In today's "Day in the Life Series" edition of the BT Focus Podcast, we sit down with Rex!

Rex shares with great passion how he transitioned from a career in sales to a career as a behavior technician and how that has evolved to now pursuing his BCBA.

He shares insight into how working as a behavior technician has helped him grow as a person, student, and professional.

Finally, Rex shares some of his community involvement with the "Step into the Spotlight" event dedicated to providing an inclusive, joyful, red-carpet dance experience to teens within his community!

Happy Holidays BT Focus listeners! In today's mini-episode, we reflect on the close of 2021 and Season 1 of the podcast. Listen as we recap highlights from the past year and share what listeners can expect in the year ahead!

Got a question, comment, or feedback for Season 2?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com - Happy New Years!

In this week's episode, we review the foundational procedure of ABC data collection!

Learn key features, best practices, and pro tips of this fundamental data collection procedure!

In this episode, we are proud to announce the launch of the Centria Team Member Support Center! This team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer support to our employees to achieve faster, easier, and more streamlined solutions.

We sit down with Tom Cattel and Norman Hartman who have played an instrumental role in the launch of the Support Center to hear about:

• The important "Why" of this initiative
• How to Support Center was developed and what it hopes to accomplish
• What Centria members can expect and how they can connect

To all of our Centria team members, a special thanks for all you do - this team looks forward to supporting you as you serve our families!

In collaboration with the Centria Ethics Committee, we explore our October Ethics topic of "giving and receiving feedback" related to the RBT Ethics Code 2.0 section:

• 2.03 - RBTs conduct themselves in a professional manner during all work activities (e.g., delivering services, receiving training or supervision). They take action to improve their performance following feedback from supervisors.

Our roundtable discussion includes both Supervising Clinician and behavior technician perspectives on giving and receiving feedback, how feedback can go wrong, and feedback pro-tips to improve your practice!

We also explore the common feedback "sandwich method" approach when viewed from a behavior analytic perspective with some key considerations and takeaways!

Comment or Question? Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com !

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Victoria Deshazor to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-4 Implement discrete-trial teaching procedures

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Welcome to a special "Listener Mailbag" episode where we answer your questions! Today's question:

• "What are some career path advancement opportunities as a BT?"

Areas we explore:

• Pursuing your RBT certification within your current behavior technician role (Hint! Subscribe to our "RBT Mini Series" to learn more!)
• Considering a BCaBA or BCBA certification - Visit the BACB website to learn more
• Centria BTs! Check out our "BT Resource Center" on the Pulse to learn about all of our University Partners for educational benefit opportunities!
• Visit our Centria Careers Page to learn more about other career opportunities within the organization

Got a question/submission of your own? Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com ! 

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Victoria Deshazor to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-3 Use contingencies of reinforcement (e.g., conditioned/unconditioned reinforcement, continuous/intermittent schedules).

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast!

Today we meet Haley and hear her BT story. She shares what drew her to the role of a behavior technician, perspectives she keeps to stay motivated and recharged each day, and we close by talking about the importance of play in learning.

BTs interested in participating in the "Day in the Life Series"? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Welcome to a very special Back-to-School "Mailbag" edition of the BT Focus podcast! We answer your listener submitted questions including:

- What advice do you have to overcome therapy distractions?

- What advice do you have to deal with regression?

- What insight do you have to address challenging behaviors?

- What strategies do you have to teach mindfulness / self-care skills?

We conclude with several of your "What's your 'Why'" submissions! 

Got a question/submission of your own? Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com ! 

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast!

Today we meet Merisa and hear her BT story. We follow her journey outside the field inspired by a passion for psychology, to entering the field of ABA as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

We share which perspectives allow Merisa to overcome obstacles and teach from a place of joy and explore key aspects of the BT role such as family engagement.

BTs interested in participating in the "Day in the Life Series"? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com 

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast!

Today we meet Merisa and hear her BT story. We follow her journey outside the field inspired by a passion for psychology, to entering the field of ABA as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

We share which perspectives allow Merisa to overcome obstacles and teach from a place of joy and explore key aspects of the BT role such as family engagement.

BTs interested in participating in the "Day in the Life Series"? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Victoria Deshazor to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-8 - Implement stimulus control transfer procedures

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Join us for our August Clinical Topic of the Month - Natural Environment Teaching (NET)!

We are joined by Ian McGarvey in Part 1 to discuss core elements of NET and steps to implement NET into your practice.

In Part 2, we explore additional practical tips and takeaways to incorporate into your sessions!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Join us for our August Clinical Topic of the Month - Natural Environment Teaching (NET)!

We are joined by Ian McGarvey in Part 1 to discuss core elements of NET and steps to implement NET into your practice.

In Part 2, we explore additional practical tips and takeaways to incorporate into your sessions!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In collaboration with the Centria Ethics Committee, we're joined by Committee members and Centria BCBAs Jonathan Yelland and Kristina Grubbs to discuss the upcoming transition to the RBT Ethics Code (2.0) beginning January 2022.

We discuss helpful takeaways and relevance to practice for several new code additions, as well as key resources to support your ethical practice.

Additional Resources

• RBT Ethics Code (2.0) 
• Crosswalk for RBT Ethics Codes
• Inside the BACB Podcast: Introduction to the RBT Ethics Code 2.0

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-2 Prepare for the session as required by the skill acquisition plan

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

We are joined by guest hosts Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to share a special announcement and future test-prep resources for Centria behavior technicians pursuing their RBT certification!

We are excited to announce this upcoming team member-exclusive resource - stay tuned to hear of its launch, coming this fall!

Questions, Comments, or Feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast! 

Today we meet Elise and hear her BT story. We follow her journey from a background in microbiology and geriatrics to her current role as an RBT providing ABA services - with excellent advice, perspectives, and encouragement along the way!

BTs interested in participating in the Day in the Life series? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com 

In Part 4 of our four-part series on Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) "Pro Tips", we meet with Ian McGarvey to discuss the important considerations BTs should take after DTT instructional programming.

Join us for all four episodes as we walk you step by step through DTT, noting key insights and tips to elevate your practice: before, during, and after conducting DTT with your learners.

Finally, for a visual walkthrough of DTT, view one of our past video workshops here.

In Part 3 of our four-part series on Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) "Pro Tips", we meet with Ian McGarvey to discuss the important considerations BTs should take during DTT instructional programming.

Join us for all four episodes as we walk you step by step through DTT, noting key insights and tips to elevate your practice: before, during, and after conducting DTT with your learners.

Finally, for a visual walkthrough of DTT, view one of our past video workshops here.

In Part 2 of our four-part series on Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) "Pro Tips", we meet with Ian McGarvey to discuss the important considerations BTs should take leading up to DTT instructional programming.

Join us for all four episodes as we walk you step by step through DTT, noting key insights and tips to elevate your practice: before, during, and after conducting DTT with your learners.

Finally, for a visual walkthrough of DTT, view one of our past video workshops here.

In Part 1 of our four-part series on Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) "Pro Tips", we meet with Ian McGarvey to discuss the important features, rationale, and benefits of DTT.

Join us for Parts 2-4 as we walk you step by step through DTT, noting key insights and tips to elevate your practice: before, during, and after conducting DTT with your learners.

Finally, for a visual walkthrough of DTT, view one of our past video workshops here.

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Victoria Deshazor to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-7 Implement discrimination training

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In today's episode, we are joined by Centria Chief Clinical Officer Timothy Yeager, as well as BCBAs Jonathan Yelland and Kristina Grubbs to discuss the exciting launch of the Centria Ethics Committee. We explore the important "why" behind this initiative, core functions it will serve, as well as clinical perspectives and what team members can expect following its launch.

In collaboration with the Ethics Committee, the BT Focus Podcast will also be launching a monthly ethics series where you will hear roundtable discussions, navigate ethical scenarios, and dive deeper into ethical topics to guide your clinical practice.

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast! 

We continue our conversation with Emilee and discuss her initial reflections once entering the field from another profession. We also explore how embracing questions can serve as a critical means for professional growth.

Listen to Part 1, as we discuss topics ranging from overcoming professional doubt, the critical role of self-care while working as a behavior technician, and how vulnerability and transparency allow each of us to achieve our fullest potential.

BTs interested in participating in the Day in the Life series? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast! 

Today we meet Emilee and hear her BT story. In Part 1, we discuss topics ranging from overcoming professional doubt, the critical role of self-care while working as a behavior technician, and how vulnerability and transparency allow each of us to achieve our fullest potential - be sure to tune in for much more in Part 2 of our discussion!

BTs interested in participating in the Day in the Life series? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com 

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "C. Skill Acquisition:"

• C-1 Identify the essential components of a written skill acquisition plan.

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we are joined by returning guests Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List item under section "B. Assessment:"

B3 - Assist with functional assessment procedures

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! Stay tuned for many more exciting RBT certification tools to be announced in the weeks ahead.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "B. Assessment:"

B2 - Assist with individualized assessment procedures

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!  Stay tuned for many more exciting RBT certification tools to be announced in the weeks ahead.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we are joined by BT guest hosts Dan Jones & Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "B. Assessment:"

• B1 - Conduct preference assessments

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!  You can also hear more about Preference Assessments on Episode 11 recorded in March.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

A special announcement and invitation to our "Day in the Life" Series! 

This feed will be specifically dedicated to sharing the stories, journeys, and perspectives of our behavior technicians in the field and their role in providing life-changing ABA services.

To share your story and be a part of this series, email us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com !

This week we explore a BONUS episode of May Clinical Topic of Functional Communication Training (FCT) - Part 2!

In today's episode, we discuss how to arrange your environment for successful mand training, how BTs can collect data on this behavior, how to advance and extend this life-changing skill, and much more!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com or by leaving us a voicemail at our Google Voice account at (248) 215-2464.

In this episode, we explore the May Clinical Topic of Functional Communication Training (FCT), specifically mand training.

Join us for Part 1 of this discussion, where you will learn about the important role mand training plays in skill-building and problem behavior reduction, different forms of mands, how to select specific mands for teaching, and much more!

Tune back in for Part 2 where you will learn about how to arrange your environment for successful mand training, how BTs can collect data on this behavior, and how to advance and extend this life-changing skill.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com or by leaving us a voicemail at our Google Voice account at (248) 215-2464.

Show note - This episode is a rebroadcast. Originally aired March 6, 2021.

In today's episode, we have a roundtable discussion with three incredible BT guests centered around our March BT Team Meeting core value of "Sharp."

You will hear from the group, as well as listener submissions, on what this core value means as a behavior technician, how it's made evident in practice - we also have some fun sharing "therapy hacks" on ways you can remain "sharp" as a BT!

A most sincere thanks to today's talented BT guests: Victoria Deshazer (MI), Dan Jones (TX), & Jenna Leavitt (OR).

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In today's episode, we're joined by an extra special guest to share a special Mother's Day message, hear your listener submitted feedback for upcoming episodes, and discuss "5 ABA Podcasts to Add to Your Playlist" (besides the BT Focus Podcast, of course!).

Head on over to their pages and subscribe for some excellent content within our behavior analytic community!

• The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria 
• Inside the BACB 
• ABA Inside Track
• Do Wonders 
• The Three Host Contingency 

Our BT Focus team would like to wish a very special Mother's Day to all of the Moms out there! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?! Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com or by leaving us a voicemail at our Google Voice account at (248) 215-2464.

In today's episode, we are joined again by BT's Victoria Deshazer and Dan Jones to discuss our May core value of "Situational Ownership."

We discuss the many ways that behavior technicians work to embody this core value through active problem solving, strategic thinking, and personal accountability.

We share some personal stories and shared experiences around this core value, ending with an important quote on how we can best approach our life and work as behavior technicians surrounding this value.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast?!  Let us know at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com 

As the month of April comes to a close, our team shares some reflections on what Autism Awareness Month means to them and how advancements within ABA continue to enable optimal outcomes in the lives of the clients and families that we are privileged to serve.

We're joined by Ian McGarvey, MA, BCBA to discuss the April Clinical Topic of "Instructional Control," talking through "The Seven Steps to Earning Instructional Control with Your Child" by Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA.

Finally, we close with some words from "A Perspective on Today's ABA" by Dr. Greg Hanley - a tremendous commentary on how practitioners can "learn by listening, creating joy, empowering, and while teaching" our learners in our aspirational work of enriching the lives of individuals with autism and supporting their own unique goals and dreams.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we sit down with RBT Dan Jones to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "A. Measurement:"

A6 - Describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! 

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we sit down with RBTs Taj Campbell and Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "A. Measurement:"

A5 - Enter data and update graphs

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! We conclude with some encouraging words from Taj & Logan on the moment they found out they had become RBTs.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In today's episode, we have a discussion with RBT guest Dan Jones (TX) centered around our April BT Team Meeting core value of "Relationship-Oriented."

We discuss how relationships are at the core of all that we do as BTs and RBTs. We also dive into the classic "How to Win Friends & Influence People" text by Dale Carnegie to see what interpersonal advice applies across our work in Applied Behavior Analysis, ranging from the power of joint decision making, how to admit mistakes, "I" over "you" statements, how to be an active listener, and much more.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we sit down with RBTs Taj Campbell and Logan Wurster to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "A. Measurement:"

• A4 - Implement permanent-product recording procedures

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification! We conclude with study tips from Logan & Taj.

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In this episode, we sit down with Ian McGarvey, MA, BCBA to continue our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "A. Measurement:"

• A3 - Implement discontinuous measurement procedures (e.g., partial & whole interval, momentary time sampling)

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!

In this episode, we are joined by special guests Taj Campbell, RBT (CA) & Ian McGarvey, BCBA (MI) to discuss our monthly clinical topic: Preference Assessments.

We discuss the various ways you can "Ask, Observe, & Test" for preferred items as potential reinforcers. We discuss the importance of choice as a way to make therapy individualized, dignified, and engaging.

We review several different types of preference assessments including: Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO), Multiple Stimulus With Replacement (MSW), Paired Stimulus, Single Stimulus, and Free Operant - including distinguishing features and advantages of each.

We conclude with a "decision-tree" model for considerations on when one preference assessment type may be preferred over another - with stories and experiences along the way.

A most sincere thanks to today's guests Taj & Ian!

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

In today's episode, we have a roundtable discussion with three incredible BT guests centered around our March BT Team Meeting core value of "Sharp."

You will hear from the group, as well as listener submissions, on what this core value means as a behavior technician, how it's made evident in practice - we also have some fun sharing "therapy hacks" on ways you can remain "sharp" as a BT!

A most sincere thanks to today's talented BT guests: Victoria Deshazer (MI), Dan Jones (TX), & Jenna Leavitt (OR).

Interested in contributing to the BT Focus Podcast? We'd love to connect! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com

Show note - This episode is a rebroadcast. Originally aired July 30, 2021.

Welcome to the "Day in the Life Series" presented by the BT Focus Podcast! 

Today we meet Elise and hear her BT story. We follow her journey from a background in microbiology and geriatrics to her current role as an RBT providing ABA services - with excellent advice, perspectives, and encouragement along the way!

BTs interested in participating in the Day in the Life series? We'd love to connect with you! Reach us at btfocus@centriahealthcare.com 

In this episode, we sit down with Ian McGarvey, MA, BCBA to begin our review of the RBT Task List - 2nd Edition!

This episode explores the following Task List items under section "A. Measurement:"

• A1 - Prepare for data collection
• A2 - Implement continuous measurement procedures (e.g. frequency, duration, latency, IRT)

You will hear real-life scenarios, relevance to practice, and some practical test prep questions to support you on the path to RBT certification!

Resources listed in this episode:

• "Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism" - by Jonathan Tarbox & Courtney Tarbox
• "Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd edition)" - by Cooper, Heron, & Heward

Welcome to the first episode of the BT Focus Podcast: RBT Mini-Series!

In today's episode, you will receive a general overview of the RBT certification, including:

• Why might one pursue an RBT certification?
• Who can become an RBT?
• How do you become an RBT?
• For Centria behavior technicians - Who do you contact if you have RBT questions?
• How to avoid common application mistakes
• Information on the RBT exam
• How to maintain your RBT certification
• ... and much more

Tune in for future episodes as we walk step by step through the 2nd edition RBT Task List, hear from fellow RBTs and clinicians in the field, and gather valuable study tips and resources on your path to becoming an RBT!

Resources listed in this episode:

• RBT Overview (BACB)
• RBT Handbook
• RBT Task List - 2nd edition
• RBT Initiation Competency Assessment
• "Inside the BACB Podcast" - Episode 4: RBT Certification and the First-ever RBT Handbook

In this episode, we are joined by Centria Regional Clinical Director, Ian McGarvey to discuss our monthly clinical topic: Positive Reinforcement.

We discuss the "Top 10" things you should know about positive reinforcement, including:

• How you can more effectively deliver reinforcement
• How the value of reinforcers change over time
• What it means to say that reinforcers are "function" based and how this applies to ABA therapy
• What the "ultimate goal" is for the delivery of reinforcement
• ... and much more!

In this episode, we sit down with Timothy Yeager, Vice President of Clinical Curriculum & Quality at Centria to discuss our new BT Team Meeting structure. We start with the "why" behind this important initiative and what it hopes to accomplish, details on the structure and what our team members can expect, and conclude with success stories and feedback from the field.