What happens when occupational therapy, ABA, and lived experience collide? In this episode, Michelle shares her powerful journey from nursing school dropout to OT and BCBA, her viral TikTok success, and why she believes collaboration, not silos, will change the future of therapy.
From decoding proprioception and sensory systems to tackling the remote vs. in-person BCBA debate, representation in the field, and raising kids with ADHD, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:42 Meet Michelle
01:41 From nursing to OT to ABA
04:26 Why OT + ABA credentials matter
06:38 Gaps in OT training
08:18 Multidisciplinary teamwork challenges
10:12 Sensory and neurological lens in ABA
11:17 Proprioception made simple
13:58 Connecting OT & ABA
15:23 Finding each child’s “formula”
16:36 Teaching vs. direct treatment
17:52 Going viral on TikTok
19:04 RBT support & telehealth debate
20:34 Remote vs. in-person BCBA
23:21 Limits of medical model
24:15 Finding the right balance
25:25 Lightning round: Q&A
27:06 Beyond the “four functions” of behavior
28:02 True cross-discipline collaborations
31:11 Representation & authenticity
33:35 Advice for queer and neuro-divergent pros
35:02 Building trust with families
37:19 Study journal & exam prep
38:09 ADHD: boys vs. girls
40:20 Life outside ABA
44:18 Final message to share
45:19 Where to find Michelle online
