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Show Notes
In this candid and powerful episode of Tim Talks, host Tim Zercher sits down with Jeron Trotman – founder of Black Men in Behavior Analysis, ABAVerzus, the Behavior Technician Association, and co-founder of The ABA Collab.
Jeron shares how he’s reshaping the ABA landscape through authentic community-building, inclusive leadership, and systemic reform for behavior technicians. From addressing burnout to advancing BIPOC visibility in leadership, Jeron challenges traditional models and offers a new vision for the field – one that centers connection, culture, and co-elevation.
Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, or ABA leader, this is a must-listen conversation on where our field is heading – and who it needs to include.
Episode Overview
Timothy A. Zercher (00:00):
All right, thank you so much for joining us, Jeron. We really appreciate you hopping on, taking time out your busy day.
Jeron Trotman (00:06):
I appreciate you having me on, Tim.
Timothy A. Zercher (00:08):
You’ve launched multiple platforms like the ABA Collab and others. What drives your approach in building community, especially in this field?
Jeron Trotman (00:21):
That’s a great question. For me, community is the antidote to burnout, isolation, and stagnation in ABA…
Timothy A. Zercher (01:26):
You also founded the Behavior Technician Association. What drove that piece? What gap were you trying to fill?
Jeron Trotman (01:37):
BTA, shout out to my BTA family. We all know behavior technicians are the backbone of ABA…
Timothy A. Zercher (02:28):
As a podcast host yourself, what are some conversations or topics in the ABA space that deserve more focus?
Jeron Trotman (02:46):
Several critical conversations need amplification: family experiences, cultural values, workforce sustainability…
Timothy A. Zercher (03:41):
Tell me about the mindset shifts behavior scientists need in order to lead more effectively.
Jeron Trotman (03:58):
One is shifting from compliance to co-elevation. Leadership is about growing together…
Timothy A. Zercher (04:39):
How has being a Black leader in ABA shaped your views on inclusivity and representation?
Jeron Trotman (04:54):
Loaded question, Tim… It’s shown me how critical representation is and how much work remains…
Timothy A. Zercher (06:10):
What progress have you seen in inclusive leadership within ABA over the last few years?
Jeron Trotman (06:25):
Visibility has improved. More Black men are being seen in leadership roles. But we need systemic support…
Timothy A. Zercher (07:39):
Absolutely… Even if disparity numbers improved tomorrow, the culture still takes time to build…
Jeron Trotman (07:59):
Exactly. And that’s where community becomes even more important…
Timothy A. Zercher (08:04):
Well, those were all the questions we had. Thank you for your time and insight, Jeron. You’re doing amazing work.
Jeron Trotman (08:21):
Thank you, Tim. Keep doing the great work you’re doing as well.
