What do you do when your daughter needs therapy, the system has a six-month waitlist, and you happen to have 20 years of experience in tech and HR? If you are Tiffney Vivo, you build the thing that should have already existed.

In this episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Tiffney Vivo, Co-Founder and CEO of Therapprove, a platform that connects families of children with special needs to pediatric therapists — quickly, transparently, and without the chaos of navigating the current system alone. Tiffney's daughter Avanelle was born with Down syndrome in 2020, and the experience of fighting through waitlists, mismatched providers, and a fragmented referral system lit a fire that became Therapprove.

This episode is equal parts entrepreneurship story, parent testimony, and honest look at a broken system. Whether you are a clinician working inside it, a parent navigating it, or someone who has ever wondered why getting a child into therapy takes so long, this conversation is for you.

Tiffney Vivo is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of leadership experience in HR staffing, sales management, and technology. As Co-Founder and CEO of Therapprove, she leads a platform dedicated to connecting caregivers with pediatric therapists, providing timely and trustworthy therapy solutions. Inspired by her own journey as a mother to her daughter Avanelle, who was born with Down syndrome in March 2020, Tiffney created Therapprove to help families access the care their children need without unnecessary delays.

Before founding Therapprove, Tiffney launched Connect4.io, a platform that connected software engineers with companies, and held leadership roles in tech consulting, education, and staffing. Therapprove won the Spring 2024 Crossroads Pitch Competition and received a $10,000 investment from Flywheel Fund. The platform operates similarly to OpenTable — families upload their information, and clinics with openings that match their child's needs reach out directly, placing children on a single shared waitlist across multiple clinics.

• Website: therapprove.com
• LinkedIn: Tiffney Vivo
• Instagram / social: @therapprove

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• 🌐 ⁠⁠supervisionreimagined.com⁠⁠
• 🌐⁠⁠ABA Made Ez⁠

Season 3 of Reinforcing Conversations is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — for over 50 years, the worldwide leader in autism education and research. Through their schools, clinics, consulting services, and the ACE ABA Software System, they are shaping a more inclusive future for all. Learn more at ⁠necc.org⁠.

Not everyone who ends up in ABA planned to be here: and Demi Fragale is proof that the most unexpected paths can lead to the most meaningful careers. In this episode, Christina & Nicole sits down with Nicole’s friend and colleague Demi, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and NY State Licensed Behavior Analyst who came to the field by way of a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre and a life chapter that took some beautiful, unplanned turns.

Demi's journey raises questions every BCBA and aspiring practitioner will recognize: What do you do when your personal and professional worlds overlap? How do you navigate the ethics of relationships that exist before a clinical role begins? And what does it mean to bring your whole self, your art, your history, your humanity, into a field that is sometimes more comfortable with data than with depth?

This is a conversation about career pivoting, the ethics of multiple and dual relationships, and what happens when the person who inspired your career becomes part of it.

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

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

Season 3 of Reinforcing Conversations is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — for over 50 years, the worldwide leader in autism education and research. Through their schools, clinics, consulting services, and the ACE ABA Software System, they are shaping a more inclusive future for all. Learn more at ⁠necc.org⁠.

What happens when two ABA podcasts walk into the same recording space and just start talking? In this special crossover episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery, the longtime co-hosts and co-owners behind ABA on Tap, for a conversation so packed with good stuff that you'll have to catch Part 2 on their feed.

Mike and Dan have been in the ABA world together for nearly 20 years, starting from the kind of first-day-on-the-job story that nobody forgets. They built their company, Ascend Behavior Partners, two years ago after watching corporate buyouts quietly chip away at their clinical values, and they have been putting their money where their mouths are ever since. Seven seasons and counting, and they show up every Sunday like clockwork. The four of them have more in common than you might expect, and this episode is proof that the best conversations happen when you stop talking at people and just start talking with them.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

• 🎙️ Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build and sustain an ABA podcast across multiple seasons, and why Mike and Dan keep showing up.

• 💼 Explore what it means to go out on your own in this field, including the real costs, the growing pains, and the surprising rewards of betting on yourself.

• 🏫 Dig into one of the field's most honest debates: center-based services versus inclusive settings, and how clinical recommendations can get tangled up with billing incentives.

• 🌎 Learn how BCBAs are expanding outside the medical model through dissemination, digital products, independent evaluations, community consulting, and even specialized transportation.

• ⚖️ Hear about Christina's push to get BCBAs recognized as Guardian ad Litems in Connecticut family court, and why BCBA licensure is way overdue.

Connect with ABA on Tap:

• ⁠ABA on Tap on Instagram⁠

• ⁠ABA on Tap on Spotify⁠

• ⁠ABA on Tap on Apple Podcasts⁠

Listen Now: Part 1 is right here. Part 2 drops May 10th on the ABA on Tap feed, so make sure you follow them wherever you get your podcasts. This one is too good to leave half-finished.

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• 📸⁠ @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.

Most ABA providers and entrepreneurs overlook critical legal nuances, until a compliance slip or legal inspection hits. Ellesha LeCluyse, a healthcare law expert with a decade of experience, exposes the hidden legal pitfalls in ABA practice ownership and offers practical strategies to safeguard your practice today.

You’ll discover:

• The legal structures behind startup ABA practices and how to optimize your ownership model using MSOs and profit-sharing agreements
• Critical compliance areas like HIPAA, billing audits, and fee-splitting rules that can make or break your license and reputation
• How to navigate the complex landscape of buying or selling ABA practices, valuing companies, and managing liabilities from past operations
• The real risks of misclassifying employees versus independent contractors and how to protect your license and avoid costly audits
• Why legal compliance isn’t just a regulatory hurdle but a pillar of excellent patient care and sustainable business growth

This episode is perfect for BCBA practice owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring ABA business founders who want to understand the legal landscape that impacts their license, reputation, and future success. If you’re serious about building a compliant, ethical, and thriving practice, Ellesha’s insights will arm you with the knowledge to do just that—minus the legal nightmares.Why stay in the dark? The cost of ignorance can be ownership loss, hefty fines, or service disruptions. But with the right legal foundations, you can focus on what truly matters—delivering impactful care and growing your business confidently.Tune in to uncover the legal secrets every ABA practice owner must know—and how you can proactively protect your practice today.

About Ellesha LeCluyse, J.D.: Ellesha combines deep experience navigating healthcare compliance with creative, transaction-focused problem-solving. She has earned a stellar reputation for providing strategic counsel to innovative clients across the healthcare sector, including ABA clinics, BCBAs, and management companies navigating complex state and federal regulations.

At Garbacz Zlotowitz, Ellesha leads the firm's ABA Legal Services practice, providing end-to-end legal, compliance, and structural guidance for ABA providers, helping practices form, scale, and stay audit-ready across every state. Her work spans LLC/PLLC formation, HIPAA and Corporate Compliance Manuals, employment and contractor agreements, payercontracting, and change of ownership transactions.

Find Ellesha:

• Firm website: Garbacz Zlotowitz
• ABA Legal Services
• LinkedIn

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 3 of Reinforcing Conversations is made possible with support from the New England Center for Children — for over 50 years, the worldwide leader in autism education and research. Through their schools, clinics, consulting services, and the ACE ABA Software System, they are shaping a more inclusive future for all. Learn more at necc.org.

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.