the importance of developmental milestones, AAC implementation, ethical collaboration, and her upcoming book designed to help professionals better support communication development.

How can BCBAs and Speech-Language Pathologists work together more effectively?

Rose explains why collaboration between ABA and speech professionals can be challenging and shares practical strategies for building stronger interdisciplinary partnerships that improve outcomes for autistic learners.

Should ABA companies hire Speech-Language Pathologists?

Learn the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for ABA organizations looking to integrate speech therapy services into their practice, including what leaders should know before hiring an SLP.

What communication skills should behavior analysts understand?

Rose discusses foundational communication development, language milestones, joint attention, AAC, and why understanding speech and language development helps BCBAs create more effective interventions.

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

Resources & Links

Pre-order link of Rose Griffin’s book: https://abaspeech.lpages.co/say-it-with-me-book-page/

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 happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection?

In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.

Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.

Questions To Be Answered

• What is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?
• Why is authenticity important?
• How does emotional suppression affect leaders?
• Are we too focused on compliance?
• How can you regulate during stress?

Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth? 

Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.

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 

MarginKeepers: 

https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers 

Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?

https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

How do we define quality ABA services with Bryant Silbaugh 

What is quality assurance in ABA, and how can behavior analysts measure service quality more effectively? 

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith speak with Dr. Bryant Silbaugh, behavior analyst, researcher, author, and Founder of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), about the systems, processes, and measurements that drive high-quality ABA services. Bryant explains how ABA organizations can define quality, evaluate clinical performance, establish meaningful outcome measures, and build systems that support continuous improvement. He shares practical insights from his work in autism treatment, behavioral intervention quality management, and ABA service delivery research. 

The conversation covers quality assurance frameworks, goal setting, key performance indicators (KPIs), clinician self-evaluation, treatment outcomes, and the role of organizational systems in delivering effective ABA services. 

Key Topics Covered 

What quality assurance means in applied behavior analysis 

How to measure ABA service quality 

Common service delivery blind spots in ABA organizations 

Defining quality indicators for behavioral interventions 

The relationship between clinical quality and business performance 

His research has focused on operant variability, pediatric feeding disorders, autism intervention, and ABA service delivery quality. He is the author of Quality Control for Behavior Analysts: How to Manage Behavioral Intervention Quality in Autism Service Settings, a practical framework for measuring and managing intervention quality in autism service settings. 

Bryant is the Founder and CEO of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), Founder and Chair of the IGNITE Quality Conference, and Director of Clinical Excellence, Quality, and Research at Gateway Pediatric Therapy. 

Have a Question for Stephen and April? 

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline:  (737) 330-1432 

Resources & Links 

Registration pages for supervision huddles: https://www.nasqn.org/

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 

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith speaks with Melanie Thurston and Amanda Williamson, BCBA, about one of the most important factors in successful ABA therapy: strong parent-provider relationships. 

The conversation explores how ABA providers can communicate more effectively with families, build trust with parents navigating an autism diagnosis, and better understand what families truly want from therapy. Melanie and Amanda share practical insights for BCBAs, clinic owners, and ABA professionals looking to create more compassionate, collaborative care experiences. 

How can ABA providers build trust with parents? 

ABA providers can build trust with parents through transparent communication, empathy, and understanding. Families want to feel heard, respected, and included in the treatment process. Each family is different, and considering these differences is crucial for maintaining a strong working relationship with families.  

Why is parent communication important in ABA therapy? 

Strong communication helps ensure consistency between therapy sessions and home life, improves caregiver confidence, and creates stronger long-term outcomes for children receiving ABA services. 

What questions should BCBAs ask families? 

BCBAs should ask families about their priorities, concerns, routines, stressors, and long-term goals. At the same time, not starting immediately with goals can avoid initial overwhelm, when a family is coming to terms with a diagnosis. 

About the ABA Business Leaders Podcast 

The ABA Business Leaders Podcast is hosted by April Smith and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared, experienced ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and exited a seven-figure ABA practice. The podcast helps ABA business owners and clinicians grow sustainable organizations, improve operations, and deliver high-quality care. 

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 

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_CEUs

Stephen’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 

In this episode, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith celebrate the release of Stephen’s new book, ABA Business Leaders Guide: How To Start, Grow, and Sustain an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul.

Stephen shares candid reflections on the writing process, the anxiety that comes with putting your ideas into the world, and why having a clear vision is non-negotiable if you want to build something sustainable in the ABA space. 

🔑 Key Takeaways 

• Why most ABA businesses fail to scale sustainably—and how to avoid it 
• The internal challenges (self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome) that leaders don’t talk about 
• How to define a business vision that actually guides decision-making 
• The philosophy behind building a business without “losing your soul” 
• Lessons learned from writing a book while running a business 
• What’s next, including plans for a companion book and future resources 

Pre-order your copy now:

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm

🚀 Resources & Links 

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 

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs 

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs 

SILNA

https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started 

ABA Business Leaders Guide (Book) 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXXX 

Stephen Smith on LinkedIn 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith 

3 Pie Squared Official Website 

https://3pisquared.com 

Discord Support Group 

https://discord.gg/yourgroup 

📞 Have a Question? 

Have a question for Stephen and April? 

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Coming Soon: Stephen Smith’s New Book

Stephen’s upcoming book is almost here packed with practical insights for ABA business owners looking to grow with clarity, integrity, and strong operational foundations.

Pre-order your copy now:

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm

Release Date: May 12, 2026

If you're serious about building a sustainable, ethical, and profitable ABA business, this is a must-read.

In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Rick Kubina to explore some of the most pressing and complex topics facing the ABA field today, including the rise of artificial intelligence. 

Rick Kubina is a professor, researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of behavior science, education, and technology. Since joining Penn State University in 2000, he has taught courses in reading, applied behavior analysis, instructional design, and more—while mentoring doctoral students who have gone on to shape the field globally. 

Stephen, April, and Rick unpack: 

• The appropriate role of AI in clinical environments  
• Where AI can drive efficiency without compromising care  
• The ethical boundaries every ABA leader must understand  
• How business incentives can quietly shape clinical decisions  
• Why human connection remains the core asset in ABA  

This episode is both a strategic lens for business owners and a grounding conversation for clinicians navigating rapid change. 

Sponsor 

This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, helping ABA business owners take control of their financials with clarity and confidence. 

Resources & Links 

MarginKeepers: 

https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers  

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  

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: 

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs  

Have a Question? 

Have a question for Stephen and April? 

📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432