Michael Maloney, Founder and CEO of LEARN Behavioral, joins us to share about his early career in education and how a small consulting company grew into an organization that now provides autism services in over 17 states (23 with LEARN Academy). In this conversation, we also explore his insights about the changing landscape of services for families. Michael shares, “In the last ten to twelve years, there has been an absolute sea change. When we started, four states covered services, and now all 50 do. Parents often had to pay out of pocket, and few could afford to. The financial burden has lessened so significantly because of the growing awareness and advocacy.”
WEAP and Total Spectrum are Greenfield’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers of center-based autism services for children ages 18 months to 4 years old. The new Greenfield Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy and Early Intervention. Outside of the center, the Greenfield team provides ABA therapy in the home and community settings.
“Our Greenfield Learning Center was established to meet the high demand for ABA autism services in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Heather Bania, BSc, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families throughout greater Greenfield to help find success for every child in our care,” Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director of Total Spectrum.
With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in Milwaukee County and beyond.
Key Features of the Greenfield Learning Center:
ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
Center-based servicesin the city of Greenfield.
Anindoorgross motor space and an outdoor playground (currently underway).
No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
Serving children ages 18 months to 4 years oldwith personalized therapy plans.
Conveniently located and easily accessible via I-41 and I-43 for families in the region.
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 to help children and families find success.
The Greenfield Learning Center is WEAP and Total Spectrum’s seventh center-based ABA therapy location in the Greater Milwaukee area. The companies already have Learning Centers in Glendale, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Milwaukee, Mount Pleasant, and West Bend, WI.
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.
Chicago Learning Center Ribbon Cutting
Updated On
Our new Chicago, IL Learning Center had a successful grand opening! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Northern Illinois.
5 Sensory-Friendly Spots in and Around Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated On
Families who have a child with autism or sensory sensitivities often plan outings with more than entertainment in mind. Noise, lighting, crowds, transitions, and waiting times can all affect whether a place feels manageable or overwhelming.
Around Grand Rapids, several museums, parks, and public spaces offer quieter environments, flexible pacing, or sensory-friendly programming that can make outings easier for families to navigate.
In some places, that means adjusted lighting or reduced crowd sizes. In others, it simply means enough room for children to move, pause, and reset when needed.
Here are five sensory-friendly spots in and around Grand Rapids that families may want to explore.
1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Sets Aside Quieter Hours
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum regularly hosts sensory-friendly play sessions with reduced noise, adjusted lighting, and smaller crowds. The museum’s hands-on exhibits allow children to explore independently.
Tip for families: Check the museum calendar before visiting. Sensory-friendly sessions are typically offered during select morning hours with limited attendance.
2. Frederik Meijer Gardens Gives Families Space to Slow Down
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park works well for families who prefer to move without a schedule. Children can pause at water features, walk ahead on the sculpture trails, or spend time in smaller garden spaces without feeling rushed from one exhibit to the next. The grounds are spread out enough that families can usually find a quieter path when indoor areas become crowded.
Tip for families: Start with the outdoor sculpture trails if indoor conservatories feel too busy or overstimulating. Morning visits are often quieter.
3. Kent District Library Offers Calm Indoor Spaces
Kent District Library branches near Grand Rapids provide quieter children’s areas, flexible seating, and family programming throughout the year. Libraries often work well for children who prefer structured environments and predictable routines.
Tip for families: Visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons, when children’s areas are usually quieter and easier to navigate.
4. John Ball Zoo Gives Families Flexible Pacing
John Ball Zoo offers shaded walking paths, outdoor exhibits, and open seating areas throughout the grounds. Families can move through the zoo gradually and step away from busier areas when children need a break.
Tip for families: Arrive near opening time and begin with outdoor habitats before crowds build later in the day.
5. Blandford Nature Center Offers Quiet Trails and Open Space
Not every child wants a packed itinerary or a crowded attraction.
Blandford Nature Center gives families another kind of outing. Children can walk the trails, check in on the resident wildlife, or spend time outside without a lot of noise, waiting, or transitions between activities. Parents can shorten the visit, linger longer, or change direction midway through without much disruption.
Tip for families: Begin with the shorter loops near the visitor center and save the longer wooded trails for a second visit after your child becomes familiar with the setting.
Support Is Close to Home
Finding places that feel comfortable and predictable can help families spend more time together in the community and less time worrying about how an outing will unfold.
Total Spectrum, part of LEARN Behavioral, works with families across Grand Rapids and nearby communities to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills through applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that supports everyday life at home, in school, and in the community. If you are looking for support in the Grand Rapids area, Total Spectrum is here to help you take the next step.
5 Sensory-Friendly Spots in Chicago for Families to Explore
Updated On
Families who have a child with autism or sensory sensitivities often spend extra time planning even simple outings. They may think about traffic, noise levels, lighting, bathrooms, wait times, or whether there is somewhere quiet to regroup if a child becomes overwhelmed.
In Chicago, some museums, parks, libraries, and public spaces have started making those experiences easier to navigate.
Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference, such as a calm corner away from crowds or a staff member who understands that children experience environments differently.
For many families, those details can determine whether an outing feels stressful or enjoyable.
Here are five sensory-friendly spots in Chicago that families may want to explore.
1. Maggie Daley Park Gives Kids Room to Move
Maggie Daley Park offers wide walking paths, climbing areas, gardens, and open spaces where children can move freely without feeling confined. Families can spread out, take breaks between activities, and choose quieter sections of the park when downtown areas feel busy.
Tip for families: Visit earlier in the morning when the playground and climbing areas are less crowded and easier to navigate at a slower pace.
2. Shedd Aquarium Hosts Sensory-Friendly Events
Shedd Aquarium offers sensory-friendly programs and accessibility supports designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits with special lighting, slow-moving galleries, and predictable walking paths can also help many children feel more comfortable during regular daytime visits.
Tip for families: Begin with the smaller galleries upstairs before heading into larger exhibit areas. Starting small can help children adjust gradually to the environment.
3. Harold Washington Library Center Offers Quiet Indoor Space
Harold Washington Library Center provides families with a calm indoor option. The children’s areas offer flexible seating, open reading spaces, and quiet surroundings that can feel less overstimulating than many downtown attractions.
Tip for families: Ride the elevator to the children’s floor before exploring the rest of the building. A quieter starting point can make transitions easier for some children.
4. Field Museum Creates Predictable Paths Through Large Exhibits
The Field Museum can feel large and busy, but many exhibits follow clear layouts that help families move at their own pace. Wide hallways, benches, and quieter corners throughout the museum allow children to pause and reset without needing to leave entirely.
Tip for families: Skip weekends, if possible, and plan one or two exhibits rather than trying to cover the entire museum in one visit.
5. AMC River East Offers Sensory-Friendly Screenings
AMC River East 21 participates in AMC’s sensory-friendly film program in partnership with the Autism Society. During these screenings, the lights stay dim instead of fully dark, the sound volume is lower, and children may move around more freely during the movie.
Tip for families: Choose aisle seating near the back of the theater so your child can step out for movement breaks without feeling rushed or disruptive.
Support Is Close to Home
Finding sensory-friendly spaces can help families feel more confident about exploring their community and spending time together outside daily routines.
Total Spectrum, part of LEARN Behavioral, works with families across Chicago to help children through applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and related services that focus on communication, daily living skills, and routines. If you are looking for support in the Chicago area, Total Spectrum is here to help you take the next step.
Autism Learning Center Opens Doors in Kalamazoo, MI with Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Updated On
Total Spectrum welcomes families to their new location.
Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to open its doors with a ribbon-cutting celebration at its new Kalamazoo Learning Center, 1722 Shaffer St., Suite 4, Kalamazoo, MI, 49048.
A ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber of Commerce was held on April 22, 2026.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Clarence Lloyd, Vice President of the Southwestern Michigan First Chamber, and Mayor David Anderson shared greetings and remarks.
Members of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.
Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet Total Spectrum’s leadership team, Melissa Furman, MA, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Trisha Johnson, MA, BCBA, Senior Regional Director.
“We’re proud to expand our reach and bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to more families in the greater Kalamazoo area,” said Melissa Furman, Regional Clinical Director. “At Total Spectrum, we tailor our services to each child and family—offering age-appropriate, engaging learning experiences rooted in science and guided by care.”
Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-21 years. The new Kalamazoo Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, early learner and school readiness programs, Social Skills Programs, and parent education. Outside of the center, the Kalamazoo team offers in-home ABA therapy.
Left to right: Allie Bierling, Managing Behavior Analyst; Mayor David Anderson; Melissa Furman, Regional Clinical Director; and Trisha Johnson, Senior Regional Director
No Waitlist, Flexible Hours, and Convenient Location
The Kalamazoo Learning Center offers after-school and weekend treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules. There is no waitlist. The center is conveniently located and easily accessible via I-94, US 131, and M-96 for families in the region.
Total Spectrum is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
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.
Autism Learning Center opens doors of second location in Chicago with ribbon-cutting celebration
Updated On
Total Spectrum welcomes families to their new location.
Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, opened the doors of its second Chicago location with a ribbon-cutting celebration at 4839 N Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60630.
The ribbon-cutting celebration, hosted by the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, was held on April 23, 2026.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Samantha Brewer, representative for Alderman Samantha Nugent, and Karen Milroy, Economic Development Specialist and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce Lead, offered greetings and remarks. Albany Park Chamber of Commerce members and other guests were in attendance.
Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet Total Spectrum’s leadership team, Megan Romero, MA, BCBA, LBA, Center Director, and Blair Monfre, MS, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director.
“We’re proud to expand our reach and bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to even more families in the greater Chicago area,” said Megan Romero, Center Director. “This new space was designed to support both individual growth and peer collaboration. It’s a place where children can gain essential skills—and where their journey toward success in school and life begins.”
Total Spectrum is Illinois’ premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for daytime, after-school, and weekend hours for children and young adults ages 2-18 years. The new Chicago Learning Center also provides Social Skills Programs where kids learn, play, and build friendships.
Total Spectrum now has five Learning Centers in northern Illinois: Arlington Heights, Aurora, and Lombard, and two locations in Chicago – on Elston Ave. and South Wabash Ave.
Total Spectrum Chicago accepts most private insurance in addition to Medicaid. The center is now enrolling clients with no waitlist and scheduling based on each family’s unique needs.
Left to right: Jessica Schrader, Behavior Analyst; Samantha Brewer, representative for Alderman Samantha Nugent; Megan Romero, Center Director; Karen Milroy, Economic Development Specialist and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce Lead, North Riber Commission; Gabrielle Torralba, Behavior Analyst; Blair Monfre, Regional Clinical Director; guest; Rachel Miller, Behavior Analyst; guest; and Elizabeth Barajas, Behavior Analyst.
Access to Exceptional Care
Dedicated to providing access for all and delivering exceptional care, the Total Spectrum Learning Center is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
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.
Kalamazoo Learning Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Updated On
Our new Kalamazoo Learning Center had a successful grand opening! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Michigan.
Chicago Learning Center Ribbon Cutting!
Updated On
Our new Chicago, IL Learning Center had a successful grand opening! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Northern Illinois.
Autism Learning Center Opens New Location in Chicago, IL
Updated On
Total Spectrum Relocates from National Louis University Campus to South Wabash Ave.
Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has relocated its Learning Center from the campus of National Louis University (NLU) to 228 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 1000, in Chicago, IL.
Total Spectrum is Illinois’ premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for daytime, after-school, and weekend hours for children and young adults ages 2-16 years.
Total Spectrum relocated to South Wabash Avenue after having outgrown its three classrooms at its Learning Center on the NLU campus. The new, expansive location is 4600 sq. ft. and will support current client families and help Total Spectrum meet the growing demand for ABA services.
Special Partnership with NLU
The Learning Center on South Wabash Avenue will also continue to support Total Spectrum’s Accelerate U Partnership with NLU, which gives NLU students the opportunity to earn their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification and work with Total Spectrum. The partnership has three cohorts of 10–15 students per year.
“We are excited to continue to serve families in the Greater Chicago area at our larger South Wabash Avenue location,” said Blair Monfre, MS, BCBA, Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.”
Key Features of the new Chicago Learning Center on South Wabash Avenue:
Large facility, which includes a gross motor room for physical and social development.
ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
No waitlist, after-school sessions, and Saturday treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
Serving children ages 2-16 years with personalized therapy plans.
Easily accessible via public transportation for families in the region.
Total Spectrum Chicago accepts most private insurance in addition to Medicaid. The center is now enrolling clients with no waitlist and scheduling based on each family’s unique needs.
Access to Exceptional Care
Dedicated to providing access for all and delivering exceptional care, the Total Spectrum Learning Center is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
Total Spectrum has five Learning Centers in northern Illinois: Arlington Heights, Aurora, and Lombard, and two locations in Chicago: on Elston Avenue in the northwest area of Chicago, and their newest location on South Wabash Avenue.
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.
