Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers

Episodi

• S2 E5: Young Leaders of Grenada 🇬🇩 | Building Identity, Purpose, and Leadership 29.05.2026 1h 42min

  What shapes a young leader? In Part I of our special four-part series, Young Leaders of Grenada: Rooted in Culture. Rising in Leadership. Ready to Lead, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with an extraordinary panel of Grenadian youth leaders from Grenada and the diaspora. Together, they explore: How family, culture, and community shape identity The values that anchor leadership How adversity builds resilience Why purpose evolves over time How young people are using their voices to create change, including in social issues such as gender-based violence From mental health advocacy and cybersecurity to climate resilience, education, finance, ministry, and public service, these young leaders offer honest, inspiring reflections on what it means to lead with authenticity. Key themes include: Servant leadership Transformational leadership Growth mindset Self-advocacy Purpose-driven action Whether you are a young professional, educator, parent, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on who you are and how you are showing up in the world. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to lead where you are. About Our Guest Panelists 1. Zadie Barry Zadie Barry is a youth leader and advocate whose work centers on youth empowerment, climate action, and responsible development, with a strong focus on creating practical opportunities for young people to lead and thrive. She is the founder of the Small Island Futures Foundation, where she drives initiatives that connect environmental awareness, mental well-being, and economic opportunity. She is also the founder and project lead for GND MindSpace, a youth-focused mental health initiative creating safe, accessible spaces for open conversations and support around well-being. With over five years of volunteer experience, Zadie has been an active member of the Youth Emergency Action Committee and serves as Vice-Chair for Communications with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Caribbean Chapter, where she contributes to regional advocacy and youth engagement on environmental issues. She is also the voice behind The Youth Spotlight, a platform dedicated to highlighting young people who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. With a background in meteorology and a deep commitment to civic engagement, she brings a thoughtful and solution-oriented perspective to conversations around development, resilience, and youth leadership across the Caribbean. 2. Timara Bubb I am Timara Bubb, a recent graduate in Physics from McMaster, specializing in Medical and Biological Physics. I have a strong passion for science education and work in various outreach roles focused on educational equity and supporting equity-deserving kids in science. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering and taking nature walks. 3. Emerson Calliste A passionate church youth ministry leader, champion for civic engagement and youth accountability, community advocate, entrepreneur, former youth parliamentarian, youth activist 4. Brandon Felix Brandon Felix is a student at St. George’s University with a strong passion for leadership, faith, and youth development. He is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding young people, particularly within the communities of Hope, Marquis, and Mt. Fann. He currently serves as Youth President of the Marquis Pentecostal Church, where he leads youth initiatives, mentors young people, and creates spaces that encourage spiritual growth, discipline, and positive life choices. His leadership focuses on building a generation that is grounded in faith and empowered to make meaningful contributions to society. Brandon also serves as Treasurer for both the Marquis Pentecostal Church and the Northeastern Zone of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies (PAWI), Grenada Youth Ministries, where he is responsible for financial oversight and accountability, as well as supporting the sustainability of youth programs and activities. In addition, he is a National Youth Ambassado
• S2 E4: Presence and Persistence in Leadership: Leading with Data, Empathy, and Heart ❤️ 💚 💛 🇬🇩 22.05.2026 58min

  What does it mean to lead with both data and heart?In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Renisha James-Thomas, a Grenadian-born educator and Evaluation Coordinator in Texas, to explore how leadership is shaped by cultural identity, resilience, and disciplined presence.Renisha shares how her upbringing in Grenada instilled a deep sense of community, optimism, and perseverance. She explains why data should be approached with curiosity rather than judgment, and how empathy helps leaders uncover the human stories behind behavior.Key themes include:• The power of presence in leadership• Looking beyond numbers to understand context• Leading with empathy in special education• Black educator persistence and resistance• Caribbean values that shape effective leadershipMemorable Quotes:• “Numbers don’t lie, but mathematicians do.”• “The moment you’re in is not the moment you’ll be in forever.”• “We likkle buh we tallawah: we are small, but we make a big impact.” About Our Guest Dr. Renisha James-Thomas is a seasoned special education leader whose career spans classroom teaching, district‑level evaluation coordination, and research on the lived experiences of Black educators. She supports one of Texas’s larger special education populations, overseeing evaluation processes for nearly 2,000 students and working alongside school psychologists, educational diagnosticians, speech‑language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and other service providers. Her day‑to‑day work is the real engine of the system: coordinating services, navigating difficult conversations with families, mediating disagreements, managing contracts for evaluators, and keeping timelines and compliance requirements steady in a fast‑moving environment. Renisha is known for bringing clarity, steadiness, and a sense of humanity to processes that can easily overwhelm both families and staff. As a Black educator in a state where Black professionals remain significantly underrepresented, Renisha’s leadership is shaped by both lived experience and scholarly inquiry. Her doctoral research in educational leadership examined the persistence and resistance of Black educators, how they stay, how they push back, and how they carve out space in systems not originally built with them in mind. That lens guides her work today, from mentoring new educators to advocating for equitable evaluation practices to strengthening structures that protect vulnerable students and honor the labor of the service providers who hold up special education every day. Her approach is direct, grounded, and deeply rooted in community, care, and disciplined standards.
• S2 E3: From Oversight to Empowerment: Leading Systems of Growth in Special Education 15.05.2026 39min

  What happens when a leader shifts from managing people to designing systems that help them thrive? In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb speaks with Thomas C. Fitti, MS Ed, Director of Education and Development at Quantum Education Professionals. Tom shares how his career in special education administration prepared him to lead large-scale workforce solutions that help schools reduce operational friction, strengthen compliance, and build sustainable capacity.Key takeaways:• Shift from correction to reinforcement.• Use data to improve systems, not judge people.• Build relationships over transactions.• Lead with active listening.• Develop stamina by anchoring in your purpose.Memorable quote: “Upper Darby taught me how to work. Quantum gave me the platform to scale that work.”   About Our Guest Thomas Fitti is a strategic education leader and workforce solutions executive driving system-level impact across public school districts. Currently serving as Director of Education and Development for Quantum Resource Professionals in the Northeast, he joined the organization in July 2025 and leads the implementation of Q360 Workforce Solutions, a managed service provider model that helps districts streamline vendor management, strengthen compliance, and improve staffing outcomes. His work focuses on reducing operational friction, increasing visibility into workforce performance, and building sustainable, in-district capacity to better serve students. Prior to joining Quantum, Thomas spent more than two decades in public education as a special education teacher, coordinator, and administrator in districts such as Upper Darby and Downingtown. He has led large-scale program development, including the expansion of autistic support and emotional support services, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and driven initiatives that reduced out-of-district placements while improving student outcomes. Known for his practical, relationship-driven approach, Thomas combines deep operational knowledge with a commitment to supporting educators, students, and communities at every level.
• S2 E2: Blueprints for Change: Engineering Leadership and Social Responsibility in Grenada 09.05.2026 1h 27min

  What does civil engineering teach us about leadership, accountability, and social responsibility? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Timothy Bubb, Managing Director of SAFED, Inc., to explore engineering‑informed leadership, mentorship, and nation‑building in Grenada. With over 34 years of experience across the Caribbean, Timothy shares how civil engineering is not just about structures, but about people, systems, and society. He explains how principles like safety, function, economics, discipline, and aesthetics translate into leadership practices grounded in integrity, clarity, and accountability. From defining engineering as “the art of using nature’s resources for the benefit of humankind,” to applying structured thinking in leadership, the discussion explores mentoring young leaders, cultivating responsibility, addressing gender‑based violence through early education, and redefining leadership as everyday behavior. Key takeaways include: Why leadership requires balancing competing priorities to find optimal solutions How explaining the “why” drives performance and accountability The role of attention to detail in identifying and developing future leaders How integrity and compassion coexist in high-stakes, deadline-driven environments Why early intervention is critical in addressing social issues like gender-based violence This episode challenges leaders to move beyond silos, think systemically, and commit to being the best they can be, for themselves, their teams, and their communities. 🎧 Listen now and discover how structure, purpose, and behavior intersect to drive meaningful change. Guest: Timothy Bubb, Managing Director, SAFED, Inc., Grenada, WI Mr. Timothy Bubb, Eng, has 34 years experience in civil engineering in the fields of Roads, Bridges and Retaining Walls, Water Supply and Sewerage, Industrial, Public, Educational and Institutional Facilities, among others, having carried out in the said fields, needs assessment, structural assessment, preliminary design, final design, preparation of tender documents, tender evaluation, preparation of contract documents, contract administration, technical inspection of construction, and project management.  Mr. Bubb is Managing Director of SAFED Inc., which has been engaged by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as consultant for projects in Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Mr. Bubb is experienced in the implementation of internationally funded infrastructure projects, having worked on such projects in Grenada, Barbados, Anguilla, St. Lucia and Dominica, where his duties have included inspecting and approving the Works to ensure compliance with the Drawings, Specifications and good engineering practice, redesigning portions of the Works as became necessary or desirable as a result of conditions encountered during construction, tracking construction progress against the Programme of Works, issuing Payment Certificates, Variation Orders and Site Instructions, preparing progress reports and maintaining contemporary records of the Works.  Mr. Bubb’s engineering competence is further enhanced by his familiarity with the FIDIC Conditions of Contract, the CDB Conditions of Contract, AutoCAD drafting software, and popular project management, spreadsheet, and word-processing software. Mr. Bubb is a proactive, organized, and methodical manager, with a rational approach to his duties and a penchant for efficiency.
• S2 E1: Celebrating Season 1 and Welcoming A New Season of Change, Momentum, and Meaning 02.05.2026 11min

  A New Season of Change: Momentum & Meaning in Season 2 | Season 2 Premiere Season 2 begins with reflection, gratitude, and vision. In this solo season premiere of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb celebrates the close of Season 1, reflects on the milestone of surpassing 1,000 downloads, and shares lessons learned from a season of courageous conversations on leadership as behavior. This episode explores why progress is data, why reflection is leadership behavior, and why momentum matters in change-making work. Dr. Bubb also previews an exciting Season 2 lineup featuring voices across education, behavior analysis, engineering, youth leadership, advocacy, and systems change, expanding the conversation into community, social responsibility, and leadership in action. In this episode: Celebrating the Season 1 milestone Lessons learned about behavioral leadership Why reflection fuels progress Season 2 themes and upcoming conversations An invitation to lead where you are This isn’t just a new season. It’s a deeper conversation. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a fellow change-maker.
• Season 1 Episode 20: From Awareness to Action: Creating Healing-Centered Leadership Cultures 25.04.2026 37min

  Series Title: Regulated to Lead: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and the Responsive Systems That Shape Behavior Part III Episode Title: From Awareness to Action: Creating Healing-Centered Leadership Cultures What does it take to move from trauma-informed awareness to sustained systems change? In this concluding episode of the Regulated to Lead series, Dr. Esther C. Bubb is joined again by Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas and Tracey Wise for a powerful conversation about what it means to create healing-centered leadership cultures where trust, regulation, psychological safety, and shared ownership are not just values, but daily practice. Together, they explore how leaders can move stakeholders from skepticism to shared ownership, reframe resistance as opportunity, and build responsive systems that reduce harm while strengthening people. In this episode, they discuss: How healing-centered leadership shows up in everyday behaviors and organizational routines Moving from reacting to responding through regulation, co-regulation, and reflective supervision Building trust, transparency, and psychological safety in teams and systems Why “progress over perfection” and “curiosity over control” matter in complex leadership work How small, consistent shifts can create lasting systems change Why leaders aren’t just managing tasks, but shaping environments that shape people Powerful takeaways from this episode include: Resistance can be an opportunity. We can’t expect regulated outcomes from dysregulated environments. Connection over control. Response over reaction. Healing over harm. We’re not just managing tasks as leaders. We’re shaping environments that shape people. This episode concludes our three-part journey: Part I — Understanding what shapes behavior Part II — Responding instead of reacting Part III — Building systems where healing-centered leadership can thrive Whether you lead in education, behavioral health, human services, or organizational systems, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading with humanity, responsiveness, and purpose.
• Season 1 Episode 19: From Regulation to Restoration: Responding Instead of Reacting for Trauma- and Toxic Stress Responsive Practice 18.04.2026 1h 4min

  Series Title: Regulated to Lead: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and the Responsive Systems That Shape Behavior Episode Title: From Regulation to Restoration: Responding Instead of Reacting for Trauma- and Toxic Stress Responsive Practice What does it look like when leaders respond instead of react, especially under stress? In Episode 2 of our three-part series Regulated to Lead, Dr. Esther C. Bubb is joined by Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, and Tracey F. Wise, M.Ed. for a powerful conversation on trauma- and toxic stress-responsive leadership. Together, they explore: Why regulation must come before reasoning How leaders can uphold accountability without causing harm The difference between crisis response and everyday regulation How restorative practices align with trauma-responsive systems Why training alone fails without systemic change How repair, not perfection, builds trust This episode is essential listening for leaders in education, behavioral health, human services, and any system working with people under pressure. 🎧 Listen now and continue the journey from regulation to restoration.
• Season 1 Episode 18: The Special Education System Reset: Leadership, Behavior, and Structural Change 10.04.2026 1h 34min

  What happens when the systems designed to support students begin signaling that something isn’t working? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Ashlee Brown to explore a critical and timely question: Is it time to reset how special education systems operate? Drawing from experience as a teacher, administrator, researcher, and parent, Dr. Brown examines the structural signals that suggest misalignment between system design and student needs. Together, they unpack: The growing special education workforce shortage Rising family disputes and due process requests The tension between compliance and meaningful learning outcomes How behavioral contingencies shape adult decision-making in education systems Why fear of conflict often drives placement and service decisions How leadership can redesign contingencies to prioritize learning, relationships, and student outcomes Using behavioral science as a lens, this conversation reframes system challenges not as individual failures, but as predictable outcomes of the contingencies leaders create. This episode is essential listening for: Educational leaders Behavior analysts Special education professionals Policy leaders Advocates and families Because if behavior is shaped by contingencies, then systems can be redesigned to produce better outcomes for students, educators, and families. Guest: Dr. Ashlee M. Brown, Ph.D., BCBA, LBS, Assistant Professor, Special Education Dr. Brown’s Bio Dr. Brown has spent approximately 18 years serving children with disabilities and their families in the Philadelphia area. Throughout those years, Dr. Brown served as a Special Education Teacher, as well as a Special Education Administrator. She is a certified Special and General Education Teacher, a certified Supervisor of Special Education in PA, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). Dr. Brown received her Ph.D. in Special Education at Temple University in 2019 and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at a local University. Prior to transitioning to higher education, Dr. Brown spent 11 years as a special education leader in the Preschool Early Intervention system. Her leadership efforts included serving as the Director of a Private Academic School for young children with Autism, the implementation of large-scale program improvement efforts across Philadelphia, coaching support in the application of special education regulations, spearheading professional development for approximately 2,000 special education teachers, paraprofessionals and related service personnel, multiple family engagement initiatives and numerous research projects alongside several local universities. Dr. Brown has also served as an Adjunct Professor since 2015 and on the Executive Board of the PA Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC) since 2021. Dr. Brown is dedicated to improving special education services for children and families. Her research interests include the equitable application of special education regulations in diverse settings, the implementation of evidence-based practices for young children with disabilities and their families and developing effective professional development structures for pre-service and in-service educators.
• Season 1 Episode 17: What’s Really Happening Under Stress: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and Behavior 04.04.2026 1h

  Series Title: Regulated to Lead: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and the Responsive Systems That Shape Behavior Episode Title: What’s Really Happening Under Stress: Trauma, Toxic Stress, and Behavior What if leadership is really nervous‑system work? In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb speaks with Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC—licensed professional counselor, longtime county human‑services leader, and trauma‑informed care champion—about how toxic stress reshapes behavior and what responsive systems can do to buffer it. We unpack trauma‑informed leadership and supervision, psychological safety, the 4F responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn), and why regulation before strategy is the lever for sustainable change. Key ideas you’ll hear: “heal or hurt,” “universal precaution,” and “regulation is not a soft skill: it’s leadership infrastructure.” This conversation challenges leaders to shift from performance correction to capacity building and from asking “What’s wrong?” to “What’s happened?” If you lead people, this episode is essential listening. Listen for practical co‑regulation moves, trauma‑informed supervision cues, and meeting rituals that lower threat and raise learning. Guest: Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC; Licensed Professional Counselor; former Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services and Court & Community Connections Administrator (Delaware County DHS); adjunct professor (Immaculata University & Eastern University); owner, LPC Counseling Services, Newtown Square. Bio: Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, LPC Counseling Services Ms. Thomas is a licensed professional counselor and has been working in the field of Behavioral Health for the last 34 years. She has provided therapeutic services in a variety of clinical settings including residential treatment, inpatient and outpatient. Shannon is recently retired from the County of Delaware, Department of Human Services where during her 25 years she served in a variety of roles including Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services and Court and Community Connections Administrator. One of her greatest accomplishments was bringing the concept of Trauma Informed Care into the local government offices, community and schools. Shannon is currently in private practice at LPC Counseling Services in Newtown Square and specializes in a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment for general anxiety, depression, stress and related concerns in children, adolescents and adults. She utilizes a combination of treatment approaches to a customize therapy for maximum effectiveness. Ms. Thomas is a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova and received her undergraduate degree in Sociology/Psychology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University and is currently an adjunct professor in their Department of Civil Engagement teaching Trauma and various Sociology & Psychology classes.  For the last 6 years, she has also been teaching Trauma at Eastern University in their Department of Education. During her free time, you can find her at an ice rick cheering on her daughter, Joy, who is on the Philadelphia Little Flyers Girl’s U19 Ice Hockey Team or playing Pickleball with her husband Larry.
• Season 1 Episode 16: Human-Centered Leadership: What Behavior Consultants Teach Us About Change 28.03.2026 44min

  In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Licensed Behavior Consultant Yatta Pewa to explore what human-centered leadership looks like in applied behavior analysis and systems of care. Yatta shares how her work, grounded in data-driven assessment, individualized intervention planning, and collaborative coaching, has taught her a critical leadership truth: “People don’t follow data. They follow trust.” Together, they discuss: Why listening is the foundation of leadership How transparency strengthens team culture The role of compassion in behavior consultation Celebrating small wins to sustain momentum Honoring culture and practicing humility in diverse communities Supporting teams without judgment Leading with both analytical precision and empathy Maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout Leadership takeaways: Lead with clarity. Lead with compassion. Lead with collaboration. From graphing trend lines to building psychological safety, this conversation bridges science and humanity, reminding us that sustainable change requires both. If you’re a behavior analyst, licensed behavior consultant, educator, school leader, consultant, or change-maker seeking to lead with clarity and compassion, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and explore more leadership reflections at https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/podcast and https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog. Yatta’s Bio: My name is Yatta Pewa, and I am a behavior consultant specializing in data‑driven assessment, individualized intervention planning, and collaborative coaching across home, school, and community settings. My work is grounded in evidence‑based practice, compassionate care, and a commitment to empowering children, families, and teams through accessible, meaningful support. I bring a strong analytical lens to every case, with expertise in synthesizing raw behavioral data into clear, actionable insights that guide treatment planning and progress monitoring. My strengths include operational definitions, data visualization, narrative synthesis, and translating complex behavioral patterns into recommendations that are both practical and sustainable for caregivers and staff. Collaboration is central to my approach. I excel in modeling intervention strategies, coaching caregivers and personal care assistants, and supporting generalization across environments. I prioritize inclusive, person‑centered language and strive to create systems of support that honor each individual’s identity, strengths, and needs. My professional journey includes serving as a behavioral consultant at Allied, where I partnered closely with families and interdisciplinary teams. Looking ahead, I remain committed to advancing sustainable, community‑based support and pursuing my long‑term goal of becoming a certified behavior analyst. I am driven by a blend of technical precision, empathy, and creativity — always aiming to make behavioral support more accessible, more collaborative, and more impactful for the people I serve.
• Season 1, Episode15: From Mentor to Movement Builder: Developing Leaders who Design for System Change 21.03.2026 45min

  In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for ChangeMakers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Stephen F. Corsi, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Advanced Leadership Certification in the Graduate School of Education at Gannon University. With more than four decades in education, as a music director, building principal, service coordinator, and graduate leadership mentor, Stephen shares what it truly means to develop leaders who design systems for change. Drawing from years of mentoring educators, supervising internships, redesigning programs, and expanding leadership pathways, he offers practical insight into preparing candidates for real-world complexity and widening equitable access. Together, they explore: The evolution of leadership pipelines and equitable access Why leadership is behavior—not position—and the role intentionality plays in growing leaders The power of integrity, humility, consistency, and “checking your ego at the door” How field experiences and mentorship move leaders from theory to practice Why practitioner-led preparation strengthens graduate leadership programs How STEM education fosters innovation, risk-taking, and systems thinking The importance of constructive, honest feedback in shaping future leaders Listeners will gain insight into: How relationships and partnerships fuel leadership development Why behavioral principles—modeling, consistency, professionalism—shape leadership impact How real-world fieldwork and reflection turn theory into authentic leadership practice What it means to lead through change fatigue with clarity, purpose, and a focus on students Stephen reminds us that education is a team sport and meaningful change happens when leaders model purpose, consistency, and compassion. This episode offers practical wisdom for educators, graduate students, aspiring administrators, higher education faculty, and anyone committed to designing systems that create meaningful, sustainable change. Stephen’s Bio: Assistant Professor and Program Director for Advanced Leadership Certification, M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Academic Partnerships, and STEM Endorsement programs in the Graduate School of Education. Advanced Leadership Certification programs include Principal, Superintendent, and District-Wide Supervisory in Curriculum and Instruction. I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Music Education and Master of Music Degree from Duquesne University. My elementary/middle school principal and music supervision certificates are from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with further post graduate studies at Ithaca College and IUP. For 15 years, I taught instrumental and vocal music in grades K-12, while teaching as an adjunct professor at Slippery Rock University, Grove City College, and Duquesne University. For 13 years I was the Professor of Percussion at Allegheny College, where I taught Applied Percussion, World Percussion, in addition to conducting the University Percussion & Mallet Ensemble & Jazz Band. Over the last 21 years of my public-school career, I was a Middle School Assistant Principal in the General McLane SD for 5 years, and the Elementary Principal at Conneaut Valley Elementary School in the Conneaut SD for 16 years, retiring in June of 2014. I began teaching at Gannon University in May of 2014, and have really enjoyed teaching in the Graduate Education Program, working with terrific colleagues and virtually supporting and working with educators in our program. I enjoy spending time with my family, church, biking, woodworking, teaching percussion students and Drum Circles, and repurposing recyclables to create musical instruments.
• Season 1 Episode 14: From Grad Student to BCBA: Applying Behavioral Science to People, Systems, Change, and Leadership 14.03.2026 53min

  What happens when behavioral science moves beyond client programming and becomes a leadership framework? In this episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Victoria “Tori” Perko, BCBA, Director of Behavior Services and BCBA Coordinator of ABA Clinics, to explore how applied behavior analysis shapes leadership across people, systems, and organizational change. Tori shares her journey from graduate student to leading multi-site preschool ABA clinics, including opening three clinics in one year, and how her path was shaped by a path shaped by mentorship, family, and unexpected moments of purpose. They discuss: How leaders can adjust environments to help people bloom The role of humility, growth mindset, and compassion in team development Balancing authority with approachability and compassion with accountability Avoiding learned helplessness in teams Why practicality is the most underrated leadership skill Using the “five whys” for systems-level problem solving How to develop future leaders by supporting their values, barriers, and strengths Why behavior analysts belong in every industry, not just education or mental health This episode is rich with reflection, vulnerability, and actionable insights for clinicians, rising leaders, seasoned supervisors, and anyone committed to creating meaningful, sustainable change. Listen in and reflect: What environment are you shaping today? Tori’s Bio: Victoria Perko is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with experience leading ABA-based programs across clinic, school, home, and community settings. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in accountability, empathy, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on creating inclusive, learner-centered environments where evidence-based practice and human-centered care coexist. Through strategic supervision, professional development, and systems-level problem solving, Victoria promotes high standards of clinical excellence while supporting access to effective behavioral services. In her roles as Director of Behavior Services and BCBA Coordinator of ABA Clinics, Victoria has provided clinical and operational oversight for multi-site programs, supervising BCBAs, behavior specialists, and direct care staff. She has led initiatives to strengthen assessment practices, ensure fidelity to evidence-based interventions, and maintain compliance with state regulations, insurance requirements, and IBHS standards. Her work emphasizes clear systems, data-informed decision-making, and staff development to promote consistent, ethical service delivery across settings. Victoria is deeply committed to collaborative leadership, working closely with families, educators, medical providers, and community partners to develop individualized, functional programming that supports meaningful outcomes and long-term skill generalization.
• Season 1 Episode 13: Leadership in Early Childhood Systems: From Early Intervention to Safety, Service, and Advocacy 06.03.2026 1h 14min

  In this heart-centered conversation, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Kathleen (Kathy) Mignone, a Local Education Agency Representative with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood special education. Together, they explore what leadership looks like when it’s grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in human potential.  Kathy shares her evolution from autistic support teacher to systems-level service coordinator, reflecting on the lessons she learned from children, families, and colleagues along the way. She offers insight into behavior science as a tool for shaping adult behavior, the emotional intelligence needed to manage complex team dynamics, and the importance of slowing down in a field that pushes us to rush.  This episode explores: • Why leadership is rooted in daily actions, not titles • How early teaching experiences shape coaching and adult learning • The rise of staff turnover and how leaders stay grounded in the “cracks” • Safety, dignity, and regulation as foundations for early childhood environments • How to balance compliance with human-centered decision-making • What it takes to empower families as true partners • The power of listening with curiosity  If you’re an educator, leader, caregiver, or anyone working within early childhood systems, this episode will leave you encouraged, affirmed, and reminded of the humanity at the center of our work.  Kathy’s Bio:  I graduated from West Chester University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education (birth to 21 years of age). I hold Pennsylvania Teaching Certifications in Special Education (2003) and Elementary Education with a focus on literacy (2013). Additionally, I completed a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2013.   I have worked professionally in the field of education at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) since November 2004. During my nearly 15 years in autistic support classrooms, I focused on programming for preschoolers with autism. I was trained in and participated in PATTAN’s VB Project, implementing programming using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment Placement Program (VB-MAPP), and attained model status within the project. My time in these classrooms included both full-day (November 2004 – December 2015) and half-day (July 2016 – August 2019) roles.   In September 2019, I transitioned into my current position as a Service Coordinator, also known as the Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative for Early Intervention at the DCIU. My focus in this role is two-fold: supporting families and supporting staff. For families, I guide them in understanding their child’s strengths, needs, and special education program, and fully connect them to necessary resources. For DCIU staff, I coordinate services throughout the year, review obligations and systems, and promote best practices for data-driven decisions and effective communication across staff and families.   Realizing the overall need for safety supports, I became a trainer for our Positive Behavior Supports Program, Safety Cares. My intention is to work with staff, families, and preschools to ensure safe and research-based de-escalation practices are consistently used for preschoolers.   As a leader in special education, particularly in early childhood, I believe in sharing knowledge with kindness and compassion. My practice is deeply influenced by the many mentors and colleagues who have shaped my approach, beginning with my own parents and teachers. Leading with intentionality and a "person first" approach across students, families, and staff drives me to do the best we can every day. 
• Season 1 Episode 12: Leading with Creativity: Inspiring Behavioral Change in Education 27.02.2026 38min

  What does leadership look like when creativity, culture, and behavior science meet in the classroom? In this inspiring conversation, Grenadian educator Alina Roberts shares how a lineage of teachers shaped her calling, how she intentionally models leadership for her students, and how cultural values, from friendliness to community accountability, strengthen school culture and student behavior. Alina talks about using creativity as a powerful behavioral tool: music, poetry, role‑play, hands‑on learning, and culturally relevant engagement that keeps students motivated and connected. She also opens up about what it means to build trust, promote belonging, engage families, and stay grounded as an educator navigating real‑world challenges. We explore: The impact of early influences and family legacy Behavior science in action through classroom motivation The role of culture and community in shaping respectful behavior Creativity as a leadership strategy Building belonging and confidence for all students Well‑roundedness as a core educational goal Resilience, spirituality, and hope for the future This episode is a celebration of Grenadian leadership, culturally responsive teaching, and the belief that every child has greatness within them. Alina’s Bio: Simple, spiritual and talented are just a few words which best describes me – Alina Roberts. Born and bred in the coastal village of Marquis, St. Andrew, Grenada, I attended the humble St. Giles Anglican School then later the prestigious all-girls school, St. Joseph’s Convent, Grenville. My educational journey continued at the TA Marryshow Community College and later the St. George’s University achieving a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My first job was in the field of Environmental Health. Later, I transitioned to the role of primary school educator at my alma mater, St. Giles for over seventeen (17) years. My teaching philosophy is “Creating a safe, fun filled learning environment for all students.”  I am also active in the Sunday Ministry at my local church and a dynamic member of the Grenada Girl Guides Association. I enjoy poetry and creative arts. My hobbies include cake decorating, journaling, and outdoor activities such as hiking. My Philosophy in life is “Aim for the top because the bottom is already overcrowded.”
• Season 1 Episode 11: From Chalkboards to Change Makers: Lessons in Leadership from 40+ Years in Education with Lois Bubb 21.02.2026 56min

  What does leadership look like in a classroom, and how do everyday teaching behaviors shape lives far beyond school walls? In this heartwarming and deeply personal episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with her sister, Ms. Lois Bubb, a beloved educator whose 40+ years of teaching and mentoring have shaped thousands of lives across Grenada. Ms. Bubb shares stories from her journey into teaching, the values that anchored her through challenges, and the moments that reminded her why education is a calling, not just a job. From cultivating positive classroom cultures and supporting struggling learners to balancing discipline with compassion and honoring cultural identity, this conversation highlights how leadership shows up in daily actions. Together, they explore how classrooms become leadership labs, how compassion and consistency transform student behavior, and how cultural identity influences how we teach, learn, and lead. Listeners will hear stories of: A quiet student whose simple act of gratitude changed the course of Lois’s career How modeling respect and setting clear expectations became pillars of her classroom Why embracing mistakes, persistence, and small wins builds confident learners How restorative practices and family engagement lead to healthier school communities The leadership values that sustained her through challenging seasons: integrity, resilience, empathy, service, and consistency Whether you’re an educator, a leader, a parent, or someone who believes in the power of human connection, this episode, rooted in humanity, equity, and care, will touch your heart and strengthen your practice. Ms. Bubb’s Bio: Ms. Lois Bubb spent over forty years in the classroom, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Since beginning her teaching journey in 1983, she has been more than an educator; she has been a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration. Her instruction spanned multiple disciplines, with specialization in Mathematics. Generations of students remember her not only for the lessons she taught in Mathematics, but also for the encouragement she gave when they doubted themselves, and the joy she brought to learning. Her classroom was always a place of warmth, where curiosity was celebrated and every student felt seen and valued. Ms. Bubb’s ability to make each child believe in their true potential, and her passion for ensuring that no child was left behind,  has left a lasting impact, with many of her former students crediting her influence for their success in life. Colleagues admire her generosity of spirit and her willingness to share her experience, while members of the wider community cherish her as a role model who gave her heart to education. Even after four decades, Ms. Bubb’s passion for teaching never dimmed. Her legacy is not measured only in years, but in the thousands of lives she has shaped with her compassion, patience, and love for teaching and learning. She will always be remembered as a teacher who gave her very best, and whose impact will continue to flow through the generations she inspired.
• Season 1 Bonus Episode 1: Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership Lessons from the First Ten Episodes 20.02.2026 24min

  In this special bonus reflection episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb takes listeners behind the mic for an honest, reflective, and deeply personal look at what she has learned across the first ten episodes of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers. From pressing record despite fear, to forgetting to press save and turning a “leadermon” into “leadermonade," this episode explores what it truly means to lead behaviorally. Dr. Bubb reflects on: Why leadership is behavior, not a title The power of listening as a leadership intervention Creating opportunity through expanded choice Compassionate, performance-based feedback Behavioral momentum and persistence Progress over perfection Perseverance, courage, and starting before you're ready If you’ve ever delayed starting something because it wasn’t “perfect,” this episode is your reminder: Start, even if imperfectly, but start! Reinforcement will follow. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone building something meaningful.
• Season 1 Episode 10: Leadership as Behavior: Listening, Choice, and Compassionate Feedback with Dr. Jim Connell 13.02.2026 1h 6min

  What does leadership look like when it’s grounded in behavior, not position? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Jim Connell, Associate Professor at Drexel University and founding director of multiple graduate training programs, and a nationally recognized leader in school psychology, applied behavior analysis, and systems‑level change, to explore leadership through a behavioral science lens. Dr. Connell shares his powerful and remarkable journey, from entering college later in life after serving in the military, to confronting personal challenges, to sobriety, and to building impactful academic and clinical programs, which led to his rediscovery of purpose through behavioral science. Dr. Connell also unpacks how listening, opportunity, choice, guardrails, and performance feedback shape effective leadership. Together, Dr. Bubb and Dr. Connell explore: Leadership as a set of observable behaviors How perseverance and compassion shape leadership The power of listening and setting “behavioral guardrails” Using data‑based decision‑making to strengthen teams and systems How performance feedback is a robust leadership tool that becomes a transformative leadership strategy Creating opportunities, reinforcing growth, and building momentum to shape outcomes Navigating resistance to change with empathy and curiosity Supporting others without judgment as paths evolve Why inclusive leadership matters — especially for neurodivergent colleagues This warm, conversational, and inspiring episode highlights what leadership truly looks like when rooted in behavioral science and human connection. It’s a must-listen for educators, behavior analysts, administrators, and anyone committed to developing people and systems with intention.   Dr. Connell’s Bio:   Dr Connell is an Associate Professor in the Drexel University School of Education. In 2012, Dr. Connell departed the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine to become the founding Clinical Core Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. There he designed the Institute clinic, hired Core area faculty and staff, and developed and supported contracts and funded research for the next 8 years. At the time of his Drexel appointment, Dr Connell also founded the Drexel ABA master’s program which continues to this day. Dr Connell became full time faculty in the Drexel School of Education 5 years ago, to be the founding director of the School Psychology graduate training program, which is now in its fifth year. Dr. Connell has published in consultation, intervention, and assessment, which demonstrates his professional interest in school psychology. His current interest includes the manipulation of the population through social media, and the behavioral mechanisms than set the occasion for radicalized behavior, and the making of a “school shooter” through the work of his doctoral student.
• The Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers Podcast Trailer 06.02.2026 2min

  Welcome to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Changemakers, the podcast where leadership meets behavior science, and where educators, clinicians, and everyday humans come to grow. Hosted by Dr. Esther C. Bubb, special educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, administrator, mentor, and lifelong believer in bringing out the best in people, this show is rooted in over two decades of experience across early childhood programs, schools, behavioral health, higher education, and systems-level leadership. Across her journey, Dr. Bubb discovered one powerful truth:Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a behavior: teachable, learnable, and measurable.And when we apply the science of behavior to how we lead? Transformative things happen. Teams become more resilient, children thrive, confidence grows, and work becomes more meaningful and aligned. This podcast is your weekly invitation to reflect, reset, and rise. You’ll get practical strategies, leadership frameworks, behavior-analytic tools, inspiring stories, personal-growth practices, and real conversations about leading with clarity, purpose, and heart. Whether you’re a teacher, BCBA, parent, supervisor, administrator, therapist, counselor, or simply a human striving to show up better in the world, you’re right where you belong. So take a deep breath. Grab your notebook. And join Dr. Bubb on a leadership journey grounded in science, strengthened by compassion, and designed for changemakers. Subscribe now and tune in each week to build leadership capacity, elevate practice, and empower the changemakers of today and tomorrow, behaviorally speaking.  
• The Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers Host 06.02.2026 1min

  Dr. Esther C. Bubb, host of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Changemakers, is an educator, behavior analyst, leader, and mentor with more than two decades of experience supporting children, schools, families, and professionals. Grounded in a strengths-based and relationship-centered approach, Dr. Bubb specializes in leadership development, coaching structures, early childhood systems, and behavior intervention. Her work focuses on helping leaders and teams build confidence, clarity, and capacity to create lasting, meaningful change. Blending evidence-based practices with heart-centered leadership, she empowers others to lead with purpose, resilience, and compassion. When she’s not teaching, mentoring, or presenting, Dr. Bubb is busy creating inspiring learning content, supporting early childhood teams, and helping leaders bring out the very best in themselves and others. Follow the show and grow alongside Dr. Bubb, one intentional behavior at a time.  
• Season 1 Episode 9: Behavior, Belonging, and the Law: Leadership Lessons from Special Education Advocacy 06.02.2026 51min

  In this powerful episode, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Gabrielle C. Sereni, Esquire, teacher turned school attorney, educational advocate, and founder of Sereni Law Group, LLC. Together, they explore the intersection of behavior, belonging, and the law, uncovering how legal systems, human behavior, and leadership practices shape the lived experiences of children, families, and educators. Drawing from her unique journey as a former public school teacher, education attorney, parent, and doctoral student in educational leadership, Gabrielle shares how keeping children at the center, leading with transparency, and addressing fear with empathy can transform systems from the inside out. In this episode, Gaby shares: Her journey from classroom to courtroom and why she never left her love for children and schools behind Why centering the child creates clarity in the most complex educational decisions How adult behavior—fear, stress, empathy, transparency—drives outcomes in special education Why systemic weaknesses must be addressed proactively, not reactively How behavior science supports conflict reduction, trust‑building, and culture change What meaningful collaboration between families, educators, and legal teams truly requires The real emotional experience of navigating special education law The leadership values she lives by as a woman founder in a high‑stakes field This conversation is honest, human, and deeply grounding. Whether you're a leader, educator, parent, or practitioner, Gaby’s insights offer a roadmap for compassionate, effective, and equitable leadership.   Gaby’s Bio: Gabrielle Sereni loves schools and kids. She started out as a public school teacher and became a school lawyer at a time when there were very few people who even knew that was a field of law. Since then, she has represented dozens of school entities, as well as parents, and continues to raise her own children. A lifelong learner, she is approaching her dissertation phase for her Ed. D. at Neumann university so that she can serve as a more informed voice in discussions around improving education.Perhaps her greatest talent is recognizing the talent in others, and she has created the conditions necessary to assemble a group of educational professionals of the absolute highest caliber to join her in her entrepreneurial mission. SLG's focus is to improve education through proactive identification of systemic weaknesses, and to plan and implement foundational fortification of our educational programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and beyond through a collaborative approach, looking to find long-term solutions which are fiscally responsible, achievable, and capable of harmonizing relationships between schools