Autism Learning Center Opens Doors in Fairfax, VA with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

SPARKS ABA welcomes families to their new location.

SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, recently held a ribbon-cutting celebration at its new Learning Center at 3022 Williams Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22031. 

Hosted by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting celebration was held on June 5, 2026.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jennifer Rose, Executive Director of Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, shared greetings. Fatima Malik, Senior District Aide for Congressman James Walkinshaw; Rose Lumpkin, District Director for Senator Saddam Azlan Salim; and Fairfax City Councilmember, Anthony Amos shared remarks. Members of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and other guests attended.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet SPARKS ABA leadership team, Kayla Bagnato, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Aleksandra (Sasha) Terekhova, M.A., BCBA, LBA, Managing Behavior Analyst.

“We’re honored to be part of this community and grateful to offer life-changing services right here in Fairfax,” said Kayla Bagnato, Regional Clinical Director. “We deeply value the partnerships we’ve built with local healthcare providers, human services, schools, and government. Together, we’re working to create a more inclusive, empowered community for families of children with autism.”

SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-18 years. The Fairfax Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy and on-site diagnostic services, as well as speech and occupational therapy. Special features include an innovative Launchpad Learning Program, a school readiness program for children aged 3 to 6. There is no waitlist, and flexible treatment hours include after-school and evening hours to accommodate busy family schedules. Outside of the center, the Fairfax team offers in-home ABA therapy.

Left to right: Nathan Desnoyers, Doug Church, Aleksandra (Sasha) Terekhova, Fatima Cruces, Victoria Watkins, Kayla Bagnato, Rose Lumpkin, Anthony Amos, Courtney Sykes, Fatima Malik, Jennifer Rose

Bridging the gap between ABA and school

The Launchpad Learning Program at the Fairfax Learning Center focuses on children with autism ages 3-6 years old who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half focuses on individual instruction to address personal growth areas. The Launchpad Learning Program ensures children are truly prepared socially, behaviorally, and academically before transitioning into a traditional school environment.  

About SPARKS ABA

SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. In addition to the Fairfax location, SPARKS ABA has Learning Centers in Manassas and Springfield, VA, and Landover and Waldorf, MD.

The Fairfax Learning Center is now enrolling new clients with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours. For more information or to enroll a child, call (703) 239-4400 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at New Autism Learning Center in South Bend, IN

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA), provider of LEARN Behavioral, has announced the grand opening of its new South Bend Learning Center at 515 North Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the South Bend Regional Chamber was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

During the ceremony, Jeff Rea, President and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber, shared greetings. At-large Councilwoman Rachel Tomas Morgan and Councilman Pastor Canneth Lee shared remarks.

Members of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy breakfast foods, and meet BACA’s leadership team – Christina Wyse, MS, BCBA, Center Director, and Stacy Apraez, MA, BCBA, Senior Regional Clinical Director.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors to the community to provide important services, including 1:1 therapy in a group setting where children can work on skills, such as communication, activities of daily living, and socialization, while forming friendships,” said Christina Wyse. “We value being a part of the South Bend community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.”

BACA is South Bend’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services. Serving children ages 2-10 with personalized therapy plans and clinical support provided by Dr. Carl Sundberg, a nationally recognized expert in ABA. The South Bend Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, school-based ABA therapy, diagnostics, Early Intervention, Social Skills groups, and parent education. 

The center is now enrolling clients with no waitlist and full-time and part-time treatment hours.

Front Row: Angela Murray, Erin Finch-Smeltzer, Jeff Rae, Christina Wyse, Kristen Robson, Stacy Apraez, Rachel Thomas Morgan, Pastor Canneth Lee, Dale Cole.  Back row: Carrie Paradiso, Ashlee Eckerle, Lyndsey Finch-Smeltzer, Jonathan Carton. 

About BACA 

BACA is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, the nation’s leading provider of compassionate autism care. BACA provides evidence-based autism services and is dedicated to delivering personalized ABA therapy, helping children and families find success.

In addition to South Bend, BACA has a Learning Center in Elkhart, IN, serving children ages 2-16.

For more information or to enroll a child at the South Bend Learning Center, call (317) 288-5232 or visit https://thebaca.com/locations/south-bend/

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.