From Coast to Coast: How Angela Chang Continued Her Career with LEARN Behavioral After a Cross-Country Move 

After 14 years with LEARN Behavioral, Angela Chang didn’t want to leave the company behind when she and her husband decided to move from Southern California to Maryland. Thanks to the organization’s national presence, she didn’t have to. 

Angela, a managing behavior analyst, had been with Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), working in Monrovia, California. When she relocated to Bowie, Maryland, she transferred to SPARKS and is now managing the newly opened Waldorf Learning Center.  

Both AST and SPARKS are among LEARN Behavioral’s network of brands providing high-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy across the country. Thanks to LEARN’s national network, Angela figured out how to seamlessly transfer to another job within the organization. Her story of transition reflects LEARN’s commitment to supporting clinicians, expanding access to care, and delivering personalized ABA nationwide. 

Angela and her husband had long planned to move out of California for a slower pace of life. “We just wanted a slower walk of life, more access to nature, less traffic,” Angela says. 

Planning Ahead Paid Off 

Angela began planning her transition two years before the move. She searched LEARN’s internal careers page to see which regions had openings for her role and reached out to clinical leaders at SPARKS and Trellis Services, both based in Maryland. 

Her clinical director in California helped her connect with local directors in Maryland. Angela also traveled there about a year in advance to tour facilities and determine the best fit. 

“I’d rather have things lined up and be overprepared and know what’s going to happen,” she says. “At least I know I’m checking all of my boxes.” 

She finalized her wedding and her cross-country move within weeks of each other. Thanks to early planning, she stepped into her new position without missing a beat. 

From In-Home to Center-Based Care 

Angela continues to support mid-tier supervisors and helps lead onboarding at the Waldorf Learning Center. As a leader in the Emerging Behavior Analyst (EBA) program both at AST and SPARKS, she mentors technicians working toward their board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certification, modeling how to manage caseloads and navigate professional challenges. 

Her new setting differs from her previous in-home and school-based work. “Here, I’m managing not just people, but everything else that goes into running the center, from making sure we have enough supplies to keeping the walls decorated,” she says. 

She also serves on LEARN’s Neurodivergent Advisory Committee (NAC), helping improve communication, workplace inclusivity, and clarity of HR materials across departments. 

Advice for Others Considering a Transfer 

Angela encourages others within LEARN to consider transferring if life leads them to a new location, or if they are looking for a different set of professional growth opportunities. 

“Talk to your director,” she says. “The process can take time, especially if there isn’t a position available right away. Stay organized and communicate with everyone who could potentially be impacted by your transition in both your personal and professional lives.” 

LEARN Behavioral’s nationwide network offers flexibility for employees to continue their careers across state lines. Angela’s story is just one example of what’s possible with thoughtful planning and a strong support system. 

Want to learn more about internal transfers and job opportunities within LEARN Behavioral? Visit LEARN’s careers page to explore current openings across the country.