Hi Rasmus & Friends

In this episode of our Different Paths for BCBAs mini-series, we sit down with Alecia, the founder of Barrett Academy, alongside lead RBTs Adrianna and Amy as they complete their supervision hours on the journey toward the BCBA exam. Together, they share the story behind how Barrett Academy began, what it means to build a mission-driven organization from the ground up, and how meaningful supervisi...

In this episode of Mini Series: Different Paths for BCBAs, we explore how Verbal Beginnings grew from a mission-driven vision into a large, enterprise-level ABA organization without compromising clinical quality. Diana shares the problem she set out to solve and the pivotal decisions that allowed VB to scale with intention. We also hear from one Clinical Director about balancing leadership with ha...

In this panel episode, we sit down with several BCBAs who are using Head Start Health as they build and grow their own ABA practices. Each clinician shares the story behind their decision to start a business, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right systems in place can make private practice more sustainable and child-focused. From leadership lessons to workflow support, t...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, host Amy Cook sits down with Holli Beth Clauser, founder of ABA C.A.R.E.S. Staffing and Summit and host of The People Contingency Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, lived experience, and the future of ABA. Holli shares her personal autism journey and how it shapes her human-centered approach to supporting and retaining RBTs and BCBA...

What does it take to build a truly integrated, person-centered autism care model? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Breanne Hartley and Dr. Steven Merahn from UNIFI about the story behind whole child care and what it means to design systems that reflect the full complexity of children’s needs. We explore how their unique backgrounds shape the way they approach clinical excellence, shared plans of...

In this episode, we uncover The Story Behind Resilience: An Autistic BCBA’s Journey to Founding an ABA Organization. Our guest shares his powerful personal journey of growing up on the spectrum, the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his path, and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in behavior analysis. Now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of his own ABA compan...

In this episode, Dr. Lynn Koegel, renowned autism researcher and co-developer of Pivotal Response Treatment, joins us to reflect on nearly 50 years of pioneering child-led, naturalistic therapy. We discuss why motivation, joy, and real-world engagement are essential to learning, what it means to support both children and their families, and how her early work continues to shape the future of autis...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Liat Sacks, BCBA and founder of Study Notes ABA, to hear the inspiring story behind her wildly popular study platform and podcast. From a pivotal moment of mentorship to creating free study classes that snowballed into a thriving community, Liat opens up about growing her brand, showing up at conferences, balancing business and parenting...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Leanne Page, BCBA, author and founder of Parenting with ABA. Leanne shares how her personal and professional journey led to creating accessible, compassionate resources for parents grounded in the science of behavior. From her early days as a classroom teacher to building a platform that supports families worl...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we hear from three dedicated BCBAs—Ian Santus, Mindy Rothstein, and Sean Yocum—as they share the personal journeys that led them to the field of ABA. Ian’s plans to become a pilot changed after a vision impairment led him to discover ABA by chance. Mindy made a meaningful career shift from math to ABA, driven by a desire to ma...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Anika Hoybjerg—licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, and creator of the MOTAS assessment—shares her remarkable journey from raising her daughter on her own to becoming a leader in the ABA field. We talk about the life experiences that shaped her perspective, the challenges of balancing parenthood and professional growth, and how...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Cortney and Chris Keene, co-founders of Keene Perspectives—a company that’s not only reshaping the way ABA services are delivered but has also been named a Best Place to Work in Vermont three years in a row. From their powerful insights on staff retention and building meaningful workplace culture to the moment...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Shayna Gaunt and Shira Karpel, the powerhouse duo behind How to ABA, to explore the intersection of friendship, community, and social media in the world of behavior analysis. From the story of how they met to building a thriving online platform and podcast, Shayna and Shira share their insights on staying connected in a sometimes-isolati...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Morgan van Diepen, the visionary behind ABA Visualized, to explore how visual storytelling is transforming the way we teach and implement behavior analysis. Morgan shares the story behind ABA Visualized, how her husband’s expertise helped shape the company, and what’s next for their work. We also dive into a recent conversation that spar...

What happens when a meteorologist, autism dad, and hot air balloon unexpectedly cross paths with a BCBA? In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Dan, a meteorologist whose journey as an autism parent has given him a unique perspective on both science and human behavior. We’ll explore his family’s autism story—from early diagnosis to young adulthood—while also diving into how w...

"Be the person your students want to be around & make your classroom a place your students want to be in." – Sasha Long In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Long, BCBA and founder of The Autism Helper, to explore the story behind her journey and the impact of ABA in the classroom. Sasha shares how simple mindset shifts and practical strategies can transform the learning environment, creatin...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we explore the landscape of ABA services across the globe. Erin Moran, Rosy Romanella, and Nardeen Massoud discuss how ABA is practiced in different countries, highlighting key differences in funding sources, cultural influences, and innovative approaches. Listeners will gain insight into how ABA is evolving in regions such as...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we’re joined by Arianna Esposito, BCBA, Vice President of Services & Supports, Lifespan Programs at Autism Speaks, to discuss a topic that affects countless families: the current state of adult autism services. Arianna shares her insights on the gaps in services for adults on the spectrum, the challenges faced by families and providers, and what’s be...

In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Sarah Trautman — a dynamic leader and entrepreneur who has worn many hats in the ABA community and beyond. From founding and selling her own ABA business, to launching a jewelry line, to mentoring countless professionals, Sarah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now stepping into a new CEO role, she continues to innovate, coach, and empower ot...

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Eileen Lamb, profound autism advocate, author of And Yet Here You Are, and creator of The Autism Cafe, followed by over 200K on Instagram. Eileen shares her deeply personal journey as the mother of Charlie, her son with profound autism, and reflects on the documentary Who Speaks for Charlie?, which explores th...

In this episode of The Story Behind the Camera: Capturing the History of ABA, we explore the innovative storytelling techniques of filmmaker and behavioral scientist Ryan O'Donnell. Ryan, creator of the documentary The History of Applied Behavior Analysis: Part I, shares the creative and ethical process behind his work, including a captivating moment where he brought one of ABA’s historical figure...

In this heartfelt episode, a group of inspiring women come together to share their journeys as both mothers and BCBAs, navigating the unique challenges that come with balancing these roles. From overcoming infertility and parenting neurodivergent children, to the realities of burnout and rediscovering passion, this conversation explores the highs and lows of motherhood in the field of ABA. Join Ka...

In this inspiring episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we meet Jaime Lynn, BCBA, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the foster care system to building a thriving career in ABA. Jaime Lynn overcame immense challenges, showing resilience and determination in a world that often felt stacked against her. Now, as the founder of Moore Learning Opportunities,...

n this episode, we sit down with Nikolaj Hendriksen, founder and CEO of Hi Rasmus. Nikolaj shares his personal story of his family's journey through his son's autism diagnosis and how it led to the creation of Hi Rasmus. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and the inspiration behind building a platform dedicated to empowering the autism community.