In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen sit down for a candid conversation about what’s keeping them grounded amidst the chaos of running a business. From using meditation to manage overwhelm to creating procedures for when no procedures exist, this conversation is full of relatable insights and sanity-saving strategies. They discuss how to create space between urgency and action, how to train staff on responding without panic, and why every ABA business owner needs a plan for when things don’t go to plan. It’s a raw and useful discussion about managing stress—even when things are going well.

The episode also highlights the value of the ABA Business Leaders Membership, a powerful resource packed with 34 CEUs, step-by-step guidance, and a connected community of ABA professionals ready to grow ethically and sustainably.

Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here. Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, click here.

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, we’re diving into a question that stirs up passionate debate across the ABA field: Should a BCBA always own the clinic? Guest Jennifer Helten, founder of Unique Pathways, joins Stephen and April to explore why non-clinician ownership doesn’t mean lower quality—and how it might just be the key to a more balanced and sustainable ABA model.

Jennifer brings her decades of experience to the table and shares her inspiring journey from nanny to business owner, guided by a deep, personal mission to empower children and families. Together, they explore the power of collaboration between business and clinical leaders, and why mutual trust, clear roles, and a commitment to outcomes are the pillars of an ethical ABA practice.

What you’ll learn:

• The ethics and effectiveness of non-BCBA-owned clinics

• How business owners and clinical directors can work in harmony

• Building systems that prioritize staff training and child outcomes

• Real-world strategies for balancing sustainability and clinical care

🎯 Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start-up list here.

📘 Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, including the ABA Business Leaders Membership, featuring 34 CEUs, webinars, expert panels, and a network of practice owners. Click here.

Meet Our Guest: Jennifer Helten is the owner and founder of Unique Pathways. Her path into ABA began unexpectedly—but her purpose was always clear. After experiencing personal loss as a child and discovering the power of advocacy through grief, Jennifer has spent over 20 years championing children and their families. Unique Pathways is her commitment in action: a place where kids are met at their level, given a voice, and supported every step of the way.

🎙️ Quality over Quantity: Is More Supervision Always Better?

In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen explore a foundational question in ABA practice management: does more supervision always lead to better outcomes? Or is there a point where quantity starts to undercut quality?

They discuss:

• Why micromanagement isn’t supervision—and when stepping back is best

• Strategies for aligning supervision intensity with client and staff needs

• The real costs of over-supervising (and how to make it sustainable)

• The importance of staff training, observer effects, and fading support

• Practical tools for managing supervision across large caseloads

This episode also introduces a practical supervision guideline and highlights how the ABA Business Leaders Membership helps ABA providers implement scalable, ethical supervision models while aligning clinical goals with business demands.

Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free start up list here.

Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders, click here.