What does it actually look like to build a specialty, grow a business, and raise a baby all at once? In this episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Megan Richardson, M.A., BCBA, founder of The Organized Analyst and creator of Thrive Academy, for an honest, warm, and wildly relatable conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a career that fits your life.

Megan is known in the ABA world as the BCBA Bestie,the person who tells you what your supervisor probably should have but did not. She helps BCBAs organize their work, reclaim their time, and stop sacrificing their personal lives at the altar of a caseload. She also happens to be a brand-new mom navigating all of this in real time, which makes her exactly the kind of guest we love: deeply credentialed, completely real, and living the thing she teaches.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

• 🛠️ Transform your workflow with digital tools like Notion and planners, say goodbye to chaos and hello to calm!
• 💡 Discover the power of mindset in overcoming challenges and dodging burnout.
• 🚀 Learn how to set boundaries and become your own best advocate in the workplace.
• 🌟 Embrace self-awareness and self-compassion as your secret weapons for career longevity.
• 💤 Get the scoop on balancing work with personal well-being, including sleep hacks, parenting tips, and mental health boosters.

Must-Have Resources for ABA Pros:

• Notion - All-in-One Workspace
• 12-Week Year Framework (search for "The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran")
• AI Tools for Session Notes (Google Gemini)
• New England Center for Children

Connect with Megan Richardson:

• ⁠The Organized Analyst on Instagram⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Listen Now: If you're a BCBA or RBT feeling the pressure, this episode is your go-to guide for reclaiming control and thriving in your career. Tune in and transform your approach to ABA today!

Like, subscribe, and share. It's the best way to support the work we're doing:

• 📸 ⁠@reinforcing.conversations⁠
• 📘 ⁠Facebook⁠
• 🎥 ⁠YouTube⁠
• 📧 ⁠rf.conversations@gmail.com⁠

Season 3 is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — the worldwide leader in autism education and research for over 50 years.

Our Season 2 Finale!!

If you could go back and give your younger self advice about working in ABA, what would you say? In this episode, Nicole and Christina (ABA Made Ez) get real about what they wish they'd known when they first entered the field — from navigating different settings and choosing the right population, to the BCBA credential, supervision, and the growing pains of a field still finding its footing. Whether you're brand new, an RBT figuring out your next step, or a seasoned BCBA who forgets what it felt like to start, this one's for you.

Is ABA the right field for you?It takes patience, flexibility, and genuine connection with the people you serve — plus the ability to handle the messy, unpredictable reality of the job. Nicole and Christina get honest about what that actually looks like.

ABA settings: home, clinic, school — and how to chooseChristina walks through her journey across all three environments and explains why getting exposure to multiple settings is one of the most valuable things new practitioners can do.

ABA vs. speech therapy, OT, and teachingNicole and Christina break down the real differences — caseload sizes, degree requirements, and why ABA is one of the most accessible entry points into human services.

The BCBA credential: what it is, how to get it, and what's changingFrom the RBT pathway all the way to BCBA, plus the 2032 master's degree requirement and why keeping your CEUs current is non-negotiable. You do NOT want to retake that exam.

RBTs: what's new in 2027 and questions to ask employersStarting in 2027, RBTs maintain credentials just like BCBAs. Nicole and Christina share smart interview questions that go beyond the rehearsed answers — and how to hold your employer accountable.

The BCBA's limitations — and where the field is headedNicole gets honest about insurance funding largely tied to autism, the barriers to research and publishing, and the debate over who counts as an "expert." Christina shares her policy work, including amending Connecticut's State Practice Book to include behavior analysts in family law.

• Behavior analysts will identify key interview questions to evaluate supervision quality and professional development support.
• Behavior analysts will distinguish between ABA settings and reflect on which environment best fits their goals.
• Behavior analysts will summarize upcoming credentialing changes, including the 2032 master's requirement and 2027 RBT maintenance standards.
• Behavior analysts will explore barriers to research recognition and advocate for a more inclusive definition of expertise in ABA.

Like, subscribe, and share — it's the best way to support the work we're doing.

• 📸 @reinforcing.conversations
• 📘 Facebook
• 🎥 YouTube
• 📧 rf.conversations@gmail.com
• 🌐 supervisionreimagined.com
• 🌐ABA Made Ez

Season 2 is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — the worldwide leader in autism education and research for over 50 years.

In this episode, Rachel Morelli, a board-certified behavior analyst and travel advisor, discusses the intersection of autism and travel. She shares her journey from BCBA to creating accessible travel experiences for families with children on the autism spectrum. The conversation covers essential resources for families, navigating theme parks, cruising opportunities, and the importance of preparation and skill-building for successful travel. Rachel emphasizes the transformative power of travel experiences and the need for support within the autism community.Season Two is sponsored by The New England Center for Children.

About Rachel: Rachel Morelli is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and independent travel advisor who has built a unique bridge between behavior analysis and accessible travel. With extensive experience supporting families, Rachel brings a deep understanding of behavior, routines, sensory needs, and family dynamics into the travel planning process.

She specializes in helping families feel confident traveling by providing education, preparation, and personalized planning designed to reduce stress and increase quality of life. Through her work, Rachel advocates for travel as more than a luxury—it’s an opportunity for connection, skill generalization, independence, and meaningful family memories.

How to Find Rachel:

• LinkedIn
• TravelMation Facebook
• Rachelmorellitravel.com
• tlescape.com

Resources

• TSA Cares
• Disney Disability Access Service
• IBCCES
• Autism on the Seas
• Wings for All - the ARC
• Hanks Friends
• Autism Flies

Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Keywords: autism travel, accessible travel, behavior analysis, family travel, travel resources, Disney accessibility, cruise support, travel planning, BCBA, travel tips

In this episode of "Reinforcing Conversations," hosts Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres welcome Dr. Liza Geonie, a BCBA-D and researcher focused on the intersection of behavior analysis and misinformation in online environments. Dr. Geonie shares her unique journey into the field of behavior analysis and her current research on how behavior analytic principles can help understand why people share misinformation online. She discusses the role of reinforcement, attention, and social approval in shaping online behavior, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms.

They explore the spectrum of social media use, discussing how it can range from a simple habit to a potential addiction, particularly in the context of parenting and youth engagement. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on how to engage with social media thoughtfully, including strategies for managing emotional reactions and the importance of taking time to respond.

Season Two is Sponsored by The New England Center for Children

About Dr. Liza Geonie: Liza is a BCBA-D and researcher studying how behavior analytic principles apply to misinformation and online behavior. Her work explores why people share inaccurate information even when they know better, and how reinforcement, attention, and social approval shape what spreads online. She regularly writes, presents, and consults across disciplines, translating core behavioral principles to modern online environments, and is currently developing CEU trainings and resources to help professionals navigate digital behavior more intentionally.

Find Liza on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Brick
• Roots
• Google Scholar

Find us on Social Media:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

What does “leisure” really mean, and who gets to decide what counts?

In this episode, Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres challenge some of the most common assumptions about leisure skills in ABA. Through honest conversation and real-life examples, they explore why leisure is more than toys or playtime, and how it connects to self-regulation, independence, relationships, and mental health.

They talk openly about screens, boredom, stimming, special interests, and the pressure parents feel to constantly entertain their children. You’ll hear practical strategies for teaching leisure skills in a way that feels natural, respectful, and sustainable—without forcing kids into activities that don’t fit who they are. The episode also highlights why honoring individual interests isn’t “giving up,” but instead opens doors to learning, connection, and autonomy.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help a child (or yourself) truly enjoy free time without guilt, this episode is for you.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify functions of leisure behavior as discussed in applied and family-centered contexts

2. Describe at least two evidence informed strategies for teaching leisure skills that respect individual preferences, developmental level and neurodivergent presentations.

3. Apply a behavioral lens to evaluate the appropriateness of a leisure activity by considering motivation, autonomy and generalization rather than social norms.

Season 2 of Reinforcing Conversation is sponsored by the New England Center for Children.

Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

• Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook ⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube
• TikTok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Resources

• NeuroDND: Inclusive Tabletop Gaming Groups for Neurodiverse Kids
• South Orange Sensory Activation Vehicle: More Information

Citations

• Price, S. (2024). Finding their spark: Non-screen special interests for autistic children and teens. Rainmaker Publishing.
• Nuzzolo-Gomez, R., Leonard, M. A., Ortiz, E., Rivera, C. M., & Greer, R. D. (2002). Teaching children with autism to prefer books or toys over stereotypy or passivity. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(2), 80-87.

Nicole and Christina unpack what truly drives motivation in ABA; why it changes, how it impacts behavior, and how to respond. They break down motivating operations, the difference between skill and motivation deficits, and simple ways to boost engagement through “low effort, high reinforcement”. They discuss the utility of token economy systems and how to ensure extrinsic motivation is meaningful and functional. A quick, practical guide to understanding motivation and supporting learners with strategies that build confidence and independence.Learning Objectives:

1. Identify how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation contribute to learner engagement across settings.
2. Explain the role of token economies and reinforcement systems in increasing meaningful, functional participation.
3. Pinpoint parameters to consider when selecting reinforcement procedures, including potential for harm and potential for reinforcer dependency.

This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by ⁠The New England Center for Children⁠. Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠Youtube⁠
• ⁠Tiktok⁠
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Citations:

• Cooper, J. O., Heron, T., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis. Pearson UK.
• Deleon, I. G., Iwata, B. A., & Roscoe, E. M. (1997). Displacement of leisure reinforcers by food during preference assessments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(3), 475-484.

Keywords: ABA, applied behavior analysis, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, RBT, registered behavior technician, autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, motivation, token economy, edibles, reinforcement, punishment, burn out, functional learning, early intervention

In this episode, Nicole and Christina unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in ABA: control. From instructional and stimulus control to emotional regulation, boundaries, and autonomy, they explore how “control” shows up in real life, with kids, clients, and ourselves.

Through personal stories, clinical insight, and plenty of humor, they reframe control not as coercion, but as empowerment: helping learners build trust, flexibility, self-advocacy, and skills that actually matter in their world.

A must-listen for BCBAs, educators, and parents of neurodivergent kids who want ABA that’s compassionate, contextual, and human.

• Identify and explain at least 3 types of control utilized in ABA
• Describe at least two common misconceptions about control along with at least two strategies for reframing control as trust-building and autonomy supported teaching.
• Apply at least two flexible, naturalistic strategies to support learner autonomy and reduce reliance on coercive control

• This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by ⁠The New England Center for Children⁠.

  Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

  • ⁠Instagram⁠
  • ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠
  • ⁠Youtube⁠
  • ⁠Tiktok⁠
  • Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

  Keywords: ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, RBT, Registered Behavior Technician, Autism, ADHD, Neurodivergent, Parenting, Control, Motivation, Empowerment, Autonomy

In this conversation, Chad Pearce joins Nicole & Christina to discuss the intricacies of recruiting within the ABA field, emphasizing the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, the need for niche recruiting, and the challenges faced by BCBAs in the job market. Chad shares insights on salary expectations, work-life balance, and the impact of AI on recruiting processes. The discussion also touches on the significance of company culture, the importance of asking the right questions during interviews, and the necessity of maintaining a good reputation in the industry. All three share personal anecdotes and offers advice for both candidates and employers in the ABA space.

This season of Reinforcing Conversation is powered by The New England Center for Children.

About Chad Pearce:

Chad Pearce: Chad Pearce is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and father of five who brings over 20 years of leadership and service experience to the behavioral health and recruiting industries.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, Chad co-founded Recruit ABA in 2021 with his sister, Taylor Pearce, BCBA, blending her clinical expertise with his recruiting background to help ABA providers nationwide build stronger, mission-driven teams.

Guided by his Christian faith, Chad believes true success is measured by integrity, relationships, and impact. Whether supporting clients, mentoring others, or raising his family, his mission is to serve with purpose and honor God in every decision.

• Recruit ABA
• Recruit ABA on Instagram
• Recruit ABA on LinkedIn

Like, subscribe and share our podcast. We love hearing from you - please comment or contact us on social media!

• Instagram
• ⁠⁠Facebook
• Youtube
• Tiktok
• Email us: rf.conversations@gmail.com

Keywords: ABA, BCBA, RBT, Applied Behavior Analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Autism, Recruiting, Entrepeneurship