In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.
Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.
In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.
Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.
In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Expanding BCBA® Careers: Supporting Diverse Practice Paths in ABA with Nicole Parks
Episode Title: Expanding BCBA® Careers: Supporting Diverse Practice Paths in ABA with Nicole Parks
Host: Allyson Wharam, Creator of Sidekick Learning
Guest: Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted Consultation
In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam sits down with Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted Consultation, to challenge the status quo of applied behavior analysis. Together, they explore how BCBA®s can move beyond traditional autism therapy roles and pursue fulfilling careers in subspecialty areas of ABA. Nicole shares her journey across forensic systems, adult mental health, and consulting—offering a roadmap for behavior analysts ready to carve their own path.
🔑 Key Topics:
- Breaking the Mold: Nicole shares her early career in forensics and mental health, and what drew her back to non-traditional ABA work after time in autism therapy.
- The Subspecialty Framework: A 3-part plan for diversifying ABA practice—centered around supervision, learning opportunities, and advocating for job creation.
- Funding vs. Fulfillment: A candid discussion about compensation, burnout, and why many BCBA®s stay in autism therapy even when their heart lies elsewhere.
- Real-World Scope: Why understanding your scope of competence—and how to expand it—is essential in navigating subspecialty roles.
- The Undercurrent: Nicole’s membership program designed to support and inspire ABA professionals exploring diverse practice areas.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- BCBA®s are not limited to autism therapy—our science has far-reaching applications across healthcare, education, justice, animal behavior, and more.
- Exposure to diverse practice areas, ethical supervision, and ongoing mentorship are critical for growing the next generation of well-rounded behavior analysts.
- A major barrier to practice diversification is visibility—both in job listings and in the way we teach and talk about ABA.
- When one behavior analyst breaks into a new space, we all benefit—especially when we bring others along with us.
Connect with Nicole Parks and Rooted Consultation:
- Website: Rooted Consultation
- The Undercurrent: Continuing Education Membership for Subspecialty Areas
- Ignis Path: Remote Supervision in Subspecialty Areas
- LinkedIn: Nicole Parks
- Instagram: thembabcba | @RootedConsultation
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Disclaimer:
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