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.