Revolutionizing ABA Clinics: Harnessing AI and Technology for Enhanced Care with Michael Gao and Christina Morales
11/22/24 • 46 min
BCBAs and RBTs enter the field to create meaningful change for learners, but more and more is being dumped on their backs, draining their energy and impacting the quality of care. This burden also sucks the life out of leaders, making it harder to retain talent and maintain high standards. But what if there was a way to ease the load while enhancing outcomes?
In this episode, Michael Gao, an innovative software developer, and my authentic friend Christina Morales, CEO of Piece of the Puzzle and founder of the IQR Group, explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping behavior analysis.
We discuss Michael's game-changing platform, successfully piloted by Christina, that uses AI tools like Alpaca Assistant to automate administrative tasks, from session notes to intakes, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters. Christina also shares her inspiring journey as an autism mom, driving her to create inclusive organizations like Piece of the Puzzle and Believe and Achieve. Together, we highlight the challenges of scaling ABA services and emphasize the critical role of leadership, systems, and innovation in sustaining growth while embedding values like inclusion and respect.
If you're ready to see how technology can reduce workload, improve efficiency, and help behavior analysis professionals rediscover their passion, tune in—and don't forget to check out Christina’s podcast, Know Yourself to Grow Yourself, for more leadership and personal growth insights!
About the guests:
Michael Gao is the Founder and CEO of Alpaca Health. They are developing Alpaca Assistant, the last admin hire for ABA agencies. To try Alpaca Assistant's session note-generation feature, head over to www.alpacahealth.io.
Christina Morales, an Autism mom, BCBA, and the CEO of Piece of the Puzzle Behavior Analysis, is a truly authentic leader and a dear friend. Her work is driven by her personal journey with her son, Vinny, and her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities. Christina also founded the IQR Group, which includes impactful initiatives like Bumblebee Academy, an inclusive learning center; PACE, a life and social skills program for teens; Believe & Achieve, a nonprofit fostering acceptance and awareness; and Include & Connect, a resource hub for families. Her passion and authenticity shine through in everything she does.
Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science
The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!
Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.
BCBAs and RBTs enter the field to create meaningful change for learners, but more and more is being dumped on their backs, draining their energy and impacting the quality of care. This burden also sucks the life out of leaders, making it harder to retain talent and maintain high standards. But what if there was a way to ease the load while enhancing outcomes?
In this episode, Michael Gao, an innovative software developer, and my authentic friend Christina Morales, CEO of Piece of the Puzzle and founder of the IQR Group, explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping behavior analysis.
We discuss Michael's game-changing platform, successfully piloted by Christina, that uses AI tools like Alpaca Assistant to automate administrative tasks, from session notes to intakes, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters. Christina also shares her inspiring journey as an autism mom, driving her to create inclusive organizations like Piece of the Puzzle and Believe and Achieve. Together, we highlight the challenges of scaling ABA services and emphasize the critical role of leadership, systems, and innovation in sustaining growth while embedding values like inclusion and respect.
If you're ready to see how technology can reduce workload, improve efficiency, and help behavior analysis professionals rediscover their passion, tune in—and don't forget to check out Christina’s podcast, Know Yourself to Grow Yourself, for more leadership and personal growth insights!
About the guests:
Michael Gao is the Founder and CEO of Alpaca Health. They are developing Alpaca Assistant, the last admin hire for ABA agencies. To try Alpaca Assistant's session note-generation feature, head over to www.alpacahealth.io.
Christina Morales, an Autism mom, BCBA, and the CEO of Piece of the Puzzle Behavior Analysis, is a truly authentic leader and a dear friend. Her work is driven by her personal journey with her son, Vinny, and her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities. Christina also founded the IQR Group, which includes impactful initiatives like Bumblebee Academy, an inclusive learning center; PACE, a life and social skills program for teens; Believe & Achieve, a nonprofit fostering acceptance and awareness; and Include & Connect, a resource hub for families. Her passion and authenticity shine through in everything she does.
Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science
The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!
Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.
Previous Episode
Enhancing Behavior Analysis through Motivational Interviewing: Building Connections and Preventing Burnout with Dr. Monica Gilbert
How can behavior analysts build better relationships and avoid burning out? In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert and I dig into the game-changing power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in behavior analysis. Monica’s journey—from working with people battling substance use to bringing MI into her ABA practice—shows just how powerful reflective listening and open-ended questions can be. Not only do they cut down on client dropouts, but they also help build genuine connections. We’ll share real-life stories and practical tips on using these tools to boost engagement and create real, lasting change—without the burnout.
We also dive deep into what makes MI tick and how it’s different from the usual solution-focused methods. One key takeaway? Getting parents and other stakeholders involved in problem-solving makes a world of difference when it comes to creating lasting, meaningful change. It’s not just about techniques; it’s about having patience, empathy, and adjusting our mindset when working with different people—whether it’s parents, teachers, or anyone else. We even tackle the ethical side of blending ABA with MI, focusing on aligning with clients’ goals and staying transparent. Trust me, this conversation is all about building stronger connections, staying true to your values, and avoiding the exhaustion that comes with the grind.
If you are interested in learning more about Motivational Interviewing, check out Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In. Anika Costa, Matt Cicoria, and I spent a year researching, designing, and producing this course to make it as engaging and meaningful as possible. If you want to begin your journey toward becoming fluent in MI techniques, enroll in our course today!
Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science
The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!
Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.
Next Episode
Redefining Leadership: What It Truly Means and Why It Matters
Unlock the secrets to impactful leadership with insights from Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni and AJ Rinaldi. Discover how real leadership transcends titles and transforms cultures by focusing on influence and authenticity. Dr. Paulie reveals his journey from social work to leadership, driven by a passion for improving leadership practices. Meanwhile, AJ shares his wealth of experience in youth work and education, inspired by the wisdom of John Maxwell. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on the nuanced dance between leadership and management, urging us to look beyond mere positions to the heart of influence.
This episode promises to equip you with practical tools and real-world examples to enhance your leadership skills, no matter your formal position. Embark on a journey with us to redefine leadership as a set of behaviors that can transform not only organizations but also lives.
Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science
The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!
Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.
The Heart & Science of Leadership - Revolutionizing ABA Clinics: Harnessing AI and Technology for Enhanced Care with Michael Gao and Christina Morales
Transcript
Welcome to the Thoughts and Rants of a Behavior Scientist Show hosted by Wall Street Journal and USA Today , best-selling author , Dr Pauly .
Speaker 2All right , welcome back to the Thoughts and Rants of a Behavior Scientist Show . I am your host , dr Pauly , and I am here with a couple of very cool persons . One of them is a very good frie
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