Tim Talks: Behavioral Health

Ashleigh Dominguez - BCBA, Ashleigh Behavior Analysis, LLC

Tim Zercher Season 1 Episode 57

In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, Tim Zercher sits down with Ashleigh Dominguez, BCBA, entrepreneur, and founder of Ashleigh Behavior Analysis, LLC. Ashleigh shares her unique journey into the world of ABA - a happy accident that turned into a 12-year career helping families and clinicians alike.

They discuss how technology and AI are transforming the ABA space, from increasing accessibility to assisting clinicians without replacing them. Ashleigh also dives into common mistakes ABA teams make in clinical work, the importance of applying ABA principles internally, and her innovative approach to marketing as she builds her solo practice.

If you’re curious about leveraging tech, improving staff outcomes, or creating meaningful connections with clients in behavioral health, this episode is for you.

Tim Zercher (00:00)
Thank you so much for joining us actually. We really appreciate you hopping on and taking time out of what I'm sure is a busy, busy schedule.

Ashleigh Dominguez (00:06)
Well, I appreciate you. Thank you for having me on.

Tim Zercher (00:08)
Absolutely, absolutely. So your job is not an easy one. I find almost everyone in this space has a very specific reason for getting into the space. Would you mind kind of sharing your story?

Ashleigh Dominguez (00:17)
Absolutely. It actually was a happy accident… [Ashleigh shares how she started working with children and got into ABA before the RBT position existed.]

Tim Zercher (00:56)
That's awesome. I love the little chance meetings that shape our lives.

Ashleigh Dominguez (01:02)
Yeah, this isn't something I learned about in high school.

Tim Zercher (01:05)
Mm-hmm, or a fireman, right? That's always an option.

Tim Zercher (01:28)
So now you are very much in the space and an expert in many ways. Would you mind talking to us about some of the ways that you leverage AI and tech in the ABA space?

Ashleigh Dominguez (01:28)
Definitely. I got involved with the Frontera crew… [Ashleigh explains how AI and technology help with parent apps, clinician workflow, video analysis, and increasing accessibility.]

Tim Zercher (02:24)
Yeah, that's awesome. I think the best way to look at AI… is as an assistant, not a replacement.

Ashleigh Dominguez (02:34)
Certainly, you still need a programmer to finish the coding. It's just your assistant.

Tim Zercher (02:47)
So another question: you've worked in a couple of different ABA clinics over the last 12 years. What are some of the most common mistakes teams make in clinical work or in managing themselves?

Ashleigh Dominguez (03:01)
Great question. Part of what clinics are forgetting is to use ABA with their own staff… [Ashleigh explains how applying ABA to staff can reduce turnover and improve outcomes.]

Tim Zercher (03:51)
That's often something we forget in most industries — not just ABA.

Tim Zercher (04:06)
I have to ask some marketing questions… How do you go about gaining new clients with your solo business right now?

Ashleigh Dominguez (04:06)
Currently, we're in the credentialing process, so I haven’t started advertising yet. But I’ve been thinking about UGC content, creating educational materials, and building trust with parents before they even need to engage.

Tim Zercher (05:18)
That's often the best approach — start with education and value before asking people to sign up.

Tim Zercher (05:29)
What is one marketing tactic you've seen in the marketplace that you’re trying to avoid or differentiate from?

Ashleigh Dominguez (05:29)
Getting too “salesy” upfront. I focus on long-form content with short-form clips driving traffic to it. It builds trust and adds value before any sales approach.

Tim Zercher (06:30)
Perfect. Well, thank you so much for joining us, Ashleigh. Thank you for sharing your insights and for the work you’re doing for families.

Ashleigh Dominguez (06:38)
I appreciate you having me on. I look forward to seeing the results of this and your company’s success as well.

Tim Zercher (06:44)
Thank you.