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Show Notes
What does it look like when adults with disabilities are given real choice and dignity in their services?
In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, we sit down with Christina Gravina, M.Ed, BCBA, LABA – founder and CEO of BILT, Inc. – to explore a powerful, people-first approach to ABA and IDD services.
Christina shares:
- Why she started BILT to serve a forgotten population
- How her team rethinks day programs into real-world experiences
- What the “Real Lives Law” means for future service flexibility
- How her team respectfully teaches sexuality education
- A story of one client’s transformation from isolation to independence
If you’ve ever wondered what true autonomy, respect, and inclusion look like in action – this episode will show you what’s possible.
Episode Overview
Timothy A. Zercher (00:00):
All right, hey, Christina, thank you so much for joining us. We really appreciate having you on the show…
Tell us a little bit about why you started BILT. What brought about your inspiration?
Christina Gravina (00:20):
I started BILT in 2019 as a dream to build a nonprofit centered around people, not programs…
Timothy A. Zercher (00:51):
Tell me a little bit about how you customize your approach to fit what individuals actually need.
Christina Gravina (01:00):
We specialize in teens and adults — and adults are often forgotten in ABA. Everything we do is based on real choice…
Timothy A. Zercher (01:59):
Awesome. That makes complete sense.
So you’ve advocated for a lot of policy reforms. Can you share one policy you’d love to see take hold in Massachusetts or beyond?
Christina Gravina (02:24):
Yes — it’s actually already on the books. It’s called the Real Lives Law of 2014… but it’s still not being implemented the way it should be…
Timothy A. Zercher (03:39):
You all emphasize making dreams happen. Can you tell us a story about one dream you’ve helped bring to life?
Christina Gravina (03:48):
Absolutely. One individual lost nearly everything during COVID… and now she’s riding the train, walking miles, and going to pool parties. It’s been amazing to watch…
Timothy A. Zercher (05:27):
That’s awesome.
Sexuality education is a big part of your work. How do you and your team approach that respectfully?
Christina Gravina (06:00):
We take a two-pronged approach — boundaries and consent first, then education on relationships and safety… we also work with caregivers to shift mindsets…
Timothy A. Zercher (07:35):
That’s a really thoughtful approach.
Last question: What’s one piece of advice for someone just entering this field?
Christina Gravina (07:53):
Listen. Don’t assume. Ask questions. A diagnosis or behavior plan is just one tiny part of a person’s story…
Timothy A. Zercher (08:35):
That’s powerful advice. Thank you again, Christina. This was amazing.
Christina Gravina (08:38):
Thank you. I loved being here.
