Built for BCBAs who know there's a better way
Real conversations about building an ABA practice that prioritizes autonomy, quality, and long-term impact.
Hosted by the team behind Headstart Health, this podcast is for clinicians ready to think bigger. From clinical decision-making to business ownership, we explore what it actually takes to build something of your own.
Ep. 11 | Building an ABA Practice Without Compromising Clinical Quality with Nick Heath
What does it take to build a successful ABA practice without compromising the quality of care? In this episode of BCBAs Who Build, we sit down with Nick Heath, BCBA and founder of Summit ABA in North Carolina, to explore his journey from clinician to ABA practice owner and the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, sustainable growth, and clinical leadership. Nick shares how he approached starting his own ABA practice with a clear vision: delivering personalized, collaborative care while creating an environment where families, RBTs, and clinicians feel supported. Together, we explore the realities of ABA business ownership, from differentiating your practice in a competitive market to navigating client acquisition, building community relationships, and scaling services without sacrificing clinical quality. We also discuss the importance of family engagement, natural environment therapy, and how Headstart Health supports independent ABA practice owners with the operational side of running a business. In this episode, we discuss: Nick's transition from BCBA to ABA practice founder Starting and growing an independent ABA practice Differentiating your services in a competitive ABA market Balancing business growth with clinical quality and ethical care Building collaborative relationships with families and caregivers Supporting RBTs and developing strong clinical teams Scaling an ABA practice intentionally and sustainably The role of operational support in independent practice ownership Whether you're a BCBA considering opening your own ABA practice or an established provider looking to grow your business, Nick's experience offers practical insights into building a practice that reflects your clinical values. About BCBAs Who Build BCBAs Who Build by Headstart Health explores the people, perspectives, and experiences shaping the future of applied behavior analysis. Through conversations with ABA practice owners, clinicians, and industry leaders, we discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, clinical excellence, and what it takes to build a sustainable career in ABA. Learn more about ABA practice ownership and how Headstart Health supports independent BCBAs at headstarthealth.com.
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Ep. 11 | Building an ABA Practice Without Compromising Clinical Quality with Nick Heath
What does it take to build a successful ABA practice without compromising the quality of care? In this episode of BCBAs Who Build, we sit down with Nick Heath, BCBA and founder of Summit ABA in North Carolina, to explore his journey from clinician to ABA practice owner and the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, sustainable growth, and clinical leadership. Nick shares how he approached starting his own ABA practice with a clear vision: delivering personalized, collaborative care while creating an environment where families, RBTs, and clinicians feel supported. Together, we explore the realities of ABA business ownership, from differentiating your practice in a competitive market to navigating client acquisition, building community relationships, and scaling services without sacrificing clinical quality. We also discuss the importance of family engagement, natural environment therapy, and how Headstart Health supports independent ABA practice owners with the operational side of running a business. In this episode, we discuss: Nick's transition from BCBA to ABA practice founder Starting and growing an independent ABA practice Differentiating your services in a competitive ABA market Balancing business growth with clinical quality and ethical care Building collaborative relationships with families and caregivers Supporting RBTs and developing strong clinical teams Scaling an ABA practice intentionally and sustainably The role of operational support in independent practice ownership Whether you're a BCBA considering opening your own ABA practice or an established provider looking to grow your business, Nick's experience offers practical insights into building a practice that reflects your clinical values. About BCBAs Who Build BCBAs Who Build by Headstart Health explores the people, perspectives, and experiences shaping the future of applied behavior analysis. Through conversations with ABA practice owners, clinicians, and industry leaders, we discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, clinical excellence, and what it takes to build a sustainable career in ABA. Learn more about ABA practice ownership and how Headstart Health supports independent BCBAs at headstarthealth.com.
Ep. 10 | You’re Never Fully Ready: Building an ABA Practice with Chanel Donato Rogers
When do you know you're ready to stop working for someone else's ABA practice and start building your own? According to Chanel Donato Rogers, BCBA and founder of Endless Horizons LLC, you might never feel completely ready. In this episode of BCBAs Who Build, Dr. Sara Feldman sits down with Chanel to unpack her journey from accidentally discovering ABA to becoming a BCBA, learning the operational side of the field, and eventually taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Chanel shares the moment that pushed her out of her comfort zone and into ownership, the early challenges of building Endless Horizons, and how she grew her practice to approximately 30 clients within her first year. But growth is only part of the story. Sara and Chanel discuss what it takes to build a sustainable ABA practice, including supporting RBTs based on their individual needs, creating open communication with families and staff, catching operational problems before they become emergencies, and learning to delegate instead of trying to do everything yourself. Chanel also shares how Headstart Health helped her navigate the administrative side of ownership while maintaining autonomy over her practice, why aspiring owners need to stay grounded in their mission and values, and the lesson she wants other BCBAs considering entrepreneurship to hear: you're probably never going to feel completely ready. Sometimes, you have to jump in. In this episode: How Chanel unexpectedly found her way into ABA Learning authorizations, credentialing, and the operational side of ABA The moment Chanel decided it was time to build her own practice Going from BCBA to business owner Growing Endless Horizons during its first year Learning to celebrate milestones as an entrepreneur Navigating setbacks when things don't go according to plan Building trust through transparency with families and staff Creating individualized support for RBTs and BCBAs Why responsiveness matters in leadership Building systems to catch problems early How Headstart Health supports Chanel behind the scenes Learning to delegate without losing visibility into your business Staying grounded in your mission and values Chanel's advice for BCBAs who don't feel ready to start ABA Red Flag / Green Flags
Ep. 9 | Rethinking What a BCBA Can Do: Leadership, Community & Sustainable ABA with Meg Jones
Episode DescriptionWhat does good leadership actually look like in ABA? In this episode of BCBAs Who Build, Dr. Sara Feldman sits down with Megan Shauna Jones, BCBA and Director of Customer Success at AlohaABA, for a candid conversation about leadership, community, burnout, and building a more sustainable future for the field. Meg shares her unconventional path from aspiring actress to BCBA, clinical leader, and eventually a leadership role in ABA technology. Along the way, she and Sara unpack some of the lessons that come with stepping into leadership, including learning to delegate, admitting when you don’t know the answer, giving better feedback, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions. The conversation also tackles some of the bigger challenges facing ABA today, from overwhelming caseloads and clinician burnout to organizational red flags and the importance of looking beyond billable hours when determining what a BCBA can realistically manage. Meg also shares why she believes BCBAs should stop viewing one another as competition and start treating the field more like a “hive mind,” where clinicians share resources, knowledge, and support. Finally, Sara and Meg discuss what ABA organizations should look for when choosing practice management software, the role clinician feedback plays in AlohaABA’s development, and why ongoing support matters long after the initial demo. In this episode: Meg’s unexpected journey from Hollywood to ABA Learning to delegate and let other people make mistakes Why leaders don’t need to have every answer Creating a culture where asking questions feels safe Giving corrective feedback AND recognizing great work Why community matters for BCBAs Breaking out of the scarcity and competition mindset Recognizing organizational red flags High caseloads, burnout, and realistic capacity Questions BCBAs should ask potential employers What to look for when evaluating ABA software How clinician feedback can shape better technology Meg’s biggest leadership lessons About Meg Jones Megan Shauna Jones is a BCBA and Director of Customer Success at AlohaABA. After years working clinically and in leadership roles, Meg now helps ABA organizations navigate the operational side of running a practice while bringing a clinician’s perspective to the development and support of ABA technology. Simplify the Business Side of ABA with AlohaABABuilding and growing an ABA practice means managing a lot more than clinical care. From scheduling and authorizations to billing, payroll, data collection, and reporting, the right systems can make a major difference in how efficiently a practice operates. AlohaABA is a cloud-based practice management and electronic medical records (EMR) platform built specifically for ABA therapy providers and autism clinics. By bringing clinical and administrative workflows together in one centralized system, AlohaABA helps providers spend less time managing disconnected processes and more time focused on their teams, clients, and quality of care. With tools for scheduling, billing and invoicing, authorization management, payroll integration, clinical data collection, and operational analytics, AlohaABA is designed to support ABA practices as they grow. Want to learn more about AlohaABA and how it can support your practice? Visit AlohaABA.com.
Ep. 8 | Marketing Your ABA Practice: Referral Generation, Trust & Growth with Matt Harrington
What does marketing look like when you approach it like a behavior analyst? In this episode of BCBAs Who Build, Dr. Sara Feldman sits down with Matt Harrington, BCBA andq marketing entrepreneur, to explore how the science of behavior change can be applied to marketing, referral generation, client acquisition, and entrepreneurship. Matt shares his journey from a traditional BCBA career to building businesses outside of direct autism services and breaks down some of the biggest marketing challenges facing new and growing ABA practices. They discuss why early-stage practice owners may want to invest their time before investing heavily in paid advertising, how to build authentic relationships with referral sources, why trust is at the center of effective marketing, and how systems and consistent follow-up can turn outreach into sustainable growth. Matt also shares his perspective on overcoming the discomfort many BCBAs feel around marketing themselves, common mistakes practices make when generating and converting leads, the importance of speed during intake, and how BCBAs can use data to make smarter marketing decisions. Whether you're starting an ABA practice, trying to grow your caseload, or considering how your BCBA skill set could translate into entrepreneurship outside of traditional clinical services, this conversation offers a behavior-analytic approach to thinking about business growth. In this episode: • Applying the science of behavior change to marketing • Marketing strategies for new ABA practices • Referral generation and authentic relationship building • Building trust with families and referral partners • When to invest time vs. money in marketing • Common ABA marketing mistakes • Systems and processes for consistent outreach • Improving speed and follow-up during client intake • Overcoming imposter syndrome around marketing • Using data to guide marketing decisions • Scaling and replicating ABA practices responsibly • Exploring entrepreneurship beyond traditional BCBA roles Connect with Matt Harrington: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-harrington-bcba-8157b11b9/ ABA Digital Marketing: https://abadigitalmarketing.com/
Ep 7 | More Than Representation: Building Community, Culture, and Belonging in ABA
What happens when representation becomes real influence—and professional connection feels more human? Dr. Sara Feldman sits down with Jeron Trotman and Jordan Gipson to explore how community, culture, and authentic connection can move the field of applied behavior analysis forward. They discuss the experiences that shaped their ABA careers, the importance of seeing yourself represented in professional spaces, and why inclusion must go beyond simply having diverse voices in the room. Jeron and Jordan also share lessons from building the Black Men in ABA Summit and ABA Versus, including how culturally responsive spaces can create stronger relationships, meaningful mentorship, and new opportunities. The conversation examines the need to invest in RBTs, the leadership skills BCBAs do not learn from passing an exam, and the role joy and vulnerability can play in strengthening the profession. Whether you are a BCBA, RBT, student, business owner, or ally, this episode offers an energizing look at what becomes possible when people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead. Why community building matters in ABA How representation affects professionals and the families they support Moving from representation to measurable influence and impact Creating professional spaces where people can show up authentically Supporting RBTs as the backbone of the field Leadership lessons rooted in coaching, feedback, and empowerment How sports shaped Jeron’s and Jordan’s approaches to teamwork What makes the Black Men in ABA Summit a different kind of professional experience Why connection, culture, and joy belong in ABA BMBA Summit 2026: https://bmbanetwork.org Jeron Trotman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeron-trotman-644b1b69/ Jordan Gipson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-gipson-bcba-1aa74353/
Ep 6 | Bridging the Gap: How Payers View Quality in ABA
In this episode, Dr. Sara Feldman interviews Rebecca Womack, BCBA and Director of ABA at Optum, to explore how quality is viewed from the payer perspective, the importance of treatment planning, and how BCBAs can align with systemic standards to improve care sustainability and outcomes. Payer perspective on ABA quality Treatment planning and assessment Standards of care and systemic alignment Data-driven quality measurement Provider and payer collaboration Site visits and organizational trust Impact of systemic standards on clinical practice Future of value-based care in ABA Rebecca Womack Director, Optum Health LinkedIn BACB - Behavior Analyst Certification Board Optum - Healthcare Service
Ep 5 | The Parent Experience with Kendra Little
In this episode, Dr. Sara Feldman speaks with Kendra Little about the emotional realities families face when navigating autism services, the importance of real-life skills, and how clinicians can build trust and connection with families. Family emotional weight and stress Importance of real-life skills for independence Building trust and connection with families Delivering data with hope and positivity Parent advocacy and empowerment Community-based life skills training Navigating IEPs and school systems Provider-family relationship dynamics Kendra Little, Founder of Hope & Faith Autism Life Skills 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest 00:27 Meet Kendra Little and her journey 01:25 Families' emotional weight and struggles 03:23 What families need from providers 05:22 Surprises in the autism journey 06:50 Hope during difficult times 08:12 Positive impacts of professionals 10:03 Being seen versus being just an appointment 11:06 Discovering the diagnosis and initial reactions 13:35 Receiving the autism diagnosis 15:40 The mindset of resilience and hope 18:36 Advice to newly diagnosed parents 19:17 Building trust with providers 23:06 Asking the right questions as a family 26:37 Language and communication with families 27:48 Avoiding title-heavy approaches 31:56 Delivering data with hope 33:34 Setting goals and hope for progress 35:23 Community outings and real-life skills 38:44 Parent workshops and advocacy 39:50 Empowering parents in IEP meetings 41:25 Finding your voice as a parent 48:12 Understanding family worries and fears 48:56 Permission to bring authenticity and whole self 51:35 The importance of bringing humanity into therapy 52:20 How families can connect with Kendra 53:41 Closing remarks and contact info Kendra Little Contact: Linkedin Instagram Autism Life Skills
Ep 4 | The Future of Ethical ABA Practice: Lessons from Media Reports
This episode tackles the critical issues facing the ABA industry, including recent media reports of unethical practices, profit-driven motives, and the importance of ethical standards. BCBAs share insights on maintaining integrity, navigating ethical dilemmas, and advocating for high-quality, ethical care. Media reports on unethical ABA practices Profit motives and industry accountability Ethical standards and oversight in ABA Strategies for ethical decision-making in practice Role of BCBAs in advocating for quality care 00:00 Addressing Concerns in Autism Services 05:33 The Impact of Growth on Service Quality 10:15 Profit Over Children: Ethical Dilemmas in ABA 14:47 Billing Practices and Their Consequences 19:12 Out of Network Strategies and Their Implications 23:53 The Role of BCBAs in Ethical Practices 27:25 Allegations of Abuse and Accountability 28:19 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in ABA 33:08 Interviewing for Ethical Practices 37:49 Identifying Quality ABA Providers 43:39 Empowering Families and BCBAs 45:53 Ethics in Practice: Real-World Scenarios
Ep 3| The 3 Key Traits of Effective ABA Leaders
Dr. Sara Feldman shares her insights on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and creating a positive organizational culture in ABA. She discusses practical strategies from her entrepreneurial journey, book recommendations, and how to foster independent thinking within teams. Leadership starts with self-awareness and self-leadership. Ask more questions, tell less, to foster critical thinking. Create a psychologically safe environment for innovation. Use curiosity and questions to develop team members. Promote humility, hunger, and smartness in hiring. Chapters 00:00 The importance of leadership in ABA 01:18 Leadership as a mirror for personal development 03:00 High turnover and leadership responsibility 04:15 Creating humans, not just ABA providers 05:03 Books that shaped my leadership approach 05:51 The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stainer 06:43 Overcoming the advice monster 08:03 The importance of questions over answers 11:03 Asking the right questions to empower teams 13:13 Psychological safety and trust 14:30 Building leaders, not followers 15:37 Brene Brown's Dare to Lead 19:30 Emotional maturity and vulnerability 21:07 The concept of rumbling and honest conversations 23:14 Creating a culture of psychological safety 24:25 Encouraging respectful dissent 24:50 Patrick Lencione's Ideal Team Player 26:06 Self-awareness and team growth 31:05 Hiring, firing, and promoting with purpose 31:58 The importance of humility, hunger, and smartness 36:08 Final thoughts on leadership and self-awareness 36:24 Permission slip: Curiosity over answers 36:52 Closing remarks and resources
Ep 2 | How to Build a Culture of Excellence in ABA Practice
This episode features Dr. Kristen Byra (BCBA-D) discussing the importance of clinical quality in ABA, sharing her journey, insights on training, mentorship, and practical steps for BCBAs to improve their practice. 00:00 Introduction to ABA Entrepreneurship 01:08 Journey into ABA: Personal Stories 03:26 The Importance of Clinical Quality 12:39 Navigating the ABA Landscape 17:05 Defining Quality in ABA 22:32 Advice for New BCBAs 28:57 Building a Supportive ABA Business 31:13 Navigating Job Offers and Sign-On Bonuses 32:05 Empowering BCBAs in Interviews 34:24 Difficult Decisions for Quality Assurance 40:52 Taking Action for Quality Improvement 46:29 Building a Supportive Community for BCBAs 50:20 Rapid Fire Reflections and Insights Prioritize clinical quality over compliance for better outcomes. Seek mentorship and community support to grow professionally. Use self-assessment tools to identify and address gaps in practice. Treat your first two years post-certification as a pro-tum experience to build competence. Dr. Kristen Byra Upskill ABA Headstart Health Kristen Byra Linkedin
Ep 1 | From Clinician to Entrepreneur: Building Your ABA Practice with Headstart Health
This episode features Dr. Sara Feldman, Breanna Holm, and Janelle Wade discussing the journey of building independent ABA practices, the support systems available through Headstart Health, and the transformation of providers from clinicians to entrepreneurs. They share insights on starting, scaling, and sustaining successful ABA businesses, emphasizing community, systems, and provider empowerment. Hosts Dr. Sara Feldman, Breanna Holm, Janelle Wade Chapters 00:00 Introduction to BCBA's Who Build Podcast 06:00 Meet the Team Behind Headstart Health 11:57 The Journey to Building an ABA Company 15:09 The Movement Towards Independent BCBAs 20:32 Overcoming Barriers to Independence 25:55 The Role of Head Start Health in Supporting BCBAs 29:15 Training and Onboarding for New Providers 35:35 Navigating Insurance Complexities 39:06 The Importance of Delegation in Business 40:54 Delegating to Elevating: The RBT Recruitment Process 42:58 Client Acquisition and Support: Simplifying the Process 46:17 Transformations in Leadership: From Provider to Entrepreneur 46:17 Success Stories: Real Transformations in the ABA Community 53:05 Building a Legacy: The Impact of Leadership in ABA resources Headstart Health Website - https://headstarthealth.com Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) - https://www.bacb.com Guest Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafeldmanphd/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holmbreanna/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenelle-wade-bcba-744aa1a4/ ABA, BCBA, independent practice, entrepreneurship, Head Start Health, provider support, business scaling, insurance management, clinician empowerment Pathways from clinician to business owner Support systems for independent BCBAs Scaling and managing an ABA practice Insurance and billing support for providers Community and mentorship in ABA entrepreneurship
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Why we created this podcast
Most BCBAs are trained to deliver care within existing systems, not to build their own. This podcast was created for clinicians who are starting to ask what more could look like. More autonomy. More intention. More ownership over the care they provide.
Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, practice owners, and BCBAs who are building a different path forward. The focus is practical, direct, and grounded in real experience.
“For clinicians ready to think bigger—from clinical decisions to business ownership.”
Meet your hosts
Dr. Sara Feldman Ph.D., BCBA
Director of Provider Engagement
Sara brings experience building and scaling ABA organizations and leads conversations on transitioning from clinician to owner.
Breanna Holm M.S., BCBA
Director of Operations
Breanna supports providers by removing operational barriers and enabling focus on care delivery.
Jenelle Wade M.S., BCBA
Director of Provider Success
Jenelle brings experience scaling multi-state operations and guiding providers through growth.
What you'll learn
How to start and grow an ABA practice
Navigating the business side of care delivery
Ethical decision-making in practice ownership
Building operational systems that support clinicians
Real-world experiences from BCBAs who have made the transition
Practical insights grounded in real experience—not theory.
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We are looking for professionals who can contribute meaningful insights to the ABA community. If you have experience, perspectives, or lessons that would benefit other clinicians, we encourage you to apply.
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If you've been considering building something of your own, this is where the conversation begins.