What does it actually look like to build a specialty, grow a business, and raise a baby all at once? In this episode, Nicole and Christina sit down with Megan Richardson, M.A., BCBA, founder of The Organized Analyst and creator of Thrive Academy, for an honest, warm, and wildly relatable conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a career that fits your life.

Megan is known in the ABA world as the BCBA Bestie,the person who tells you what your supervisor probably should have but did not. She helps BCBAs organize their work, reclaim their time, and stop sacrificing their personal lives at the altar of a caseload. She also happens to be a brand-new mom navigating all of this in real time, which makes her exactly the kind of guest we love: deeply credentialed, completely real, and living the thing she teaches.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

• 🛠️ Transform your workflow with digital tools like Notion and planners, say goodbye to chaos and hello to calm!
• 💡 Discover the power of mindset in overcoming challenges and dodging burnout.
• 🚀 Learn how to set boundaries and become your own best advocate in the workplace.
• 🌟 Embrace self-awareness and self-compassion as your secret weapons for career longevity.
• 💤 Get the scoop on balancing work with personal well-being, including sleep hacks, parenting tips, and mental health boosters.

Must-Have Resources for ABA Pros:

• Notion - All-in-One Workspace
• 12-Week Year Framework (search for "The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran")
• AI Tools for Session Notes (Google Gemini)
• New England Center for Children

Connect with Megan Richardson:

• ⁠The Organized Analyst on Instagram⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Listen Now: If you're a BCBA or RBT feeling the pressure, this episode is your go-to guide for reclaiming control and thriving in your career. Tune in and transform your approach to ABA today!

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

• 📸 ⁠@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.

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