Tim Talks: Behavioral Health
Tim Talks: Behavioral Health is a fast-paced podcast featuring candid, 10-minute conversations with leaders across the behavioral health field.
Hosted by Timothy Zercher, CEO of A-Train Marketing, each episode dives into what’s actually working in marketing, practice growth, and leadership — with a sharp focus on ethics, sustainability, and smart strategy.
Designed for behavioral health providers, practice owners, and executive leaders, Tim Talks delivers real insight from real operators shaping the future of care.
Short talks. Big insights. Smarter growth.
New episodes weekly.
Tim Talks: Behavioral Health
Patrick Faga | From Flashcards to FirstWork: Digitizing ABA for Independent Learning
On this episode of Tim Talks: ABA Therapy, Timothy Zercher sits down with Patrick Faga, Founder of FirstWork, to explore how technology is reshaping ABA lesson delivery. Patrick shares how his background as a behavior technician sparked the idea to ditch laminated flashcards in favor of scalable, digital learning tools - and how that decision is creating more efficient, learner-driven experiences both in the clinic and at home.
In this rapid-fire episode, they dive into:
- How FirstWork is transforming lesson delivery for BCBAs and special educators
- The surprising success of digital tools for learners on the spectrum
- Balancing operational efficiency with learner outcomes
- How independent learning through FirstWork could unlock new possibilities for the field
If you're passionate about innovation, efficiency, and scaling impact in ABA, this episode is for you.
00:00 - Introduction
Timothy Zercher: "Thanks so much for joining us, Patrick. We appreciate you taking time and we're super excited to get some of your insights."
00:08 - Guest Introduction
Patrick Faga: "Thanks for having me. Excited to chat."
00:10 - What sparked the idea for FirstWork and how did it all begin?
Patrick Faga: Shares his experience as a behavior technician observing how learners excel with tablets, leading to the idea of incorporating digital interfaces for lessons.
01:18 - What kind of feedback have you received so far from BCBAs or RBTs?
Patrick Faga: Discusses overwhelmingly positive feedback — reduced material prep for professionals, increased efficiency, and learners showing new skills quickly with digital lessons.
02:44 - What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a leader?
Patrick Faga: Talks about balancing communication around both the exciting learner outcomes and the operational efficiency needed for behavioral health organizations.
04:28 - How does your team go about gaining new clients and partnerships?
Patrick Faga: Explains the importance of authentic relationships and raising awareness, showing how FirstWork provides a viable alternative to traditional paper-based materials.
05:58 - How do you see FirstWork changing the future of independent and clinic learning?
Patrick Faga: Lays out his vision for scalable, individualized learning that reduces material prep, empowers learners, and enables more independent progress at home and in classrooms.
08:23 - How do you manage building so many different ways of learning and types of skills?
Patrick Faga: Highlights how FirstWork simplifies lesson implementation, allowing professionals to focus on supportive, hands-on components rather than technical prep.
09:03 - Conclusion
Timothy Zercher: Wraps up, thanking Patrick for the insights and conversation.
Patrick Faga: "Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity—love the rapid-fire format."
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