Accelerate with Amber

What does it take to build a strong team as an ABA organization grows? On this episode of Accelerate with Amber, Amber Nelms sits down with Nicholas Hilligoss, Principal Advisor at NHR Advisory LLC, to explore hiring, accountability, workplace culture, and the HR systems that support sustainable growth. Drawing on his experience as an RBT and human resources leader, Nick shares why skills are ofte...

What if changing the way we understand mental health could change the way we experience it? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber, Amber Nelms sits down with Josh Roberts, Founder of Inspired Mind Mental Health and creator of Neurodiversity Gifts, to explore a different way of thinking about neurodiversity, mental health, and personal transformation. Drawing from his own lived experience, Josh...

What does it look like when BCBAs move beyond traditional models and build something different? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber, Amber Nelms sits down with Christopher Allen, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Virginia Therapeutic Network, to explore his journey from studying behavior and teaching to building a 100% clinician-owned organization. Chris shares how Virginia Therapeutic...

What happens when a parent’s fight for her own child becomes a mission to change access to autism care for thousands of families? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Anna Williams-Bullard, Founder of Alinea Autism Services , to explore the deeply personal journey that led Anna from advocating for her daughter, Ava, to helping pass Ava’s Law and expand access to au...

What happens when an ABA organization puts people before billing and culture before growth? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Douglas Lezameta, CEO of Empower Minds ABA LLC, to explore his approach to building a clinician-first ABA organization. Douglas shares the deeply personal story behind Empower Minds ABA and how the legacy of his father and uncle shaped hi...

What does it take to grow an ABA organization without losing sight of the families and clinicians at the heart of the work? On this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Erin Stern, President of STEPS Behavioral Health , to explore Erin’s journey from special education and hands-on program development to leading a growing behavioral health organization. Erin shares how her...

What does it really take to build an ethical, clinician-led ABA organization? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Amber Furby , Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Founder & CEO of Aurora Behavior Services, for an honest conversation about leadership, operations, and the future of autism services. The two discuss why evidence-based care must also be family-ce...

In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Dr. Carly Lapin , Founder & CEO of ChoicePoint Autism Therapy, to explore what it really takes to build an ABA organization designed for long-term success.  From choosing the right technology stack to creating scalable systems before opening the doors, Carly shares the mindset behind launching a clinician-led practice with i...

What does it take to grow an ABA organization without sacrificing quality? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Dr. Jennifer Charles , Executive Director of Building Block Resolutions, to discuss why intentional growth always beats rapid growth. With more than 20 years as a BCBA, Jennifer shares practical lessons on scaling an organization, measuring meaningful out...

What does it take to scale mental health services without losing the human touch? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber, Amber sits down with Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated Mental Health Services, one of Minnesota's largest community-based mental health providers. With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, Jill shares her journey from clinician to CEO and...

What happens when a teenager in crisis is given the wrong diagnosis? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Brent Esplin, LMFT, Executive Director of OASIS Ascent, to discuss the critical role accurate assessment plays in adolescent mental health treatment. Brent shares lessons from more than 25 years working with teens and families, why family involvement is essenti...

In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber sits down with Shannon Carr, Owner and Managing Director of Living Soul of New York Applied Behavior Analysis, to talk about advocacy, access, and what it really takes to build meaningful progress for families receiving ABA services. Shannon shares her journey from school psychology into ABA, why collaboration across home, school, clinic, and commun...

What happens when you combine education, ABA therapy, and family support under one roof? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Jonathan Weinberg and Carly Weinberg to talk about building a fully integrated ecosystem for neurodiverse learners and their families. Jonathan and Carly share how they launched Beyond ABA Therapy after first building Project Infinity School...

In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with James Garofalo, Co-Founder and CEO of Lokiten Behavioral Health, to talk about the future of mental health care, technology, and clinical leadership. James shares how his experience as an Army veteran shaped his path into behavioral health, why he became passionate about expanding access to care, and what led him to build and sc...

What does real success in ABA actually look like - and who should it serve? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber sits down with Sean Yocum, Founder of Hickory Learning Group, for a raw and forward-thinking conversation about the future of ABA. Sean shares how his personal experience growing up with an autistic brother shaped his mission to challenge the status quo and build a model foc...

What does it take to build multiple companies, scale ABA organizations, and then step into the world of software and venture capital? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber sits down with Amanda Ralston, serial founder, autism advocate, and CEO of KidsChoice Therapy and Play Center. With more than 25 years of experience in ABA, Amanda shares her journey from discovering the field in coll...

What does it really take to build a business rooted in care, not just clinical expertise? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber sits down with Trish Murray, Licensed Behavior Analyst and Co-Owner of Surfside ABA Therapy, to talk about the journey of building a people-first practice in the world of ABA. Trish shares how her background across multiple ventures shaped her approach to leade...

What does it take to go from direct care provider to executive leadership in ABA? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Chelsea McAdams, COO of Connections Behavior Planning & Intervention, to unpack her journey through the field of applied behavior analysis - from discovering the science almost by accident to leading operations at a growing, clinician-owned org...

What does it take to design ABA therapy that actually prepares children for the real world? In this episode of Accelerate with Amber , Amber Nelms sits down with Dr. Dana Gold , CEO of Optimal Beginnings and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a doctorate from Columbia University. With more than three decades in the field, Dr. Gold shares how she built a clinician-led ABA organization focused...