Wisconsin Early Autism Project Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), the first provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the state of Wisconsin, recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary milestone.

WEAP has grown to become a world-renowned leader in early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism. Their evidence-based approach to care has helped thousands of children with autism throughout Wisconsin. WEAP is part of LEARN Behavioral and is dedicated to nurturing the potential of children with autism through contemporary ABA, which treats every child as unique and considers family and caregivers a core part of treatment.

Helping children and families find success, WEAP’s 900 dedicated staff members throughout the state deliver personalized ABA therapy at 15 Learning Centers currently, which will increase to 21 Learning Centers in the near future.

According to Linda Klotz, Regional Clinical Director for the Milwaukee region, “WEAP has impacted many lives throughout our 30 years. Our families and their children have flourished because of the commitment of WEAP’s services, and clinicians have grown into strong leaders because of the dedication from their mentors at WEAP throughout the years.”

A 30th anniversary celebration with 100 in attendance was held in Madison, WI, home to two WEAP Learning Center locations. Justin Funches, President of Autism Services, delivered the celebratory toast to WEAP. In a special awards ceremony, WEAP recognized staff members Kris Van Handel, Katie Jacobs, Jamie Schuh, and Ellisa Wilbur for 15 years of service; Debbie Hultquist for 20 years of service, Heather Martyn and Rebecca Thompson for 25 years of service; Justin Sallows for 28 years of service, and Kimberly Wroblewski for 30 years of service. Additionally, and posthumously, WEAP recognized Lynn Thompson for 22 years of service. The award was accepted by her husband, John Thompson.

WEAP has center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Altoona, Brookfield, Glendale, Janesville, Madison, Madison South, Mount Pleasant, Oak Creek, Oshkosh, Reedsburg, Sun Prairie, and West Bend, and continues to expand. Over the past few months, WEAP has opened the doors of two new Learning Centers at 5369 N 118th Court in Milwaukee (Menomonee Falls) and 408 Red Cedar Street in Menomonie, WI. Additional Learning Centers in Beloit, East Green Bay, Greenfield, Kenosha, Sheboygan, and Stevens Point will open later this year and early 2026.

“WEAP’s future is filled with opportunity—to lead the evolution of behavioral treatment, expand our reach, and redefine what excellence looks like,” said Mary Hopton-Smith, Vice President, Clinical Services. “We are committed to creating dynamic environments where clients achieve their fullest potential, families feel supported, and employees are empowered through innovation, research, and professional growth. Our vision is not only to transform care today but to leave a legacy that inspires progress for generations.”

For more information about WEAP Learning Centers, visit https://wiautism.com/locations

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.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Menomonie, WI.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Area Families

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), providers of LEARN Behavioral, are proud to announce the grand opening of its new Menomonie Learning Center, 408 Red Cedar Street, Suite 1 & 2, Menomonie, WI 54751.

WEAP, now in its 30th year, has become a world-renowned leader in early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism. Their evidence-based approach to care has helped thousands of children with autism throughout Wisconsin.

WEAP is Menomonie’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children. The new Menomonie Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, Early Intervention, Social Skills Programs, and parent education. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center was held on October 2, 2025. During the ceremony, Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack shared greetings and remarks. State Representative Clint Moses was in attendance, as was Ashley DeMuth, CEO of the Menomonie Area Chamber, along with Melissa Anderson, Amanda Boyce, and other chamber members.

Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet WEAP’s leadership team, Center Director Brittany Schumacher, MS, BCBA, LBA, and Regional Clinical Director Cassie Sedlacek, LCSW.

“We are excited to expand our services and have the opportunity to partner with new families throughout Dunn County,” said Cassie Sedlacek. “We value being a part of the Menomonie community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.” 

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in the Dunn County area and beyond.

Front row, holding ribbon, left to right: McKenna Schantner, Tawny Severson, Cassie Sedlacek, Brittany Schumacher, Ryan Kestila, Pam Reinhardt, Casey Jones. Back row left to right: Amanda Boyce, Ashley DeMuth, Melissa Anderson, Adam Accola, Dan Ekblad, Shellee Pechmiller, Lisa Traxler, Shannon Gallatin, Brittany Sabby, Mayor Randy Knaack.

Key Features of the Menomonie Learning Center:

  • Experienced leadership brings resources and support to children and families with autism in the community.
  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Diagnostic and center-based services in the city of Menomonie.
  • SMART Board room, gross motor space, sensory gym, indoor/outdoor spaces. 
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children ages 2-7 with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located and easily accessible for families in the region.

The Menomonie Learning Center is WEAP’s second center-based ABA therapy location in the Eau Claire area, and serves children and families in Baldwin, Boyceville, Colfax, Durand, Elk Mound, Ellsworth, Elmwood, Glenwood City, Knapp, Mondovi, River Falls, Roberts, Spring Valley, and Wheeler, WI.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Menomonie Learning Center, call (715) 832-2233 or visit wiautism.com/locations/menomonie.

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.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Milwaukee, WI.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Milwaukee County Area Families

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum, providers of LEARN Behavioral, are proud to announce the grand opening of its new Milwaukee Learning Center at 5369 N 118th Court, Milwaukee, WI 53225.

WEAP and Total Spectrum are Milwaukee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children. The new Milwaukee Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, diagnostics, and Youth Club and Social Skills Programs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce in September 2025. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team, including Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region; Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Total Spectrum Regional Clinical Director – Wisconsin; Mary Smith, BCBA, Vice President Clinical Services; and Hannah Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Chief Clinical Officer.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Milwaukee area,” said Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region. “We value being a part of the Milwaukee community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.” 

Key Features of the Milwaukee Learning Center:

  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Diagnostic and center-based services in the city of Milwaukee.
  • SMART Board room, indoor gym, and outdoor playground.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children ages 2-6 with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located and easily accessible via I-41 for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Milwaukee County with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About WEAP & Total Spectrum

WEAP and Total Spectrum, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, are two of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. Together, they have provided evidence-based autism services for over 30 years and are dedicated to delivering personalized ABA therapy, helping children and families find success.

The Milwaukee Learning Center is WEAP and Total Spectrum’s sixth center-based ABA therapy location in the Greater Milwaukee area. The companies already have Learning Centers in Glendale, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Mount Pleasant, and West Bend, WI.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Milwaukee Learning Center, call (262) 432-5660 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/milwaukee.

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.

Successful Models for Assent-Based Vaccine Clinics

Kerry Hoops the current President of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the clinical director for Wisconsin Early Autism Project’s Green Bay region joins us to share about a unique clinic event and what can be learned. Kerry shares details of sensory-friendly covid vaccine events that utilized assent-based practice to create a comfortable experience for children. As Kerry put it, “When it was time for the shot, that was determined by the child. We were very open and honest with the child and let them know it would only happen when they said it was ok.” 

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) Opens 2 New Learning Centers

With over 25 years of experience providing compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy to children with autism, we’re delighted to share that we opened two new WEAP Learning Centers this past summer and fall in West Bend and Janesville, Wisconsin. Each new center held an open house that included an official ribbon-cutting with their local Chamber of Commerce and opportunities for families to tour the facility, speak with the leadership team, and participate in fun activities. These new locations offer a supportive, learning-rich environment where children with autism can work on individual skills in a group setting.

We couldn’t be more excited to support more families in the communities we serve. To learn more about where our services are located, find a location.