Design Element Shape

Greater Waldorf

Our Learning Center and Offices

      Design Element Shape

      Serving You Close to Home

      Life is busy — we get it. And every child is different. In greater Waldorf, 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

      Icon or Image
      Learning Center

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

      Learn More

      Icon or Image
      Home & Community

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

      Learn More

      Icon or Image
      TeleABA

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

      Our Team

      Bryanna Walls, MA, BCBA
      Center Director

      Bryanna Walls, MA, BCBA

      Center Director

      Bryanna is the Center Director at SPARKS’ Waldorf Learning Center in Waldorf, Maryland. She received her master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University. Bryanna joined SPARKS over two years ago as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and has since grown into her leadership role as Center Director, where she oversees clinical services while continuing to support clients, families, and staff.

      Bryanna’s passion for ABA began after witnessing a child successfully complete daily living skills during an in-home ABA session, an experience that demonstrated the powerful impact of evidence-based interventions on an individual’s independence and quality of life. One of Bryanna’s favorite aspects of ABA is family treatment guidance. She values the opportunity to collaborate closely with families, teachers, and other professionals to promote consistency across environments and support the generalization of skills beyond the therapy setting. She believes that strong partnerships and clear communication are essential to helping clients reach their full potential and achieve meaningful success in their everyday lives.

      “I know I’ve had a good day when clients, families, and staff leave feeling supported and successful.”

      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

      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 […]
      A New Chapter for All Autism Talk

      After more than 10 years of conversations, All Autism Talk is taking a pause. Host Richie reflects on the podcast’s journey, shares what’s next, and thanks the community for its support.

      Design Element Icon
      Ribbon Cutting Celebration Held at New SPARKS ABA Learning Center in Springfield, VA

      SPARKS ABA celebrated the grand opening of its second Springfield Learning Center, expanding access to center-based ABA therapy, Launchpad Learning, social skills groups, parent training, and in-home services for children and adolescents with autism.
      Autism and the Two of Us: Love, Communication, and Neurodiversity

      Dr. Cindy Ariel shares insights on relationships involving autistic and neurodivergent individuals, exploring communication, conflict, and strategies for building stronger connections.

      Design Element Icon
      girl on first day of school
      IEP Strategies To Start the School Year Strong 

      If your child has an individualized education program (IEP), the start of a new school year can bring both excitement and a long to-do list. Between fresh school supplies and new routines, it is also the best time to revisit your child’s plan, build strong relationships with the school team, and set up supports for success. Here are practical ways families, schools, and providers can work together to make the most of the year ahead.

      Design Element Icon
      Happy Young Child Floating In Swimming Pool
      Autism & Water: Benefits of Swimming & Water Play for Kids with ASD

      How can you build on your child’s interest with activities that promote safe and fun water exploration? Here are ideas and to explore the benefits of swimming and water play for kids with ASD.

      Design Element Icon
      Screen Shot 2022-02-23 at 12.25.10 PM
      What is Contemporary ABA?

      People often say that history is written by the victors. When the colonists won the American Revolution, they described the […]

      Design Element Icon
      Why Wandering Is a Serious Risk for Kids With Autism, Especially in Summer 

      For many families raising a child with autism, one of the biggest fears is a child suddenly slipping away — out the front door, off the playground, or into a crowd. This behavior, often called “wandering” or “elopement,” can happen in a matter of seconds.

      Design Element Icon
      Water Safety and Autism: What Families Need to Know

      Dr. Molly O’Shea discusses critical water safety strategies for children with autism and other neurodivergent learners. With over 30 years in pediatrics, she shares practical tips on active supervision, swim lessons, and sensory-friendly programs.

      Design Element Icon
      5 Sensory-Friendly Places in Woodbridge, Virginia

      Discover five sensory-friendly places in Woodbridge, Virginia, where families can enjoy calmer environments, predictable spaces, and flexible outings designed to support children with autism and sensory differences.

      Design Element Icon
      Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults

      In this episode, Caroline Maguire explores the nuances of friendship through a neurodivergent lens, drawing from her book “Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults.”

      Design Element Icon
      SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Woodbridge, VA

      SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has opened a new Learning Center in Woodbridge, VA, offering center-based ABA therapy, diagnostic services, and speech and occupational therapy for children ages 2–15. With no waitlist, flexible hours, and a family-centered approach, the center is now enrolling families across Northern Virginia.