Tim Talks: Behavioral Health

In this powerful episode of Tim Talks, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Duckworth, a public health practitioner and founder of Empowered Solutions, to explore how personal experiences shape professional purpose. From surviving a teenage suicide attempt to building community-focused mental health programs, Dr. Duckworth shares insights on reducing stigma, leveraging community partnerships, and making mental health care accessible to underserved populations.

Listeners will learn:

This episode is both heartfelt...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Frankie Wilson, a behavioral strategist with a diverse career spanning entertainment, ministry, radio, and behavioral health. Frankie shares how behavior shapes brand, insights from psychology every founder should know, and strategies for growing clients effectively while maintaining high-quality service.

We dive into the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the integration of AI in client engagement, and how understanding human behavior can transform leadership and decision-making. Whether you’re a founder, clinician, or marketing professional in behavioral health, Frankie’s insights are practical, actionable, and eye...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Jim Szyperski, CEO of Acuity Behavioral, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming psychiatric care.

Jim shares how his personal connection to mental health led him to build technology-driven solutions for behavioral healthcare. From developing “Nora,” an AI-powered nurse operations assistant, to tackling the inefficiencies in clinical workflows, Jim discusses what it really takes to innovate in an industry that’s decades behind the rest of healthcare.

They dive into:

Entrepreneur-turned–mental health leader Tom Telford (CEO, LÉVO) joins Tim to unpack how his wife’s journey to becoming an LMFT led them to build LÉVO -primary mental healthcare focused on the “bio” in the biopsychosocial model.

We cover:

If you or someone you...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Amber Nelms, Founder & CEO of Triangle ABA, to explore what happens when leadership meets lived experience.

Amber shares how her journey as both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a parent of an autistic child shaped the compassionate, clinician-led model behind Triangle ABA. She opens up about scaling a people-backed (not private equity-backed) organization, developing leaders who embody values - not titles - and how neuroscience can deepen ABA’s impact in the ne...

In this episode of Tim Talks, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Makenzie Sandler, Chief Strategy Officer at Bright Achievements, to explore the evolving landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Makenzie shares her insights on how ABA therapy is adapting to meet the needs of families, the challenges of scaling while maintaining clinical quality, and the role of technology in enhancing care. Tune in to hear Makenzie's personal journey into ABA and her vision for its future.

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Shannon Carr, the Owner & Managing Director of Living Soul of New York Applied Behavior Analysis, to discuss her journey in the field of ABA. Shannon shares her transition from school psychology to behavior analysis, her strategies for maintaining quality care across different environments, and how she’s tackling the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent. Tune in for insights on building strong teams, collaborating with pediatricians, and overcoming recruitment hurdles in the ABA field.

How do you scale human-centered care without losing your soul? In this candid conversation, Dr. Danielle M. Taylor - Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum360 and Licensed Psychologist—shares how personal experience shaped her leadership, why feedback loops are a non-negotiable, and the practical ways her team uses trauma-informed practices, staff wellness, and data to drive outcomes.

You’ll hear about:

In this episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Amanda Timonere, clinical executive, entrepreneur, and founder of Zenful Collective™. Amanda shares her journey into behavioral health, how she balances executive leadership with client connection, and the role of cultural responsiveness in transforming outcomes.

From preventing burnout to marketing with authenticity, Amanda offers practical insights for leaders and organizations navigating the complexities of behavioral health. If you’re curious about values-driven leadership, sustainable growth, and building cultures of inclusion—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Christine J. Markow, CEO of the Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine. With decades of experience in clinical health psychology, Dr. Markow shares her journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to becoming a national leader in integrative behavioral medicine.

They discuss the connection between chronic pain and mental health, how families can break cycles of narcissistic abuse, and what the mental health system must do to better support teens. Dr. Markow also provides insights into presurgical evaluations, recovery predictors, and the challenges clinicians face...

In this episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Quatiba Davis, Chief Clinical Officer at ABA Centers and one of the most experienced leaders in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Quatiba shares her journey of building clinical excellence across multiple regions, cultivating strong leaders, balancing data with empathy, and preparing the next generation of BCBAs for executive leadership.

From integrating AI and technology into ABA practices, to shaping the field with cultural responsiveness, to scaling with both heart and operational rigor - this conversation is packed with insights for clinicians, leaders, and...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Jessica Osos, PhD, BCBA-D, to discuss her journey from theater major to clinical leader in ABA. Jess shares insights on:

If you’re a clinician, leader, or...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Mikki Schoone, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 30 years in human services. Mikki shares her journey from developmental disabilities and child welfare to creating a Domestic Violence Functional Assessment that shines light on coercive control beyond physical harm.

We discuss:

This...

In this episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Chelsea Freeman-Yates, LISW, Executive Director of the Lorain County Children and Families First Council. Chelsea shares her journey from school social work to countywide leadership, her philosophy on building trust across organizations, and how she balances direct clinical work with executive responsibilities.

Topics include:

“Behavior is the brand.” In this quick-hit conversation, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Frankie C. Wilson Jr. to explore how everyday actions shape trust, reputation, and growth. Frankie breaks down why reclaiming your narrative matters (hello, Taylor Swift), how to use the PREVAC principle to replace habits with higher-value behaviors, and why community-driven storytelling is the marketing trend to watch.

You’ll learn:

In this thought-provoking episode of Tim Talks Podcast, host Timothy A. Zercher is joined by Rodrigo Nardi, Founder of True Psychiatry Network, to discuss the revolutionary approach to psychiatry and mental health. Rodrigo shares his unique philosophy that emotions are signals, not symptoms, and how this perspective has shaped his approach to mental health care. They dive deep into the challenges of going against traditional psychiatry, the impact of psychiatric medications, and the role of movement in mental health transformation. If you’re interested in an alternative approach to mental health and psychiatry, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher is joined by Chelsea McAdams, BCBA and Chief Operations Officer at Connections Behavior Planning & Intervention. Chelsea shares how her team has scaled school-based ABA services with a focus on capacity building, collaboration, and compassion.

From balancing quality care with organizational growth, to building partnerships across agencies, to tackling the toughest challenge of all - recruitment and retention—Chelsea offers a candid look at what it takes to run and grow an ABA organization today.

She also dives into her personal journey into the field, wh...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Cassandra Bailey, BCBA and Founder of Grace ABA. With more than 15 years of experience leading clinical teams of over 100 providers, Cassandra shares the leadership principle that has transformed the way she supports her teams - active listening.

Cassandra also opens up about her personal journey into ABA, how her niece’s diagnosis inspired the creation of Grace ABA, and why transparency is critical for both staffing and client relationships. From navigating staffing shortages to building trust with families often turned away by larger ag...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Cortney Harden, LCSW, CMNCS, founder of Live Aligned Integrative Therapy.

Cortney blends psychotherapy, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle medicine into her practice, bringing over 15 years of experience in behavioral health strategy and direct client care. She shares insights from her personal healing journey, the surprising gaps between research and practice, and why partnerships and collaboration - not competition - are the real drivers of transformation in mental health.

Listeners will hear how Cortney navigates client relationships, builds a truly...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Trevor Colhoun, CEO and co-founder of Trusted Provider Network (TPN.health), one of the nation’s fastest-growing digital behavioral health networks.

Trevor shares the personal story that inspired him to launch TPN, how his background in finance and technology shaped his mission-driven leadership style, and why he believes behavioral health is overdue for digital transformation.

From tackling ghost networks to building connectivity that actually improves access and outcomes, Trevor unpacks the evolution of provider networks - and what it takes to...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Dr. Jeannie Aguilar - an accomplished clinical and operational leader with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and applied behavior analysis.

Dr. Aguilar shares powerful insights on how to scale clinical teams without losing stability, how behavioral science can shape organizational leadership, and why clinician development is the key to lasting impact. From Medicaid expansion to ripple effects of mentorship, Jeannie’s story offers both practical strategies and a deeply personal look at why this work matters.

If you’re lead...

In this episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Victoria Browne, Senior Sourcer and Behavioral Health Physician Recruiter at Family Care Center, to dive into the realities of recruiting in one of the most competitive sectors today.

Victoria shares how her team fills clinics across multiple states, the hardest parts of attracting staff who truly fit the culture, and why leadership is the #1 thing top talent looks for—regardless of industry. She also opens up about how her creative side shapes her recruiting approach, the unconventional sourcing strategies that work, and the leadership le...

In this episode of Tim Talks, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Adam Ventura - Chairman & Co-Founder of Bueno Ventures and the driving force behind Intraverbal AI - to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field.

Adam shares his journey from selling his first product at age seven, to teaching thousands of students, to launching innovative ventures in both behavioral health and tech. He breaks down the challenges of growing organizations, the real key to acquiring clients in a competitive market, and why he believes AI should be viewed as augmented intelligence...

What if success in ABA wasn't about competition—but about collaboration?

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Kelly Baird - COO of the Behavior Technician Association, Co-Founder of The ABA Collab, and Founder of BWIBAAD - to talk about how she’s building some of the most mission-driven, community-focused spaces in the ABA field.

From launching ABA holidays to creating platforms that spotlight underrepresented voices, Kelly unpacks how structure, celebration, and intentionality fuel sustainable growth.

We also dive into:

Is competition in behavioral health real - or just a myth that’s hurting more than helping?

In this powerful episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Amber Vaughan, CMO at Cornerstone Healing Center and a fierce advocate for ethical marketing, radical leadership, and meaningful disruption. Amber breaks down why traditional sales mindsets don’t work in treatment, how to truly connect clients to care, and why putting the product first will always win.

Short, honest, and packed with truth. You don’t want to miss this.

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with co-founders Naveen Chugh and Deepak Kumar, a tech duo who’ve spent 13+ years solving operational challenges in the behavioral health space - from compliance to automation to client engagement.

They dive into what it really takes to get clinicians to embrace new systems, why change is so hard in this industry, and how to decide which problems are worth solving with tech.

This is a candid conversation about smart customization, user-first design, and how to...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Josh Nelson, CXO and co-founder of ABA Impact, to talk about building ABA businesses that are ethical, compliant, and scalable - without sacrificing clinical values.

Josh unpacks what he's learned from tens of thousands of conversations with clinician-entrepreneurs: the common mistakes, the real compliance traps, and why success in ABA business has more to do with mindset than margins.

Whether you're thinking about launching a new ABA agency or refining one you've already built...

What if your ABA training systems didn’t just check boxes - but actually built confident, competent clinicians?

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Allyson Wharam, M.Ed., BCBA, the founder of Sidekick Learning, to explore how behavioral health organizations can rethink training, supervision, and clinical decision-making. From the gaps in traditional fieldwork to balancing compliance with creativity, Allyson brings a refreshing and practical perspective on empowering the next generation of BCBAs and RBTs.

This conversation is a must-listen for clinical directors, training le...

What does it look like when adults with disabilities are given real choice and dignity in their services?

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, we sit down with Christina Gravina, M.Ed, BCBA, LABA - founder and CEO of BILT, Inc. - to explore a powerful, people-first approach to ABA and IDD services.

Christina shares:

In this candid and powerful episode of Tim Talks, host Tim Zercher sits down with Jeron Trotman - founder of Black Men in Behavior Analysis, ABAVerzus, the Behavior Technician Association, and co-founder of The ABA Collab.

Jeron shares how he's reshaping the ABA landscape through authentic community-building, inclusive leadership, and systemic reform for behavior technicians. From addressing burnout to advancing BIPOC visibility in leadership, Jeron challenges traditional models and offers a new vision for the field - one that centers connection, culture, and co-elevation.

Whether you're an RBT, BCBA, or ABA leader, this is a...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Summer Gainey, BCBA-D, to explore what it really means to lead outcomes-driven care without losing sight of personalization. Summer shares how her team balances data with human connection, why meaningful goals don’t always fit neatly into a report, and how her policy work in Texas shapes her approach to clinical leadership. From growing in competitive markets to preparing for the future of AI regulation - this conversation is a must for any ABA leader thinking beyond the clinic walls.

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, Timothy Zercher sits down with Henry Xie, Founder and CEO of Simple Fractal, to explore how automation is transforming the ABA space. Henry shares how his team builds trust in a competitive market, why his hiring process prioritizes second-career coders, and what it really means to "elevate human work." From automating tedious tasks to freeing up clinicians to focus on what matters, Henry offers deep insights and real-world examples of AI and RPA in action. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare operations, this episode is...

Jeff Thompson went from selling 350+ franchises around the world to radically changing lives in the autism space. In this candid episode of Tim Talks, Jeff shares how his own mental health journey - and eventual autism diagnosis - reshaped everything he believed about success, leadership, and impact.

Host Timothy Zercher dives into Jeff’s leadership philosophy, how he's disrupting the ABA industry with real business strategy, and why he believes some of the biggest challenges in autism care are also the greatest opportunities.

Whether you're a clinic owner, leader, or just someone passionate about behavioral he...

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, I sit down with Dr. Ken Huey -founder of the Hope Group and nationally recognized voice in trauma-informed care.

With over 25 years in behavioral health, Ken breaks down what’s really changed in trauma treatment, how to scale with values intact, and why most providers miss the mark on truly trauma-informed systems.

We also get real about leadership, personal stories behind the mission, and the hardest part of building something meaningful in this space.

If you're a clinician, operator, or founder in behavioral health - th...

How do you grow a school and therapy center without losing quality or culture? You hire intentionally. You build slowly. And you make collaboration non-negotiable.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Carly and Jon Weinberg, the leaders behind Project Infinity School and Beyond ABA Therapy - two integrated programs creating a better path for neurodiverse students in Florida.

They share how they’ve scaled with purpose, built trust in a skeptical market, and kept client care at the center of everything they do.

It’s a masterclass in ethical growth, long...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, I sit down with Dr. David Meichenbaum, a nationally recognized leader in autism intervention and behavioral consultation. We dive into what it really means to work collaboratively with families, educators, and schools to support learners with autism or behavioral challenges.

Dr. Meichenbaum shares his "Golden Question" that reframes how we talk about behavior, why focusing on skill-building over punishment matters, and practical strategies for generalizing skills from therapy into classrooms and homes.

If you're a parent, teacher, or ABA professional - this episode is packed with insights...

On this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, Timothy Zercher sits down with Patrick Faga, Founder of FirstWork, to explore how technology is reshaping ABA lesson delivery. Patrick shares how his background as a behavior technician sparked the idea to ditch laminated flashcards in favor of scalable, digital learning tools - and how that decision is creating more efficient, learner-driven experiences both in the clinic and at home.

In this rapid-fire episode, they dive into:
 - How FirstWork is transforming lesson delivery for BCBAs and special educators
 - The surprising success of digital tools for le...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Mordy Friedberg, Director of Operations at Best Buds ABA, to unpack the reality of building and scaling an ABA practice in today’s climate.

Mordy shares how he transitioned from long-term care into ABA, why workforce shortages are slowing down care, and how to grow without losing the personal touch that teams - and clients - deserve. From staffing challenges to the systems you should implement before you need them, this conversation is packed with practical insight for ABA leaders.

If yo...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Kristen Byra, BCBA-D and founder of Upskill ABA, to dive into the evolving challenges - and opportunities - in ABA today.

Kristen shares her mission behind "building for the 51%," a call to action for supporting the growing wave of newly certified BCBAs who often enter the field underprepared for its complexities. We discuss why mentorship matters more than ever, how to increase trial counts without overwhelming teams, and the biggest myth in ABA that needs to die: that all BCBAs are interchangeable.<...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Logan Pratt, CEO of Bloomwell Autism Therapy, to explore how Bloomwell is reshaping autism services in underserved communities. Logan shares his journey from public policy to ABA leadership, why Bloomwell focuses on areas like Minnesota and Nebraska, and how decentralizing management has fueled sustainable growth.

They dive into the value of retaining quality staff, the hidden challenges of ABA regulations, and why leadership development is essential for new BCBAs. If you're passionate about ethical, scalable, and community-focused ABA care, this episode is packed...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Joseph O’Keefe, BCBA, founder and CEO of Compass ABA Therapy. Joe shares his journey from launching Compass during the COVID-19 pandemic to growing a high-demand ABA provider committed to doing things the right way - no shortcuts, no compromises.

We explore the realities of scaling while maintaining clinical quality, what most providers get wrong with payers and authorizations, and why staffing remains the industry's toughest puzzle. If you’re a clinical leader or startup operator in ABA, this...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Holli Beth Clauser - founder of the ABA C.A.R.E.S. Summit and a leading voice in neurodiverse workplace innovation - to explore the human side of staffing in the ABA world. Holli shares how her neurodivergent perspective has influenced her approach to leadership, systems-building, and recruitment strategy.

We dig into why burnout and turnover persist, what leaders are missing in their talent operations, and the exact systems Holli would build first if launching a new ABA group today. If...

In this compelling episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Daniel Blank, Founder and CEO of ABA Revolution. With decades of experience and a fresh new vision, Daniel shares how he's reimagining ABA therapy from the ground up. The conversation touches on the painful realities of high turnover, underpaid RBTs, and the dangers of prioritizing profit over people. Daniel discusses his people-first philosophy, bold tech integrations (including robots!), and why he believes ethical staffing is the future of autism care. If you're ready to rethink what quality really means in ABA, this episode is a must-listen.<...

n this heartfelt and powerful episode of Tim Talks, host Timothy Zercher sits down with Anna Bullard, VP of Payor Operations at Holding Hands Pediatric Therapy & Adult Services and the driving force behind Georgia’s historic “Ava’s Law.” Anna shares the deeply personal story of her daughter’s autism diagnosis, the battle for insurance reform, and the grit it took to open a rural ABA clinic where services were lacking. From misconceptions held by payors to the harsh realities of provider reimbursement, Anna brings 15+ years of experience, advocacy, and passion to the mic.

Whether you're a provider...

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Matthew Harrington, BCBA and founder of ABA Digital Marketing Agency, to challenge a controversial idea: Is it unethical NOT to market your ABA practice?

Matthew brings a rare blend of clinical experience and marketing insight to the table, exploring:

...

What happens when lived experience meets clinical expertise? In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Tim Zercher sits down with Sean Yocum—ABA clinician, podcast host, baseball coach, and passionate advocate for family-centered care in behavior analysis.

Sean shares how growing up with an autistic sibling shaped his drive to reform the field. From questioning outdated clinical standards to pushing for purpose-driven company culture, Sean doesn't hold back.

You’ll hear: