Faith, Leadership & Compassion in ABA | The Gold Standard Podcast Ep 7 with Dr. Ria

In this deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Monica “Ria” Gillespie shares how she integrates faith, compassion, and leadership into her journey as a BCBA. Through her unique perspective, she emphasizes the importance of connection, encouragement, and growth in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Dr. Ria also unveils an exciting venture: a professionally curated trip to Dubai for BCBAs and other professionals. This 7-day experience in April 2025 focuses on building community and enjoying life’s luxuries—not through a conference or CEUs, but purely for fun, connection, and personal rejuvenation.

👉 What to expect in this episode:

• The Heart Behind ABA: Dr. Ria’s passion for ABA, inspired by her sister with autism, and her belief that this field thrives on authenticity and compassion.
• Bible-Based ABA Principles: How the Bible serves as a guide for behavior strategies, breaking down teachings into actionable values like honesty, integrity, and open communication.
• Overcoming Anxiety in New Practitioners: Addressing the common fears of new BCBAs and RBTs, reframing mistakes as essential learning opportunities, and creating a safe space for professional growth.
• Soft Skills in ABA: Exploring the critical role of compassion, encouragement, and effective communication in leadership and supervision.
• Mentorship and Support Systems: The power of strong mentors and a supportive cohort, helping Dr. Ria transition from her BCBA program to her doctoral journey.
• Faith as a Foundation: Using verses like Psalm 23 to build resilience and purpose, while encouraging others to embrace imperfection and continual growth.
• The Dubai Experience Trip: Dr. Ria’s inspiration for organizing a luxurious 7-day trip in April 2025 for BCBAs and educational professionals, designed to foster personal connections and allow for much-needed relaxation. The trip will feature activities like a desert safari, a city tour, and even opportunities for stunning professional photos in the iconic flying dress.

This episode highlights Dr. Ria’s unique approach to ABA, showcasing how leadership, faith, mentorship, and a little bit of adventure can create a positive and lasting impact on clients, teams, and the community.

💬 What’s the most valuable lesson a mentor has taught you in your career? Have you ever traveled for pure fun with colleagues? Share your thoughts in the comments!