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
Christina Gravina | Building Autonomy and Respect in ABA for Teens and Adults
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.
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.
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