Expanding BCBA® Careers: Supporting Diverse Practice Paths in ABA with Nicole Parks

In the Field: The ABA Podcast

Episode Title: Expanding BCBA® Careers: Supporting Diverse Practice Paths in ABA with Nicole Parks

Host: Allyson Wharam, Creator of Sidekick Learning

Guest: Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted Consultation

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, host Allyson Wharam sits down with Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer at Rooted Consultation, to challenge the status quo of applied behavior analysis. Together, they explore how BCBA®s can move beyond traditional autism therapy roles and pursue fulfilling careers in subspecialty areas of ABA. Nicole shares her journey across forensic systems, adult mental health, and consulting—offering a roadmap for behavior analysts ready to carve their own path.

🔑 Key Topics:

• Breaking the Mold: Nicole shares her early career in forensics and mental health, and what drew her back to non-traditional ABA work after time in autism therapy.
• The Subspecialty Framework: A 3-part plan for diversifying ABA practice—centered around supervision, learning opportunities, and advocating for job creation.
• Funding vs. Fulfillment: A candid discussion about compensation, burnout, and why many BCBA®s stay in autism therapy even when their heart lies elsewhere.
• Real-World Scope: Why understanding your scope of competence—and how to expand it—is essential in navigating subspecialty roles.
• The Undercurrent: Nicole’s membership program designed to support and inspire ABA professionals exploring diverse practice areas.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• BCBA®s are not limited to autism therapy—our science has far-reaching applications across healthcare, education, justice, animal behavior, and more.
• Exposure to diverse practice areas, ethical supervision, and ongoing mentorship are critical for growing the next generation of well-rounded behavior analysts.
• A major barrier to practice diversification is visibility—both in job listings and in the way we teach and talk about ABA.
• When one behavior analyst breaks into a new space, we all benefit—especially when we bring others along with us.

Connect with Nicole Parks and Rooted Consultation:

• Website: Rooted Consultation
• The Undercurrent: Continuing Education Membership for Subspecialty Areas
• Ignis Path: Remote Supervision in Subspecialty Areas
• LinkedIn: Nicole Parks
• Instagram: thembabcba | @RootedConsultation

Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast:

Don’t miss future episodes exploring innovation in supervision, training, and practice. Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast and explore more resources for BCBA®s and ABA businesses at Sidekick Learning.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.