In the Field: The ABA Podcast

Allyson Wharam
In the Field: The ABA Podcast

Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.

  1. Upgrading Your ABA Intake Interviews: Staff Skills, Systems, and Clinical Decisions with Dr. Kristen Byra

    JUL 2

    Upgrading Your ABA Intake Interviews: Staff Skills, Systems, and Clinical Decisions with Dr. Kristen Byra

    Podcast Episode: Upgrading Your ABA Intake Interviews: Staff Skills, Systems, and Clinical Decisions with Dr. Kristen Byra In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Byra, seasoned clinician and founder of Upskill ABA, to dig into one of the most critical—and often overlooked—components of clinical practice: the intake assessment. Kristen shares how standardizing this process through decision models can improve both clinical outcomes and staff performance, while still honoring clinical judgment and caregiver input. We explore how decision models support newer and experienced BCBAs alike, how they can reduce burnout by eliminating guesswork, and how they build stronger, more meaningful caregiver interviews that go beyond surface-level questions. Key Topics: What Makes a Quality Intake Assessment: Kristen shares what’s often missing from our assessments and how to design interviews that lead to better treatment plans and more meaningful caregiver involvement.Decision Models 101: What they are, how they differ from decision trees, and how they can support—but not replace—clinical judgment.Bridging Research and Practice: We talk through the challenges BCBAs face in accessing and applying literature, and how tools like decision models bring curated resources and practical guides to the front lines of care.Training Through Tools: Kristen explains how decision models double as a training tool for newer BCBAs by prompting deeper thinking and standardizing high-quality practices.Caregiver Interviews with Purpose: From asking the right questions to respecting caregiver time and building rapport, we dive into strategies to gather accurate, actionable data that’s aligned with caregiver priorities.Scope, Fit, and Clinical Judgment: We discuss how assessments can help determine organizational fit, when to refer out, and how to avoid unintentionally overpromising services.Key Takeaways: Great assessments go beyond checklists. They require intentional questions, empathy, and a clear link to treatment planning.Decision models can reduce variability across assessors and provide a knowledge base that supports training and quality improvement.Clinical judgment is enhanced—not replaced—by well-designed tools that prompt deeper consideration and offer actionable next steps.BCBAs must balance standardization and flexibility while prioritizing caregiver input and values.Refusing services when there’s a misalignment isn’t just okay—it’s ethical. But how we do it matters.Keywords: ABA Intake Assessment, Clinical Decision Model, Supervision, ABA Tools, Caregiver Interview, Standardized Assessment, ABA Treatment Planning, Social Validity, Kristen Byra, Upskill ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis Connect with Kristen: Website: www.upskillaba.comLinkedIn: Kristen ByraBeta Access: Interested in beta testing the Intake Interview Decision Model? Visit her site or connect via LinkedIn to participate.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.

    57 min

  2. JUN 17

    Episode 24 | Structuring Group Supervision for Maximum Impact (Part 2)

    🎙️ “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 2 Hosted by Allyson Wharam 🎧 Episode Overview: In this follow-up episode, Allyson Wharam dives into how to structure group supervision so it’s not just compliant—but meaningful and competency-building. She shares practical frameworks, specific activities, and answers listener questions about logistics, coordination, and group dynamics. Instructional Strategies that Work in Group Supervision: Peer Presentations Let trainees lead on focused subtopics—teaching builds fluency and confidence.Case Consultation vs. Case Studies Use real cases for collaborative problem-solving or walk through crafted scenarios to guide clinical reasoning.Guided Technical Skill Practice Bring in BST to teach practical skills like data collection, graphing, shaping, and writing measurable goals.Big-Picture Discussions Use prompts that push trainees from definitions into decision-making and judgment.Ethical Dilemmas Practice navigating tricky ethical situations as a group—great for building perspective-taking and problem-solving.Research Reviews & Resource Shares Have trainees bring articles, tools, or protocols and discuss how they’d apply them.Managing Documentation & Logistics: Tracking Group Supervision Keep clear records. The BCBA must document the group session properly for each trainee.Multiple Supervisors? Coordinate When more than one BCBA is involved, align expectations ahead of time to avoid miscommunication or mixed messages.Use Shared Tools Supervision platforms, Slack, or Teams can centralize notes, tasks, and follow-ups for everyone involved.💬 Listener Q&A Highlights: “Does the BCBA running group supervision need to be on the trainee’s contract?” Yes—if they’re providing supervision, they need to be formally on the contract.“How do you follow up on competencies introduced in group?” Introduce and model in group, then individual sessions are for practicing and assessing.“How do you manage dominating voices or people who are always late?” Set norms early, reinforce participation expectations, and follow up individually as needed.“How often should group supervision include client-specific content?” It should be part of the mix—but vary sessions to include both client-specific and general skill development.💡 Practical Takeaways: Repeatable Structures Make It Sustainable Use a rotating menu of activities—like skill practice, discussions, or presentations—to stay organized and efficient.Use Group to Build, Individual to Apply Think of group sessions as the classroom and individual sessions as the lab.Clear Communication Is Key Especially when multiple supervisors are involved, make collaboration and documentation a priority.Set the Tone Early Group dynamics matter—co-create norms and revisit them when needed.🔗 Want to Submit a Question? Head to www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast to submit scenarios, dilemmas, or questions about supervision. 📤 Share & Subscribe: If this helped you rethink your approach to group supervision, share it with your team. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next! 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.

    21 min

  3. JUN 10

    Episode 23 | Group Supervision in ABA Fieldwork (Part 1)

    🎙️ Podcast Summary: “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 1  Hosted by Allyson Wharram 🎧 Episode Overview:  In this solo episode, Alison War introduces the first part of a two-part series on group supervision in BCBA fieldwork, based on her workshop at the National APBA Convention. She covers group supervision’s definition, benefits, challenges, and strategies. 🧩 What is Group Supervision? A supervised meeting with up to 10 trainees, regardless of supervisors present.Must be interactive, not passive or individual supervision done in a group.Regulatory limits: max 50% of monthly supervision hours in group; at least 50% individual.🌟 Why Use Group Supervision? Reduces isolation, especially for remote or school-based trainees.Builds peer networks that extend beyond supervision.Promotes professional growth through interpersonal skills and collaborative problem-solving.Offers exposure to diverse client cases for generalization.Enables development of giving and receiving peer feedback.🚧 Common Barriers & Solutions: Trainee VariabilityDiverse backgrounds and skill levels.Solutions: align content, pair experienced with new trainees, provide pre-session materials.Individualized FeedbackDifficult in group settings.Use group time for general feedback; save detailed feedback for individual sessions.Ensuring Equal EngagementRisk of passive participation.Use interactive tools (Pear Deck, Nearpod), cold calling, wait time, and limit groups to 7–8 trainees.Supervisor Planning TimeRequires intentional planning.Use templates, send agendas early, group content monthly, and use structured curricula.🛠️ Tips for Effective Group Supervision Develop a repeatable session framework.Combine low-prep and high-impact activities like trainee presentations.Use practical resources: templates, guides, and skill-practice tools.📣 Listener Questions!  Alison invites listeners to submit questions or scenarios on supervision, leadership, or training for future episodes. 📌 Coming Next: Part 2  Allyson will cover session structure, activities, and answer listener questions. 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.

    14 min
  4. Collaboration Across Disciplines: Insights from Rose Griffin, SLP & BCBA

    MAY 28

    Collaboration Across Disciplines: Insights from Rose Griffin, SLP & BCBA

    Episode Description In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I talk with Rose Griffin, founder of ABA Speech and one of fewer than 500 professionals dually certified as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rose shares how her interdisciplinary experience has shaped her approach to supporting autistic learners and building more collaborative teams across clinical and educational settings. We discuss the misconceptions that often divide SLPs and BCBAs, explore overlapping scopes of practice, and offer concrete strategies to promote ethical, respectful, and effective collaboration. Drawing from research, including Brodhead’s (2015) seminal article on interdisciplinary relationships, we dig into what it means to be a partner, not just a provider. Key Topics Rose’s path to dual certification and the founding of ABA SpeechScope of practice vs. scope of competence and why that nuance mattersMisconceptions and mistrust between SLPs and BCBAs, and where they come fromBrodhead’s framework for navigating non-behavioral recommendationsPractical phrases and strategies to support collaborative, non-combative dialogueHow clinic culture and training structures can foster true interdisciplinary partnershipKey Takeaways Interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t optional. It’s essential to learner outcomes.BCBAs and SLPs both bring unique expertise to communication interventions, and understanding scope is key to ethical practice.Curious, nonjudgmental dialogue (“Tell me more about that”) opens the door to collaboration, even in tense situations.Building collaborative systems starts with culture: onboarding, supervision, and team dynamics all matter.We don’t have to know everything, but we do have to know when to ask.Referenced Resource Brodhead, M. T. (2015). Maintaining professional relationships in an interdisciplinary setting: Strategies for navigating nonbehavioral treatment recommendations for individuals with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8(1), 70–78. Read here Keywords BCBA and SLP Collaboration, AAC, Gestalt Language Processing, Functional Communication Training, Scope of Practice, Interdisciplinary Teams, Behavior Analysis, Rose Griffin, ABA Speech Connect with Rose and ABA Speech 🌐 Website: www.abaspeech.org 📸 Instagram: @abaspeechbyrose 📧 Email: rose@abaspeech.org 🔗 LinkedIn: Rose Griffin Subscribe to the Podcast For more conversations about evidence-based practice, ethical supervision, and leadership in behavior analysis, subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast. Visit Sidekick Learning for free tools, CEUs, and supervision resources. 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.

    35 min
  5. Supervision Stories | Applying ABA to Your Own Life with Lindsay Milnes

    MAY 9

    Supervision Stories | Applying ABA to Your Own Life with Lindsay Milnes

    🎙️ In This Episode of Supervision Stories In the kickoff episode of our Supervision Stories series, I chat with Lindsay Milnes, a newly certified BCBA who took a creative, values-driven approach to her fieldwork experience. Lindsay shares how she turned challenges—like low client hours and limited access to unrestricted activities—into opportunities to apply ABA to her own life and build confidence along the way. We talk about how she found the right-fit supervisor, used self-management and ACT strategies during her training, and eventually launched a mentorship group to support other trainees exploring health and wellness within behavior analysis. If you're a trainee feeling stuck or a supervisor looking to better support your students’ growth, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and actionable strategies. 🔑 Key Topics: Finding a supervisor aligned with your values and interestsUsing self-management skillsCreative ways to gain unrestricted hoursApplying ABA to personal goals like water intake and exerciseFilling supervision gaps with community and collaborationLaunching a mentorship group for health-focused trainees💡 Key Takeaways: You don’t have to wait for ideal conditions—create your own opportunities within supervision.Self-management isn’t just for clients; using ABA tools on yourself builds both skills and confidence.Finding a supervisor you genuinely connect with can change the trajectory of your training experience.Embedding your passions into supervision can lead to meaningful, career-shaping work.📬 Connect with Lindsay: Instagram: @behavioral_inspirationsWebsite: https://www.lindsaybehaviourconsulting.com/resourcesforabaprofessionalsFree Resource: Healthy Habits TrackerDisclaimer: 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.

    31 min
  6. Practical OBM for BCBA®s: How to Drive Organizational Change with Mellanie Page

    MAY 1

    Practical OBM for BCBA®s: How to Drive Organizational Change with Mellanie Page

    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.

    42 min
  7. Building Better Systems: Leadership, Supervision, and Organizational Culture with Liz Matthews (Part 2)

    APR 23

    Building Better Systems: Leadership, Supervision, and Organizational Culture with Liz Matthews (Part 2)

    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 #OrganizationalCulture 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.

    32 min
  8. Burnout, Ethics, and the Evolution of a Values-Driven ABA Business with Liz Matthews

    APR 15

    Burnout, Ethics, and the Evolution of a Values-Driven ABA Business with Liz Matthews

    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.

    28 min
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About

Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.

Information

  • Creator
    Allyson Wharam
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 In the Field: The ABA Podcast
  • Show Website
    In the Field: The ABA Podcast

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