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Show Notes
In this bite-sized episode of Tim Talks, Timothy Zercher sits down with Dr. Jennifer Charles, PhD, BCBA, founder of Building Blocks Resolutions. Dr. Jenn shares her journey into applied behavior analysis (ABA), why she fell in love with its objective, results-driven nature, and how her practice deliberately chooses slow, sustainable growth over the rapid scaling pushed by private equity.
They dive into current trends in school-district contracting, the risks of prioritizing price over quality and supervision, and why word-of-mouth remains the most powerful marketing tool when clinical outcomes are exceptional. Dr. Jenn also reveals how her team is positioning themselves as a trusted educational resource through newsletters and webinars – rather than just another service provider.
Perfect for ABA owners, BCBAs, school administrators, and anyone passionate about preserving clinical integrity while growing a practice.
Sign up for Building Blocks Resolutions’ free newsletters at buildingblockresolutions.com or email info@buildingblockresolutions.com.
Episode Overview
[00:00] Introduction & Welcome
Timothy welcomes Dr. Jennifer Charles.
[00:06] How did you end up in behavioral health and specifically ABA?
Dr. Jenn shares her path from a psychology bachelor’s degree, discovering the objective and results-driven nature of ABA, and knowing instantly it was the right fit over neuropsychology.
[01:04] Has it actually been fun?
Dr. Jenn: “It has… I get to see real behavior change” working with children and young people.
[01:11] What trends are you seeing right now in how school districts approach special education contracting?
Discussion on districts facing IEP pressure, the shift toward large PE-backed providers, lowest-price bidding, and the tension between budget constraints and quality outcomes.
[02:34] How do you ensure quality and consistency in ABA services when scaling across multiple districts?
Dr. Jenn explains their deliberate slow-growth philosophy, staying flat when the right people aren’t in place, and prioritizing training and supervision over rapid expansion.
[03:38] As specialists in behavioral health marketing, we have to ask—what’s working best right now to gain new clients and partners?
Word-of-mouth reigns supreme when clinical results are excellent; relationships drive sustainable growth.
[04:27] What marketing tactic or strategy are you watching closely or considering activating?
Positioning as an educational leader through targeted newsletters (for districts and parents) and webinars—becoming a trusted information source, not just a service provider.
[05:37] Quick plug—where can people sign up for your newsletter?
buildingblockresolutions.com or email info@buildingblockresolutions.com
[06:10] Closing thanks and appreciation.
