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Greater Fairfax

Our Learning Center and Offices

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      Serving You Close to Home

      Life is busy — we get it. And every child is different. In greater Fairfax, we offer therapy in the place that meets your child’s needs, whether in your home or community, at our Learning Centers, in your child’s school or preschool, or through telehealth.

      Our Services

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      Learning Center

      Here, children thrive in a supportive play-based atmosphere.

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      Home & Community

      Our Home and Community Services take place in your child’s natural environment.

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      TeleABA

      We can provide remote ABA therapy via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

      Our Team

      Michelle Mannella, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
      Center Director

      Michelle Mannella, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

      Center Director

      Michelle Mannella is a center director at SPARKS, where she oversees three Learning Centers across Springfield and Fairfax County. She leads clinical teams, supports staff development, and works to keep care consistent for children and families.

      She became interested in applied behavior analysis (ABA) while volunteering in high school. She saw a clear need for support for children and their families. That interest grew during her graduate studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she completed student teaching in an ABA classroom and saw the progress children can make with the right support.

      She began her career as a special education teacher in Pittsburgh, where she helped open the district’s first ABA classroom. She later moved to the Washington, D.C., area and taught in Fairfax County Public Schools while earning her master’s degree in ABA from the Florida Institute of Technology.

      She joined SPARKS in 2020 as a clinical fellow. She advanced to a behavior analyst role, then managing behavior analyst, and now center director. In her current role, she focuses on clinical quality, team growth, and helping families access steady, effective care.

      “I want every child to have the support they need to grow and succeed.” 

      Kayla Bagnato, MEd, BCBA, LBA
      Regional Clinical Director

      Kayla Bagnato, MEd, BCBA, LBA

      Regional Clinical Director

      Kayla Bagnato is the Regional Clinical Director at SPARKS and oversees services provided in Virginia. She has been working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for over eight years, specializing in early intervention services for young children. Kayla is passionate about providing ABA services to early learners and teaching caregivers how to incorporate ABA strategies into their everyday routines. She received her Masters of Education in Early Intervention from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing her Doctoral of Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Kayla believes the principles of ABA can be used to create positive environments for children and families to succeed.   

      “My passion is to help disseminate applied behavior analysis to members of the community and assist neurodivergent families in feeling supported on their individual journeys. My goal is for all families and children with autism to gain the knowledge and skills to be successful.”

      Resource Library

      little boy holding up autism symbol
      Understanding Autism Symbols: Meaning, History, and How They’re Used Today

      Autism symbols have evolved alongside growing awareness and understanding. From the widely recognized puzzle piece to the rainbow infinity symbol and spectrum-inspired designs, each carries its own meaning and context. This guide explores the history of autism symbols, what they represent today, and how to choose imagery that reflects dignity, inclusion, and respect for individuals with autism and their families.

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      College Accommodations for Autistic Students: What Actually Works

      In this episode, Emilie Brotherton and Darby Schwien take us inside the ASCEND program at Missouri State University, a unique initiative supporting students with autism and other mental health challenges.

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      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. 

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      5 Sensory-Friendly Activities Close to Waldorf, MD, for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

      Maryland has a variety of inclusive spaces that accommodate sensory needs. From nature preserves to indoor play spaces, Waldorf offers opportunities for families looking for low-stimulation, welcoming environments.

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      From Coast to Capital: How Leah Jones Transferred Roles After a Military Move 

      Leah was a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) at LEARN Behavioral’s Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) San Marcos Learning Center. She expected she’d have to apply for new jobs and face a delay between roles. But thanks to LEARN’s national network, she was able to continue working without interruption. 

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      5 Sensory-Friendly Spots to Visit in Springfield, Virginia 

      Discover sensory-friendly places in Springfield, VA where families can enjoy calmer outings, from parks to libraries to adaptive recreation programs designed for comfort.

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      5 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Fairfax, VA, for Kids on the Autism Spectrum 

      Discover 5 sensory-friendly activities in Fairfax, VA, including movies, parks, libraries, gyms, and swim programs for kids with autism.

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      SPARKS Opens New Learning Center in Manassas, VA

      With over 10 years of experience providing compassionate contemporary ABA therapy to children with autism, we’re delighted to share that […]
      SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Waldorf

      SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center.
      SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Springfield, VA

      SPARKS ABA opens a new Springfield, VA Learning Center offering no-waitlist, year-round ABA therapy and autism services for Fairfax County families.
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      SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Fairfax, VA

      SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center in Fairfax, VA.
      Autistic Voices Inside ABA: The Conversation the Field Needs

      Two autistic adults working in applied behavior analysis share their journeys from diagnosis to professional life, highlighting workplace challenges, the importance of support, and the value of autistic voices in the field.

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