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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
Burnout, Ethics, and the Evolution of a Values-Driven ABA Business with Liz Matthews
In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam sits down with Liz Matthews, CEO and founder of EMG Consulting, for a raw, honest conversation about burnout, identity, and what it really means to do values-driven work in behavior analysis. From being one of the first dozen BCBAs® in Virginia to navigating insurance reform, motherhood, and personal evolution, Liz shares how reconnecting with her values—and a supportive community—helped her reshape not just her mindset, but her entire business model.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stay in this field and stay well.
💬 Key Topics:
- The Early Days of ABA in Virginia: What it was like to be one of the first BCBAs® in the state, and how the field exploded post-insurance reform
- Burnout and Identity: Liz’s personal story of burnout while navigating motherhood, military spouse life, and professional overwhelm
- The Power of Community: How connecting with values-aligned behavior analysts helped her rediscover meaning in her work
- Business Redesign from the Ground Up: The evolution of EMG Consulting—why Liz moved away from traditional models and toward individualized, flexible, equity-informed systems
- Doing Better, Even When It’s Hard: Liz reflects on past practices, the importance of consent and compassionate care, and the vulnerability of realizing "we didn’t always get it right"
- Equity, Flexibility, and Women in Leadership: A candid conversation about parenting, caregiving, and what it means to lead from a place of reflection and purpose
✨ Key Takeaways:
- Burnout doesn’t always look like collapse—it can look like autopilot. And it often demands a deeper look at your values.
- Systems can be built using the science of behavior—Liz shares how she uses assessment, feedback, and qualitative data to design a flexible, individualized workplace.
- Compassionate, affirming care isn’t a departure from ABA—it’s an evolved application of it.
- Women make up the majority of the field but are still underrepresented in leadership. That gap matters.
📌 Don’t Miss:
➡ Liz’s perspective on why “doing better” starts with acknowledging harm
➡ Her innovative approach to individualized job roles and benefits
➡ A heartfelt story of crying on stage at APBA—and the healing power of shared experience
👀 What’s Next:
In Part 2, we go even deeper: what supervision looks like at EMG, how Liz hires and retains high-quality team members, and the concrete systems she’s built that earned her company a Best Employer title in Virginia.
📣 Connect with Liz:
- EMG Consulting: https://www.emgaba.com/
- LinkedIn: Elizabeth Matthews https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmmatthews/
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Disclaimer:
BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.
All information and products are for educational purposes only.