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What happens when a BCBA leaves the U.S. and begins practicing in a completely different culture? In this eye-opening episode, Penina speaks with Jasmin Chacko, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst now living and working in Abu Dhabi. Together, they explore how cultural humility isn't just a buzzword—it's a powerful tool that transforms client relationships and treatment outcomes. Jasmin shares how she navigates cross-cultural differences, listens deeply, and adapts ABA practice in a place where norms, expectations, and priorities are vastly different.

Discussion Points:

• Jasmin’s journey from New Jersey to Abu Dhabi
• The cultural shift from insurance-driven ABA to clinically free practice
• Defining cultural humility in a meaningful, practical way
• Real-life examples of adjusting treatment plans to respect family priorities
• Barriers to cultural humility: bias, lack of exposure, and assumptions
• The importance of parent collaboration, especially in unfamiliar cultures

In this episode, Jasmin Chacko discusses her unique perspective as a BCBA practicing in Abu Dhabi. She explains how cultural humility—listening without judgment—has become central to her work. From respecting local religious practices to adjusting treatment goals like prioritizing potty training or prayer over typical ABA milestones, Jasmin emphasizes the importance of letting the family lead. She shares practical strategies, such as approaching each client with a blank slate, asking open-ended questions like “tell me more,” and focusing on parent collaboration. The episode also dives into the challenges of bias, limited training on cultural competence, and the value of simply being open and curious.

About The Guest:

Jasmin Chacko is a BCBA originally from New Jersey who relocated to Abu Dhabi after getting married. With years of experience in the U.S. insurance-based ABA system, she now practices with greater clinical freedom in the Middle East. Jasmin brings a refreshing and respectful approach to her work, embracing cultural humility and continually adapting her methods to align with the needs and values of the families she serves.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Jasmin’s move to Abu Dhabi & shift in ABA practice

03:00 – Defining cultural humility: Listen, don’t judge

05:00 – Why cultural humility improves client outcomes

08:45 – Practical tips for practicing cultural humility

12:00 – Explaining ABA in culturally sensitive ways

17:00 – Case study: Potty training vs. other goals

21:00 – Collaborating with caregivers & building trust

24:00 – Cultural barriers: bias, lack of exposure, assumptions

29:00 – What it means to truly connect

Ready to bring more cultural humility into your ABA practice?

Tune in to the full episode for real-world insights, thoughtful examples, and inspiration from across the globe.

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Join our fast-growing BCBA Community by signing up HERE.

Are you a BCBA looking for a job? Apply HERE.

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How can BCBAs foster trust with families and make parent training more effective through empathy and realistic goals?

In this episode, Penina sits down with Megan Patton to explore the power of relationship-building, open communication, and honest expectations in the BCBA-parent dynamic.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How did Megan Patton’s journey lead her to becoming a BCBA?
• What makes parent training effective in the ABA field?
• How can empathy and rapport transform the parent-professional relationship?
• What are some of the biggest misconceptions about ABA?
• How do BCBAs balance professional responsibilities with their personal roles as parents?

Summary:

Megan Patton shares her personal and professional experiences in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis. With a focus on the importance of empathy and transparency, Megan discusses how she supports parents by first building trust and then guiding them with realistic and actionable strategies. The conversation highlights how her dual perspective—as a BCBA and as a parent—helps her connect with families on a deeper level. She also addresses common challenges in parent training, offers mindset shifts for professionals, and encourages BCBAs to meet families where they are.

About the Guest:

Megan Patton is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst known for her compassionate and practical approach to supporting families with autistic children. With firsthand experience both professionally and personally, she brings a unique perspective to parent training that bridges clinical knowledge with emotional intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy and connection are foundational to effective parent training.
• Parent training should focus on collaboration, not compliance.
• Misconceptions about ABA can be corrected through education and relationship-building.
• Realistic goal-setting builds confidence in both parents and children.
• BCBAs who are also parents bring valuable insight and relatability to their work.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Meet Megan

01:33 Megan's Journey into BCBA

04:05 Parent Training and Advocacy

04:28 Balancing BCBA and Parenthood

06:48 Effective Parent Training Strategies

13:40 Challenges and Solutions in Parent Training

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Ready to bring more empathy into your parent training sessions?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and real-world insights from Megan Patton.

Access your CEU Certificate by filling out THIS form.

Join our fast-growing BCBA Community by signing up HERE.

Are you a BCBA looking for a job? Apply HERE.

How can BCBAs avoid burnout while delivering high-quality care to others?

In this episode, Penina chats with Danae Medrano, BCBA, and founder of Fave Health and Wellness Coaching, about the critical intersection of personal well-being and professional performance.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, this conversation offers the practical strategies and encouragement you need.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• Why are BCBAs particularly vulnerable to burnout?
• How can mentorship and community support improve sustainability in ABA careers?
• What role do ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) strategies play in professional self-care?
• What boundaries should BCBAs be setting to protect their time and energy?

Danae Medrano shares her powerful insight as both a BCBA and a wellness coach, focusing on how practitioners can avoid burnout by investing in their own health and well-being.

The conversation dives into how ABA professionals can apply ACT principles to themselves, the importance of regular mentorship, and actionable wellness tips—from improving sleep to stress management and boundary-setting. Danae encourages BCBAs to prioritize their own mental and physical wellness to sustain long-term effectiveness and fulfillment in their work.

About The Guest:

Danae Medrano is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the founder of Fave Health and Wellness Coaching.

With years of clinical experience and a passion for helping practitioners thrive, Danae specializes in using behavioral science and ACT-based strategies to support other BCBAs in leading healthier, more balanced lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout is common among BCBAs, but it’s preventable with proactive wellness strategies.
• ACT tools aren’t just for clients—they can help professionals process stress and maintain perspective.
• Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and physical health supports better clinical outcomes.
• Mentorship can be a powerful tool in combating isolation and burnout.
• Setting personal and professional boundaries is essential for sustainability.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 - Danae's Journey into ABA
• 03:24 – Mentorship and Health in ABA
• 04:19 – Burnout in the ABA Field
• 06:18 – Strategies to Combat Burnout
• 14:04 – ACT Strategies for BCBAs
• 20:58 – Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 24:26 – Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Danae Medrano on LinkedIn: https://www.favecoaching.com/

Feeling the strain of your BCBA role? Tune in to this episode and learn how to invest in your own well-being—because thriving professionals create thriving clients.