What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care.

Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians.

The Big Questions

What is parent-led ABA therapy?

A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making.

Why is parent trust important?

It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported.

What should parents expect from a BCBA?

Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines.

Why are compliance-based goals controversial?

The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life.

How can BCBAs involve parents more?

By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities.

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group:

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

Stephen’s Book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it.

They explore why burnout is often less about personal failure and more about broken systems, and how many ABA business owners continue operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their teams or themselves. Stephen, April and Dr. Becca break down the importance of stepping outside your own operations to identify where stress, inefficiency, and overwhelm are really coming from.

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Find out more at www.mkmaudio.com

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group
https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here:
https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth.

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make when starting their practice, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems.

Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting a seven-figure ABA practice through 3 Pie Squared, Stephen and April share practical guidance for business owners who want to build a stronger, more sustainable company from day one.

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs