Hi Rasmus & Friends

The Story Behind Parenting with ABA

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Leanne Page, BCBA, author and founder of Parenting with ABA. Leanne shares how her personal and professional journey led to creating accessible, compassionate resources for parents grounded in the science of behavior. From her early days as a classroom teacher to building a platform that supports families worldwide, Leanne reflects on the power of small, practical shifts that create lasting change. Whether you're a parent, clinician, or just curious about the real-life application of ABA, this episode offers heart, humor, and actionable insight.

The Story Behind the Why: BCBAs Share Their Path to ABA

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we hear from three dedicated BCBAs—Ian Santus, Mindy Rothstein, and Sean Yocum—as they share the personal journeys that led them to the field of ABA.
Ian’s plans to become a pilot changed after a vision impairment led him to discover ABA by chance. Mindy made a meaningful career shift from math to ABA, driven by a desire to make a real impact. Sean’s path was deeply personal, inspired by his brother’s autism diagnosis and a strong commitment to help others through ABA.
Their stories reveal the unique “why” behind each career and highlight the diverse experiences that fuel the passion and purpose in ABA. Whether you’re new to ABA or a seasoned professional, tune in to explore the story behind the why.

The Story Behind MOTAS: One Mom’s Path to Meaningful Change

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Anika Hoybjerg—licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, and creator of the MOTAS assessment—shares her remarkable journey from raising her daughter on her own to becoming a leader in the ABA field. We talk about the life experiences that shaped her perspective, the challenges of balancing parenthood and professional growth, and how those moments inspired the creation of MOTAS, an innovative assessment designed to better support meaningful outcomes for children and families. Dr. Hoybjerg’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

The Story Behind a Company Culture that took the National Stage

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Cortney and Chris Keene, co-founders of Keene Perspectives—a company that’s not only reshaping the way ABA services are delivered but has also been named a Best Place to Work in Vermont three years in a row. From their powerful insights on staff retention and building meaningful workplace culture to the moment they were recognized on the national stage at the White House, this conversation dives into what it really takes to create a mission-driven organization where people—and outcomes—thrive.

The Story Behind: "How to ABA"

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Shayna Gaunt and Shira Karpel, the powerhouse duo behind How to ABA, to explore the intersection of friendship, community, and social media in the world of behavior analysis. From the story of how they met to building a thriving online platform and podcast, Shayna and Shira share their insights on staying connected in a sometimes-isolating field. We dive into the pros and cons of using social media as a professional tool, how to handle online controversy, and what it really means to create meaningful, supportive spaces for BCBAs and RBTs everywhere.

The Story Behind ABA Visualized: Turning Complex Concepts into Clear Solutions

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Morgan van Diepen, the visionary behind ABA Visualized, to explore how visual storytelling is transforming the way we teach and implement behavior analysis. Morgan shares the story behind ABA Visualized, how her husband’s expertise helped shape the company, and what’s next for their work. We also dive into a recent conversation that sparked debate in the ABA community—her take on communication supports and the shift she sees happening in the field. Whether you’re a BCBA, educator, or just passionate about making ABA more accessible, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

The Story Behind Weather, Autism, and Human Behavior

What happens when a meteorologist, autism dad, and hot air balloon unexpectedly cross paths with a BCBA? In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we sit down with Dan, a meteorologist whose journey as an autism parent has given him a unique perspective on both science and human behavior. We’ll explore his family’s autism story—from early diagnosis to young adulthood—while also diving into how weather patterns may influence behavior. Plus, we couldn’t resist asking about the day he landed a hot air balloon in our host’s front yard!

The Story Behind The Autism Helper with Sasha Long

"Be the person your students want to be around & make your classroom a place your students want to be in." – Sasha Long
In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Long, BCBA and founder of The Autism Helper, to explore the story behind her journey and the impact of ABA in the classroom. Sasha shares how simple mindset shifts and practical strategies can transform the learning environment, creating a space where students thrive.
From behavior management to building meaningful connections, this conversation is packed with insights that can impact everything for your students. Whether you're a teacher, therapist, or parent, you won’t want to miss this episode!

The Story Behind ABA: Voices Around the World

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends: Stories Behind the Science, we explore the landscape of ABA services across the globe. Erin Moran, Rosy Romanella, and Nardeen Massoud discuss how ABA is practiced in different countries, highlighting key differences in funding sources, cultural influences, and innovative approaches.
Listeners will gain insight into how ABA is evolving in regions such as Dubai, Egypt, the UK, Australia, and more. From overcoming challenges to embracing new opportunities, this conversation sheds light on the diverse ways ABA is making an impact worldwide.
Tune in to hear firsthand experiences and global perspectives shaping the future of ABA.

The Story Behind Adult Services: What’s Next? Arianna Esposito,VP Services & Supports Autism Speaks

In this episode of Hi Rasmus & Friends, we’re joined by Arianna Esposito, BCBA, Vice President of Services & Supports, Lifespan Programs at Autism Speaks, to discuss a topic that affects countless families: the current state of adult autism services.
Arianna shares her insights on the gaps in services for adults on the spectrum, the challenges faced by families and providers, and what’s being done to build a more inclusive future. Together, we’ll explore "The Story Behind Adult Services: What’s Next?" and uncover how we can all play a role in creating meaningful change.
Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about advocacy, innovation, and hope.