The PodCASP

Paige Raetz from Proof Positive joins the PodCASP to discuss strategies to improve wellbeing for employees of autism service provider organizations. She talks about measuring wellbeing and taking meaningful actions, not just buying pizza once in a while.Learn more:Character Strengths and the VIA:  https://www.viacharacter.org⁠.Proof Positive Autism Wellbeing Alliance: https://proofpoitive.org.

In STEPPS Executive Director and CASP Board Member Yvonne Bruinsma joins the PodCASP to discuss the 2025 CASP Conference. She explains how the conferences facilitates strong, lasting relationships; this year's featured sessions on AI ethics and antitrust law; and what goes into putting on a conference of this scope.

On this episode, the PodCASP team sits down with Dr. Darren Sush, PsyD, BCBA-D, Head of Autism and Psychology at Cigna Evernorth, for an insightful conversation about the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Darren shares his journey from traditional psychology to autism services and talks about his current role overseeing peer reviews. We dive into topics like value-based care, challenges in training and retaining RBTs, the importance of data-driven care, and the ethical considerations surrounding peer reviews. The PodCASP is proudly hosted by The Council of Autism Services Providers.

In this episode, Dr. Heather O'Shea, PhD., BCBA-D and Rebecca Womack, M.S., BCBA, LBA discuss CASP's new session note templates. They explain how the templates were developed, how they're designed to align with AMA requirements while supporting medical necessity, and clinicians' role in maintaining high standards. CASP has made the templates available for free, encouraging broad adoption to increase the quality of ABA services. For more information, members and providers are encouraged to join the Documentation Special Interest Group or visit CASP's website (links below).  CASP Session Note Templates For comments and inquiries about the templates, email templates@casproviders.org.  The PodCASP is proudly hosted by The Council of Autism Service Providers.

Erick joins The PodCASP to give updates on ACQ and recent developments! https://autismcommission.org/

Dr. John Austin joins the PodCASP to discuss the beginnings and "why" of his book, "Results". On this episode we discuss, the importance of objectivity when it comes to leadership, the 5-step improvement process, feedback, psychological safety and the importance of relationships. Fillable PDF Worksheets: https://reachingresults.com/results-toolkit/ Pat Friman Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPQwvDUc-iM

Mariel is CASP's newest employee as the VP of Government Affairs. Join the PodCASP team as we listen all about her experience, pulse on the ABA field and goals for the future!

Lani and Rohit join The PodCASP to discuss their current pulse on the field, their focus, productivity, growth and more! With their wealth of experience, they offer valuable wisdom and perspective, having witnessed numerous changes and periods of growth. The PodCASP is proudly hosted by the Council of Autism Service Providers.

Lani and Rohit join The PodCASP to discuss their current pulse on the field, their focus, productivity, growth and more! With their wealth of experience, they offer valuable wisdom and perspective, having witnessed numerous changes and periods of growth. Due to the depth of our conversation, we've split the episode into two parts. Stay tuned for part two! The PodCASP is proudly hosted by the Council of Autism Service Providers.

Lorri Unumb joins The PodCASP team to discuss the upcoming Annual CASP Conference in FT. WORTH (not Dallas). Listen now to get a sneak peak at keynote speakers, panels workshops and more! Special thank you to our first guest ever, Lorri, for joining us again on The PodCASP!

Our very own Jonathan Mueller spills all of his rate negotiation secrets on this episode of The PodCASP. This was a good one but of course we are biased! The PodCASP is proudly hosted by CASP.

Join The PodCASP team as they recap our last episode and discuss areas of focus headed into the new year! The PodCASP is brought to you by the Council of Autism Service Providers.

Join your hosts for a conversation with Christopher Barnett and Ms. Quatiba Davis of ABA Centers of America. They discuss their why, how their organization was founded, the growth they have experienced since and more! The PodCASP is brought to you by the Council of Autism Service Providers.

Join The PodCASP hosts for a catch up, reflection on the last few months and an update on the season ahead! The PodCASP is brought to you by The Council of Autism Service Providers.

PodCASP Hosts, Jonathan and Judith are joined by Lacey Selle (Pediatric Therapy Clinic, Inc.) and Kristin Hanson (Axis Therapy Centers) and discuss the following: Important updates to the Practice Guidelines and the impact to payor requirements The burden of requiring re-evals/updated diagnostic reports The impact of CASP/community within Lacey and Kristin's organizations Rate re-negotiation advice for providers Lacey- Pediatric Therapy Clinic, Inc: https://www.ptcbillings.com/ Kristin- Axis Therapy Centers: https://axistherapycenters.com Reach out to Judith for anything advocacy related at advocacy@casproviders.org!

On this week's episode, The PodCASP team is joined by fellow CASP member, Courtney Wright.  Courtney currently serves as CEO and General Counsel at Children's Autism Center. Courtney came to CAC in December 2012 after leaving her position as partner at a law firm in Dallas. After doing a great deal of volunteer work for autism awareness in Dallas and being inspired by her mother, Phyllis, Courtney decided to make a career change to work with children with Autism. She went back to school and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014. Courtney has experience with children of all ages diagnosed with ASD. Prior to working at CAC, Courtney had extensive legal experience in the insurance industry, something which she now uses to help families navigate the insurance process. Courtney discusses her journey to CASP, the value that collaboration brings her organization and her perspective as a member over the years.  Thank you to Courtney for joining us for this episode!  And a special thank you to BlueSprig for their sponsorship of this episode! To learn more visit: https://www.bluesprigautism.com/ The PodCASP is edited by Ike Ndolo and brought to you by The Council of Autism Service Providers.  

Join your PodCASP hosts while they recap their CASP conference experience! Edited by Ike Ndolo and brought to you by The Council of Autism Service Providers.

Join your PodCASP hosts while they recap their CASP conference experiences! Edited by Ike Ndolo and brought to you by The Council of Autism Service Providers

In this episode, current Board members, Joanne & Lani, join The PodCASP to discuss the origination of CAS (later CASP), reflect on developments within CASP and their goals for the field in general. We discuss the start and need for collaboration/sharing, partnership, and accreditation within the field and so much more. Listen to this episode for all of this and some rapid-fire questions about the CASP Board at the end of the episode! This episode is sponsored by Utah Behavior Services (https://utahbehaviorservices.com). The PodCASP is brought to you by the Council of Autism Service Providers and edited/produced by Ike NDolo.

Stephen Wood is the VP of Compliance and Risk Management for Cultivate Behavior Health and Education. Stephen joined Cultivate following the acquisition of his program ABC in 2019. He discusses his entry into the field, the driving forces that led him to acquisition, his observations of the field and the value of community while working within the ABA community.   We truly enjoyed Stephen's perspective on this episode of The PodCASP! He is open, honest, and straight to the point. We loved hearing about his experiences as well as his evolution in ABA. We know you will love this episode, give it a listen!

In this MiniCASP, your PodCASP hosts chat about good news, reflect on insurance coverage of ABA, self-care, healthy habits and all the things! Join us monthly to chat all things provider-related! *Brought to you by the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) and edited by Ike NDolo*

On this week's episode The PodCASP team is joined by two fellow CASP members and parents, Denise and Thea! Thea Furbert is co-founder of Tomorrow's Voices in Bermuda. She is mom to Ciré who was diagnosed in 2000. Thea walks us through the grit that started Tomorrow's Voices , her son getting diagnosed and current barriers (and possible solutions!) in regard to autism insurance coverage and quality of services in Bermuda. Denise Bergh is the Chief Operating Officer of BPI in Chicago. She is mom to Rocky who was diagnosed in 2010. Denise discusses her son's diagnostic process, how he acquired services, her personal journey to balance as a mom and a parent's perspective on in-home ABA services. Both, Denise and Thea, discuss their journey to CASP and the value it has brought their organizations. Give it a listen to find out everything else in between! Special thanks to Denise and Thea for being on this episode of The PodCASP!!!

Join us to hear about one of your PodCASP hosts and CASP's Vice President of Government Affairs, Judith Ursitti. From a growing up in a small town in Texas to where she is today- Judith dives in with her fellow PodCASP co-hosts. Judith always brings a unique parent perspective to the conversation as well as her role in autism law legislation across the country. We are lucky to have her on our team and were so grateful to be part of this conversation and get to know her even more! In this episode Judith and The PodCASP team discuss: · Her family dynamic and where/how she grew up · Her initial career as a CPA · Her son's ASD diagnosis · The differences in access to treatment then and now · Advice for parents who just received a diagnosis · And so much more!

Join us to hear about one of your PodCASP hosts, Hallie Respondek. Hallie is a BCBA and COO of Blossom Center for Children. In this episode Hallie and the PodCASP team discuss: Her entry and experience in the field The beginnings of the PodCASP Her transition to the C suite (in 2020- AH!) Her motivation in the field And more!

Join your PodCASP and CASP team for this special episode. We exchange gifts (virtually) from all over the country and open in real time while discussing our favorite holiday traditions and maybe a few confessions…. Special thanks to Lorri Unumb, Kimberly Porth and Mike Wasmer for joining us! We are wishing all of our listeners a Happy Holiday and joyful New Year! See you in 2023!

Dr. Tyra Sellers is a Renaissance woman in our field: she has her law degree in addition to her BCBA-D. Her job stints include assistant professor at Utah State University, owning P&L's at large, multistate ABA providers, Director of Ethics at the BACB and she was very recently announced as the incoming CEO of APBA. Why Listen? Using discomfort as a learning opportunity (we ask the same of our clients!) How to use the ethics code in context: don't weaponize it How it's possible that “one person speaking up” in an organization can make all the difference (and the sub-section of ethics called “behavioral ethics”) Tyra's thoughts on the future of our field Chrysanthemums

Join us to hear about one of your PodCASP hosts, Jonathan Mueller. Jonathan is the co-founder of Ascend Behavior Partners and Element RCM. He brings a unique perspective to autism services that is dynamic, progressive and insightful. Jonathan is a great listener, passionate about his work and a motivator to all! In this episode Jonathan discusses: His entry to the field His approach to staying connected in the field Why he prioritizes culture in his organizations The need for Element RCM His drive to help others- especially in the field of autism services And more!

ABR is the Founder and CEO of Arizona Autism United (AZA United). ABR is passionate about high-quality and family centered services. Along with our hosts, he discusses how high quality services are delivered and where some organization's practices fall short. Why Listen? ABR discusses: His history with AZA United Protecting access to care Individualization of services Empowering families ABA then and now His opinions on PE-backed companies in ABA Current issues in the field and solutions And more!

Join us to hear about one of your PodCASP hosts, Natesh Kumar. Natesh entered the field of ABA in 2015 with tons of business expertise in other industries and companies. He is passionate about quality services, the people he surrounds himself with and the art of true provider collaboration. In this episode Natesh discusses: His unique entry to the field of ABA How he is able to keep up with all things "clinical" Focusing on employees and quality of services His interests and early influences And, so much more!

In today's episode, The PodCASP team sits down with Molly Ola Pinney, Founder and CEO of the Global Autism Project. The Global Autism project trains and supports partners all over the world to provide services to individuals with autism. Molly initially founded the Global Autism Project (at 23 years old!) in Africa and is now providing services in 14 countries! Why Listen? Molly discusses: How and why the Global Autism Project was started The need for community Global Autism Project's current projects and initiatives Skillcorps as an eye opening and transformative experience Doing with, not for And so much more!

Please join us to hear more about one of your PodCASP hosts, Naa Garrido. Naa is the Owner and CEO of Galena Autism and Behavioral Services (GABS) and is a current CASP Board Member. Learn about her journey to applied behavior analysis, her membership in CASP and what makes her passionate about the field in this 13-minute episode. In this episode Naa discusses: Naa's professional experience before entering the ABA field. What led Naa to ABA and obtaining her BCBA. Impactful moments that highlight service gaps and needs. GABS and their services. And her meaningful initiation into the CASP Membership!

Little Star's Chief Clinical Officer, Breanne Hartley, PhD, BCBA-D, joins The PodCASP on today's episode. Within her organization, Breanne and her team have heavily focused on methods to facilitate change initiatives. As the field of ABA is ever changing and progressing, this discussion is insightful and relevant to other organization leaders. Why Listen? Breanne discusses: The need for change within the field of ABA How she has led various change initiatives How ABA organizations can set themselves up for success Problem solving during times of change And, so much more!

Please join your PodCASP hosts at the Autism Law Summit in October of 2021 when they sat down with Dr. Joanne Gerenser, PhD. Joanne is the Executive Director of the Eden II Programs, a Speech Pathologist, a founding and current board member for CASP and so much more. She has over 35 years of experience working within the field and has been largely recognized for all of her amazing contributions within the autism community. The PodCASP team loved every minute we got to spend with Joanne - she's engaging, fun, and brings the best energy to everyone and everything she does! Why Listen? In this episode, Joanne discusses: Important advice for the workforce within ABA services Her unique perspective as a Speech Pathologist in a BCBA dominated industry Why defining high quality services and outcome metrics are important for the future of the field Evidenced-based practices in ABA

Happy Juneteenth! Also known as Freedom Day, National Independence Day, Emancipation Day (TX), or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the confederate states. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, violent exploitation of enslaved African Americans continued in many confederate states, including Texas. On June 19th, 1865, the Union Army established authority over Texas and enforced the emancipation of slaves. The following year, the first "Juneteenth" celebration was organized to recognize freedom from slavery in the U.S. In this PodCASP episode, you will hear an engaging conversation between CASP Board Member and PodCASP host, Naa Ameley Garrido, and some of her closest friends and family: Dr. Nadielka 'Nadi' Bishop, Dr. Erica Foh, Dennis Mitchell, MBA, PMP, and Lamley Lawson (student at Yale University School of Medicine). Topics include how and when they first learned about Juneteenth, their efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus some practical tips drawn from their experiences that listeners can easily implement in their workplaces. Our guests share their personal experiences with ongoing systemic racism in medicine, law enforcement, education, and other social structures. Neurodiverse BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) individuals, clinicians, administrators, and family members experience similar challenges as they attempt to access or provide quality ABA services in their communities. Enjoy and please feel free to share your experiences and feedback at thepodcasp@gmail.com.

In 2009, Lani Fritts co-founded Trumpet Behavioral Health. Since that time, he has been active in the ABA provider community, advocating for access to services and developing and sharing organizational and clinical standards. Lani was a founding (and current) board member and the first treasurer of CASP. Our PodCASP hosts were delighted to sit down with Lani at the most recent CASP Conference in Portland! Why listen? In this episode, Lani discusses: Acquisitions in ABA Intentional Growth What to invest and focus on when thinking about growth and acquisitions in the ABA field. The impact of COVID-19 and subsequent effects on the workforce Plus, so much more!

Dr. Eric Larsson is a living legend in our field: Executive Director of the Lovaas Institute-Midwest, longtime CASP board member, contributor to the Autism Commission on Quality and avid kayaker. Tune in to bask in Dr. Larsson's wisdom as he chats about the opportunities and challenges facing our field! Why listen? What's ABA all about? “It's about knowing what you're really doing.” Lessons we can learn from ABA history: Don't just settle for what funders allow and think we can make the outcomes work Words of wisdom: “Surround yourself with really good people”

In 2022 the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) launched organizational standards to improve the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of applied behavior analysis services for individuals and families negatively impacted by autism. Dr. Dubuque helps us understand what this means for our field. Why listen? ACQ origin story: learn about the process for developing the standards, what they are, and why they were chosen Accreditation's signaling value: what role does accreditation play more generally in health care and other disciplines? What role does accreditation play in ABA? Why choose ACQ vs. others? What to expect: Learn how to build a strong organizational foundation to maximize chance of accreditation success

Want to understand a parent's autism journey? Leslie Robinson had concerns about her daughter's development starting at 15 months old. She takes us through her emotional, mental and physical journey: from concern to diagnosis to treatment to the profound impacts her family. Why listen? Advocating for your child: to pediatricians, early-intervention specialists, treatment providers and more Impact on family: what happens to your relationship with your spouse? How do you navigate with siblings? Treatment: how do you set your treatment provider and child mutually up for success? What happens when your provider doesn't have staff to fulfill your treatment dosage?

What do you get combining a behavioral health provider with a people-first mindset and deep technology acumen? Elemy (formerly Sprout Therapy). Our conversation with Founder & CEO Yury Yakubchyk unpacks Elemy's quest to transform pediatric behavioral health. Why listen? Inspiration for Elemy: Yury's mental health and ADHD journey as a child Access for all: How technology can address access, quality, and training Customer service: how to make intake easy for families

Tune into the Council of Autism Service Providers' special short version of the PodCASP (fondly referred to as the MiniCASP) where your hosts Natesh Kumar, Hallie Respondek, Jonathan Mueller, Judith Ursitti and Naa Garrido chat with CASP members at various conferences and events. In this episode we welcome Dr. Heather O'Shea, President of Verbal Behavior Associates.

Listen to CASPs inaugural PodCASP with CASP CEO and founder of The Unumb Center for Neurodevelopment (formerly the Autism Academy of South Carolina), Lorri Unumb. Lorri is a lawyer, mother of three teenage boys, and an internationally renowned autism advocate. She began her career as an appellate attorney with the United States Department of Justice and then as a full-time law professor. Following her son's diagnosis with autism, she began volunteering for autism causes, writing ground-breaking autism insurance legislation for South Carolina (“Ryan's Law”) that passed in 2007 and served as the catalyst for the national movement toward autism insurance reform. She served for a decade as the national head of state government affairs for the international nonprofit Autism Speaks. Lorri is also the founder of the annual Autism Law Summit, now in its 14th year, and is co-author of the law school textbook “Autism and the Law.” This podcast is hosted by Natesh Kumar, Hallie Respondek, Jonathan Mueller, Judith Ursitti and Naa Garrido.