Tim Talks: Behavioral Health

Holli Beth Clauser | Building Culture-Driven Systems in ABA

Tim Zercher

In this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, host Timothy A. Zercher sits down with Holli Beth Clauser - founder of the ABA C.A.R.E.S. Summit and a leading voice in neurodiverse workplace innovation - to explore the human side of staffing in the ABA world. Holli shares how her neurodivergent perspective has influenced her approach to leadership, systems-building, and recruitment strategy.

We dig into why burnout and turnover persist, what leaders are missing in their talent operations, and the exact systems Holli would build first if launching a new ABA group today. If you're looking to build an organization that truly puts people first, this one's for you.

00:00 —
You have worked in operations, marketing, and recruiting. What's the through line that ties it all together in the ABA space?
Holli shares how the science of ABA itself — grounded in data, behavior, and reflection — connects every facet of her career from clinical to operations.

01:03 —
The ABA Cares Staffing Summit has taken off. What gaps in the market made you launch it?
She explains that the summit was created to tackle ABA’s biggest challenge: staffing. Without the right people, there are no services.

02:30 —
You've spoken about being neurodivergent in leadership. How has that shaped your approach to systems and processes?
Holli discusses how her neurodivergent lens fosters clarity, flexibility, and multi-angle thinking in leadership and organizational design.

04:32 —
Burnout and turnover are huge issues in ABA. Where are orgs missing the mark in people ops?
She emphasizes the need for genuine connection, intention, and individualized support — calling for systems that value people, not just productivity.

06:12 —
What’s one thing you wish more ABA leaders understood about recruiting?
Holli calls for a shift in mindset — from “fill the seat” to long-term investment — and warns that cutting corners in hiring harms your brand and client outcomes.

08:20 —
If a startup ABA group called you tomorrow, what’s the first system you'd build for them?
She’d start by breaking down recruiting silos and building alignment across intake, scheduling, and hiring — emphasizing timeline, communication, and intentional culture-adds.

People on this episode