The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Join Dr. Ken Huey on The Voice of Hope, where real stories and expert insights meet to inspire healing and transformation. With decades of experience in behavioral health and trauma therapy, Dr. Huey draws from his personal journey and professional expertise to offer practical advice for families, adoptees, and anyone seeking growth. Discover strategies to navigate trauma, build stronger relationships, and embrace hope in every episode. Tune in for thoughtful conversations that uplift and empower.
The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Quatiba Davis, BCBA - Leading with Purpose and Compassion in Behavioral Health
In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Ken Huey sits down with Quatiba Davis, Chief Clinical Officer of ABA Centers, a visionary leader in the field of applied behavior analysis. Quatiba shares her journey from supporting her daughter with a disability to transforming the standards of care for individuals with varying abilities. She dives into the importance of data-driven treatment, building competent and confident clinical teams, and leading with empathy and purpose.
Quatiba also discusses the challenges of leadership, strategies for staying grounded, and her advice for new clinicians entering the healthcare field. Whether you’re a professional in behavioral health, a parent, or someone interested in compassionate leadership, this episode is packed with insights to inspire change and leave a lasting impact.
Quatiba, thank you for being with us. Every leader has a journey that's brought them where they are. Can you share yours? What brought you to the point where you are in your career?
Ms. Quatiba Davis (00:23):
Yes, I can. So my journey started with my daughter. She was born with a disability, and I was eager to learn about her disability and the different therapies that were offered to her. Throughout that process, I became deeply involved in applied behavior analysis. I began working with individuals with varying abilities, and my vision expanded. I wanted to do something different in the field because I noticed gaps in practice—clinicians were not always using data-driven results or addressing client deficits. I wanted to fill those gaps to create meaningful change in the lives of those in the IDD community.
Ken Huey (01:18):
Looking back, what would be the pivotal moment in your career that kind of defined you as a leader?
Ms. Quatiba Davis (01:25):
My proudest moment was founding the assessment team at ABA Centers. Starting as the first hire, I built a team and developed a clinical prescription tool to highlight clients’ true deficits, ensuring data-driven care. We also created a clinical outcomes manager to track progress and provide measurable results. I’m proud that we added value to the services provided and set higher standards for the field.
Ken Huey (02:30):
Leadership can be isolating. How do you navigate the loneliness at the top, and what strategies do you have for staying connected and grounded?
Ms. Quatiba Davis (02:33):
Being at the top is lonely. When I started, I had little support and was the only clinical leader overseeing a large network. I spent long nights creating programs, policies, and processes to maintain quality. To stay grounded, I focus on mindfulness, mental health, and self-care—meditation, Pilates, and reflection—so I can pour into my team effectively.
Ken Huey (03:20):
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their nursing career, what would it be and why does it matter so much?
Ms. Quatiba Davis (03:38):
Lead with competence and empathy. Never lose sight of your “why.” Many focus on KPIs or documentation, but the core of healthcare is people. Ask questions, remain curious, and innovate fearlessly. Lead with purpose, focus on impact, and aim to inspire change. Build a legacy and redefine excellence in your field.
Ken Huey (05:07):
Thank you.
Ms. Quatiba Davis (05:14):
Thank you so much for having me.
