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“Gratitude and Grin” nominations sought.  Recognize a neighbor, friend or relative for the little things they do.

Reward a random act of kindness.  Recognize a selfless act. Appreciate the little things that a neighbor, friend or relative does for you or others. Nominate someone for “Gratitude and Grin” award.

The “Gratitude and Grin” award provides recognition for someone in the community who goes out of their way to help. The award, sponsored by Surf Side Dental Studio of Hingham, includes community recognition and dinner for two at a Hingham-area restaurant.

The public is encouraged to submit nominations to officestaff@surfsidedentalstudio.com.  Please include the name of the nominee, a brief description of the random act of kindness, contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominee.  Please also include contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominator. 

“Highlighting good deeds will help encourage more good deeds,” noted Dr. Robert Geary of Surf Side Dental Studio. 

Dr. Teresa Huynh added, “We believe in community involvement and being good neighbors, we look forward to hearing great examples of that.”

Surf Side Dental Studio is located at the intersection of Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset at 344 Rockland St, Hingham, Ma 02043.  The dental practice provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Husband and wife team Dr. Robert Geary, a native of Hull, and Dr. Teresa Huynh, also a native of a surfside town, Pompano Beach, Florida focus on complete dental care for the family.

For more information, call (781) 749-6750, or visit www.SurfSideDentalStudio.com.

Scituate resident and former Firefighter recognized for Random Act of Kindness and Sunny Disposition.

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH, MA…

Brian Poitras, a Scituate resident and a recent retiree of the Lowell Fire Department, once again did not hesitate when help was needed. 

While visiting the Scituate Senior Center, Brian was chatting with acquaintance Anne Tucker Roberts. 

Anne mentioned that she was concerned that during a hot and humid spell in July her air conditioner was not functioning.  Service companies were not responding to her telephone calls or were scheduling her out for several weeks. Anne and her 85-year-old husband, John, were not only uncomfortable, but at risk.

Out of the kindness of his heart, Brian ventured into his own basement, brought up a spare portable unit and installed it in the Roberts’ home.

“It is a story of what this country has lost. He has renewed my faith that people really DO care about others!” noted Anne.

Thus, Brian Poitras is the first to be recognized by the Sunny Disposition campaign sponsored by Plymouth Solar Energy.  In addition to recognition, Brian will receive a $50 gift certificate to Strega Café, one of Plymouth’s finer restaurants.

Know someone who has recently performed a random or intended act of kindness?

Could be something as simple as taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor.  Or helping with heavy lifting of a new couch.  Or sharing an extra plate of homemade brownies.

Plymouth Solar Energy is recognizing Sunny Disposition winners monthly.  The winner will receive dinner for two at one of Greater Plymouth’s leading restaurants and a spiffy pair of sunglasses.

Enter brief nomination at https://www.plymouthsolarenergy.com/sunny-disposition-plymouth

Plymouth Solar (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

Fudging great media coverage

PR Works recently secured broadcast coverage on WCVB for our client Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s Vineyard. Doug Meehan visited Murdick’s Fudge at their Edgartown location. The piece ran on June 19 on WCVB’s Eye Opener broadcast and later in the day on their early news. Here’s the piece:

For more information on Murdick’s Fudge and their mouth-watering fudge, brittle and other goodies, check out their website.

Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances to Boost your Business

What does it take to claim the “expert” roll and boost your business?  “Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances to Boost your Business” takes the audience through the process step by step.

PR Works, a full service public relations and advertising firm based in America’s Hometown of Plymouth, MA, is leading the complimentary webinar that prepares you to be part of the boom as a podcast host. The free online event is set for Wednesday, August 19, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  To RSVP, copy and paste https://conta.cc/39q78is into your browser to Internet browser.  

Sponsors of the webinar include My Pinnacle Network, South Shore Networking Professionals and Rockland Trust. The webinar will be led by experienced podcasters Steve Dubin and Joe D’Eramo of PR Works.

The webinar prepares you to determine how to tap into the more than 1-million podcast show opportunities that appear regularly on a wide range of channels including Podcast portals such as Itunes, IHeartRadio, Google Play, YouTube, Stitcher and more.

Podcast appearances establish credibility, create visibility, activate lead generation, create speaking opportunities, stimulate search engine optimization, expand cultural authority, and increase value proposition.

The webinar gets you into the game and on the air.

Learn how to –

  • Test the waters and determine your ability and aptitude
  • Define your topic niche.
  • Leverage the pre-existing audience of the podcast
  • Research podcast show options
  • Tell stories vs. selling
  • Draft standard questions.
  • Create 1-page pitch
  • Appeal to the host’s currency
  • Find portals listing podcast shows
  • Steps to booking a guest spot
  • Choose the right equipment at a reasonable pricing.
  • Lighting like a pro for less
  • Taping protocols worth knowing
  • Coming up with an Evergreen offer
  • Promote each episode via podcast portals, social media, e-newsletters, publicity and leveraging the marketing channels of each guest.
  • Following up and obtaining repeat guesting opportunities

Please RSVP for this complimentary webinar by pasting https://conta.cc/39q78is nto your browser.

For more information about the podcast event or podcasting services, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

Mining the Golden Age of Podcasting. PR Works, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts announces podcasting services.

Experts and listeners agree, we are in the Golden Age of Podcasting. More than half of American homes tune into a podcast regularly. Why not YOURS?

Given this high audible trend, PR Works, based in America’s hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, has launched a podcast service. The service ranges from establishing a Podcast strategy to recording and editing the show to promoting it. 

“Podcasting allows you to control the message, control the medium and tap into new clients, strategic partners and referral sources,” notes PR Works Founder Steven V. Dubin, a Plymouth, Massachusetts resident.

He added, “Podcasting is another story-telling channel and the one-to-one audience it creates is powerful. Where most get stalled is in having a clear niche topic and managing all the details of technology, arranging guests, editing the raw footage, uploading each segment to YouTube and the many podcast portals and then promoting the podcast to expand the audience. We help boil that down and get it done.”

Here are some of the considerations to podcasting.

First, the “Why”? 

Are you doing this to position yourself as “the” expert? Book prospects as guests and build those relationships? Generate solid content for social media? Enhance SEO? Provide useful information to your core audience?

Your answer to ALL of the above should YES!

Second, the theme?

What is your unique programming theme? Do you expand upon family business, start-up business, mid-market business? Are you focusing on a niche? Young families? Senior living? Middle-age madness? Choose a theme and build upon it.

Third, the Title?

The title of your podcast should give a hint about the content and entice us in. No surprise about what “Planet Money” is about. “Football Weekly” tells it all. You could get clever, but you don’t want to be obscure and leave us guessing.

Fourth, Scheduling?

Most new podcasters can’t keep up a pace of more than once a month. That being said, it is worthwhile to record the first three segments all at once. In our binge watching/listening world, give your audience a good dose of what you do. 

It is best to develop a schedule and editorial outline of segments for each business quarter.

Fifth, Guests?

Let’s face it, unless you are stand-up comedian or experienced performer, you probably can enhance broadcasts with a guest or two. Guests add insight, variety and color. 

The challenge is to book them, prepare them, obtain background materials, etc. That is a critical part of the process.

Six, the Technology?

How will you record? How will you upload to key podcast portals (Spotify, Itunes, etc.).How will you promote each episode? PR Works has reviewed a wide range of platforms and came up with an inexpensive and thorough solution that includes developing a vlodcast (video of the podcast) and the audio podcast at the same time.  Thus, you are bolstering a YouTube channel and reaching out via key podcast portals.

Seventh, the Promotion?

Now you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating a podcast, how do you get it out there?

Social media posts, e-newsletter, news release and blog posts help move it along.  These messages should ALSO be prepared and customized for your guests to share with their audiences.

Ready to go “live”?  5-4-3-2-1.  For additional information about podcasting, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

Don’t do Divorce alone. Divorce workshop offers support and practical direction.


It’s impossible to understand how painful divorce is, if you haven’t been through it.

The newly formed Divorce Support Group provides a safe, welcoming place to work through your feelings with other people facing similar challenges. Together, we explore denial, fear, loneliness, friendships, guilt/rejection, grief, anger, and whatever else arises. We will also discuss practical ways to take care of yourself. 

The workshop is scheduled for eight Thursdays,  6pm – 7:30 p.m. March 7 and includes March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 18, May 2 and May 9 at the Maverick Wellness, 67 Coddington Street, #209, Quincy MA 02169.  Cost is $240 for the 8-week session.  Group support works best when members can commit to attending all the sessions.  Participants are encouraged to sign up only if  they believe they will be able to attend all the sessions.

This small support group (limit is 6-8 members) will provide a safe, accepting space to discuss the emotional challenges of your divorce, talk with people who “get it,” and learn from each other.

Specifically, the workshop explores practical ways to take care of yourself, cope with stress, how to talk with your children, meeting with your lawyer, ways to co-parent with your ex, feelings around the family home, personal belongings and more.  

The workshop was developed and will be led by Frances T. Spillane, a divorced mother of two children and recently remarried.  She is an LMHC and Life Coach who supports clients in creating meaningful, fulfilling lives.

“When I look back at my divorce, I often wonder ‘What was wrong with me?’”  She added, “Why did I try to do it all alone?  Why didn’t I ask for more help? Why didn’t I do more to help myself?  Why didn’t I find more support?  What was I thinking? Having survived that gauntlet, I developed this workshop.”

Fran is on her third career.  Prior to becoming a therapist, she was a tax accountant, then a stay-at-home mom. Her own journeys through transition give her a deep sense of empathy and compassion, as well as the knowledge that change provides the opportunity to create a more joyful life. Her authentic and unconditional positive regard for clients supports their honest exploration of their most important issues.

Fran practices in Attleboro and Quincy, MA.  She earned her M.A. at Bridgewater State University, and her B.A. at University of Notre Dame.

To RSVP, please visit https://www.EmbraceYourFreedom.Net or email FTSpillane.obhi@Gmail.com.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration Held at New Autism Learning Center in Lansing, MI.

Total Spectrum welcomes families to their new location.

Left to Right: Nicole Goodman; Susan Hengesbach; Chad Munce; Kim Harless; Hans Schmid; Massiel Gonzalez Rodriguez; Mayor Andy Schor; Mallory Haynie; Mykaila Morgan; Cheryl Geniesse, Regional Clinical Director; Molly Link; Alex Wassom; Erika Shuler; Mary Burzych; Chris Swope; Dr. Nike Shoyinka, Medical Health Officer, Ingham County Board of Commissioners; Trisha Johnson, Senior Regional Director.

LANSING, MI… Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to open its doors with a ribbon-cutting celebration at its new Lansing Learning Center at 111 W. Edgewood Blvd., Suite 14 & 15, Lansing, MI 48911.

The ribbon-cutting celebration was hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and held on September 23, 2026.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sara Lewis of the Lansing Regional Chamber shared greetings, and Dr. Nike Shoyinka, Medical Health Officer, Ingham County Board of Commissioners, and Mayor Andy Schor shared remarks.

Members of the Lansing Regional Chamber 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, Cheryl Geniesse, M.A., BCBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Trisha Johnson, MA, BCBA, Senior Regional Director.

“Our work is about much more than providing therapy—it’s about building relationships, supporting families, and helping children discover what’s possible,” said Cheryl Geniesse, Regional Clinical Director. “We’re proud to be part of the Lansing community—and deeply committed to helping families thrive.”

Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-22 years. The new Lansing Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy. Outside the center, the Lansing team provides ABA support in the home and community settings. The Lansing Learning Center is conveniently located within the Lansing School District and easily accessible via I-96, M-96, and public transportation for individuals and families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Lansing and beyond.

About Total Spectrum

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.

Total Spectrum has locations throughout Michigan. For more information or to enroll a child at the new Lansing Learning Center, call (844) 263-1613 or visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/lansing

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.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration Held at New Autism & Down Syndrome Learning Center in Quincy, MA

BCI welcomes Norfolk County area families to their new location.

Left to Right: State Senator John F. Keenan; Dolly Di Pesa; Caryn Smith; Tamieca Muir; Mayor Thomas P. Koch; Emily Walden; Khrystyne Swain, Center Director; Emmabelle Colton; Katie Corey, Senior Regional Clinical Director; William McNab; Sharon Driscoll, Executive Director, Quincy Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Ashley Williams, Vice President, LEARN Behavioral; City Councilor Richard Ash.

QUINCY, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to open its doors with a ribbon-cutting celebration at its new Quincy Learning Center at 8 Hancock Court, Quincy, MA 02169.

The ribbon-cutting celebration was hosted by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce on September 22, 2026.

State Senator John F. Keenan, Mayor Thomas Koch, and City Councilor Richard Ash were in attendance during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sharon Driscoll, Executive Director of Quincy Chamber of Commerce, along with other Chamber members and guests, were also in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet BCI’s leadership team, Khrystyne Swain, M.S. BCBA, LABA, Center Director, and Katie Corey, M.S., LABA, BCBA, Senior Regional Clinical Director. 

“The Quincy Learning Center was designed to support both individual growth and peer collaboration,” said Khrystyne Swain, Center Director. “It’s a place where children can gain essential skills—and where their journey toward success in school and life begins. We’re honored to be part of the Quincy community.”

BCI is a leading contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based services for children with autism and Down syndrome. The Quincy Learning Center provides Early Intervention, diagnostic evaluations for autism, center-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2-6, and after-school programming for older children. It also offers center-based ABA therapy for individuals with Down syndrome, up to age 21. Outside the center, the Quincy team offers in-home support.

The Quincy Learning Center features an indoor gross motor space for physical and social development, as well as an art room and a teaching kitchen for children. There is no waitlist, and flexible treatment hours are offered to accommodate busy family schedules. The Quincy Learning Center is conveniently located near I-93 and is easily accessible to public transportation.

The center is now enrolling new clients throughout the South Shore with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About BCI

BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism and Down syndrome find success and reach their unique potential.

In addition to the Quincy Learning Center, BCI has existing center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Newton, New Bedford, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Quincy Learning Center, call (508) 363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/quincy

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.

Dr. Rebecca Thompson of WEAP and LEARN Behavioral Awarded for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of ABA

Rebecca Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D

MADISON AND MILWAUKEE, WI, AND BALTIMORE, MD…

LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in autism treatment with a network of applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers across the country, congratulates Rebecca Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D, who has been awarded for her contributions to applied behavior analysis (ABA) in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Association for Behavior Analysis (WisABA) recognized Dr. Thompson with the prestigious award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Field of ABA in Wisconsin” at their conference held on October 2, 2026. WisABA serves as the state affiliate chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Dr. Thompson’s tenure with the renowned ABA provider Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and LEARN Behavioral spans more than 25 years. A licensed psychologist, Dr. Thompson holds a board certified behavior analyst-doctoral (BCBA-D) credential.

Dr. Thompson began her career at WEAP in diagnostics and the delivery of ABA services and, over the years, advanced to Director of Clinical Services. In the past two and a half years, Dr. Thompson has led state and federal government affairs efforts as Vice President of Advocacy at LEARN Behavioral.

Along with her leadership roles at WEAP and LEARN Behavioral, Dr. Thompson holds numerous public policy roles, including President of the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association (WAPA) and as an appointed member of the Wisconsin Governor’s Autism Council. She is also President of Illinois Providers for ABA Access and Quality (IPAAQ) and Chair of Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access and Quality (MPAAQ).

“During her career at WEAP and LEARN Behavioral, Rebecca has made a tremendous impact, and we are delighted with the policies and precedent set for LEARN Behavioral and the ABA community,” said Justin Funches, President of LEARN Behavioral’s autism provider network. “Rebecca’s commitment to helping children with autism achieve their full potential, along with her state and federal advocacy, has made a real difference in the lives of countless children and families.” 

Dr. Thompson has recently accepted the position of Director of Government Affairs for the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), a nonprofit trade association of more than 475 autism service provider organizations from all 50 states and multiple countries. LEARN Behavioral is a member and sponsor of CASP. 

“We congratulate Rebecca on her award, and wish her all the best as she steps into an expansive role at CASP supporting public policy across all 50 states. As LEARN Behavioral is a CASP member, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Rebecca in support of children and families with autism across the U.S.”

Dr. Thompson is a native and resident of Milwaukee, WI.

For more information about WisABA, visit https://www.wisaba.org; for more information about CASP, visit casproviders.org.

About WEAP

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), the first provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in Wisconsin, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. WEAP has grown to become a world-renowned leader in early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism. WEAP’s 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. For more information about WEAP, visit https://wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism care, 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 150 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 https://learnbehavioral.com

New Autism Learning Center Opens Doors in Woodbridge, VA with  Ribbon Cutting Celebration. SPARKS ABA welcomes Prince William County area families to their new location.

Front row left to right: Shannon Garrity with Senator McPike’s office; Victoria Armold, Chamber Ambassador; Dayan Toyos; Ana Hernandez; Merlyn Nair, SPARKS Woodbridge Center Director; Kayla Bagnato, Regional Clinical Director; Elizabeth Haugh; Michelle Manella; Ariel Goldchain, Chamber Ambassador. Second row left to right: Paul Gravley, CEO Didlake & Chairman of the Prince William County Chamber Foundation; Kristi Black, President & CEO of Prince William Chamber; Akash Pahal; Fatima Cruces; Delegate Margaret Franklin; CJ Epperson, Chamber Ambassador; Yungmi Organ, Chamber Ambassador; Olivia Caro; Lauren Donahue; Megan Moore. Back row left to right: Tom Sullivan, Chamber Ambassador; George Webb, Chamber Ambassador.

WOODBRIDGE, VA… SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, recently opened the doors of its new Woodbridge Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 11, 2026.

Hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at SPARKS ABA’s new location at 14059 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193. 

During the ceremony, Paul Gravely, CEO of Didlake and Chairman of the Prince William Chamber Foundation, shared greetings and remarks. Temujin Choijilsuren, Chief of Staff for Delegate Rozia Henson, Jr., and Delegate Briana Sewell also shared remarks. Members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet 

SPARKS ABA’s leadership team: Merlyn Nair, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Center Director, and Kayla Bagnato, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director.

“SPARKS is excited to bring compassionate, high-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to families in the greater Woodbridge area,” said Merlyn Nair, Center Director. “We tailor our services to each child and family, providing engaging, evidence-based care in an environment designed to help children build skills, confidence, and independence. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and we’re honored to partner with families on that journey.”

SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary ABA provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-15 years. The Woodbridge Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, diagnostic services, speech, and occupational therapy. Saturday Social Skills groups are also offered. Outside of the Learning Center, the Woodbridge team offers in-home and community-based ABA therapy.

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours, including part-day schedules and evening hours to accommodate busy family schedules, SPARKS ABA is now enrolling new clients in the Prince William County area and beyond. The center is conveniently located near I-95, just 35 minutes from Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible via public transportation for families in the region.

Open House in October

Families are invited to a sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat/open house at the Woodbridge Learning Center on October 24, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm. This event will feature a sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat and Halloween-themed activities for guests to enjoy in a welcoming, inclusive environment. 

For more information or to enroll a child at the Woodbridge Learning Center, 

call (703) 349-0323 or visit https://sparksaba.com/locations/woodbridge

About SPARKS ABA

SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for over 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. In addition to the Woodbridge location, SPARKS ABA has Learning Centers in Fairfax, Manassas, and Springfield, VA, and Landover and Waldorf, MD.

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 in Greenfield, WI, with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration. WEAP and Total Spectrum welcome families to their new location.

Left to right: Renee Bellows, Nathalia Dominguez, Tess Thompson, Nada Alzalloum, Mary Hopton-Smith, Heather Bania, Jamie Flannery, Mosha Shah, State Representative Bob Donovan, Linda Klotz, Teahara King, Shane Zoltak, State Senator Tim Carpenter, Brooke Marcellis, Jennie Hoppe, Amber Dorschel, Mayor Michael Neitzke, Erin Dietsche.

GREENFIELD, WI… Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum, providers of LEARN Behavioral, recently held a ribbon-cutting celebration at their Greenfield Learning Center, 4131 W Loomis Rd., Suite 100, Greenfield, WI 53221.

Hosted by the Greater Greenfield Community Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting celebration was held on September 10, 2026.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke shared greetings and opening remarks. State Representative Karen Kirsch, State Senator Tim Carpenter, and State Representative Bob Donovan shared remarks. Members of the Greater Greenfield Community Chamber and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees toured the facility, enjoyed light refreshments, and met WEAP and Total Spectrum’s leadership team: Linda Klotz, MA, BCBA, LBA, Clinical Director; Heather Bania, BSc, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region; and Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director of Total Spectrum.

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.

“We are excited to bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to families in the greater Greenfield area,” said Linda Klotz, Clinical Director. “We tailor our services to each child and family, providing engaging, evidence-based care in an environment designed to help children build skills, confidence, and independence. We’re proud to be part of the Greenfield community—and deeply committed to helping families thrive.”

The Greenfield Learning Center offers flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules and is now accepting clients. The center is conveniently located and easily accessible via  I-41 and I-43 for families in the region.

Open House

A sensory-friendly Open House and Trunk-or-Treat will be held at the Greenfield Learning Center on October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Families are invited to enjoy Halloween at their own pace with sensory-friendly activities and explore the new space, thoughtfully designed to support children with autism. This event is free and open to the public. 

For more information or to enroll a child at the Greenfield Learning Center, call (608) 662-9327 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/greenfield

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 to help children and families find success.

The Greenfield 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 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.

For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”

Left to right: Tze Stern, Ben Medd, Rachel Ambroult, Sydney Hines, Bethany Degrace, Nicole Long, Lola Sina, Erin Dunlap, and Carla Veiga

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.

OCES was recognized as one of 30 honorees for the 2026 Best Places to Work in a well-attended ceremony held on September 10, 2026, at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth, MA. The “2026 Best Places to Work” award was accepted by Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

Honorees were selected based on criteria that included company culture, employee appreciation, employee growth and training opportunities, as well as career advancement – all of which set OCES apart as an employer. Approximately 20% of OCES employees have been with the organization for 10 years or longer.

“OCES is honored to be awarded one of the 2026 Best Places to Work for the fourth year in a row,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “OCES is a workplace committed to supporting staff, and our staff is dedicated to providing the very best for the community.”

Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve in response to the needs of the communities it serves. With locations in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES has a team of over 380 employees and proudly serves 34 communities across Plymouth County,  the South Shore, and surrounding areas.

OCES is governed by a Board of Directors, whose members represent the communities served. The organization’s leadership team includes Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; and Yolanda America, Chief Financial Officer.

For OCES, the Best Places to Work recognition is particularly meaningful this year, as OCES has experienced significant growth in an extended service area, and their workforce continues to expand.

OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential. For more information about OCES’ mission, Core Values and more, visit ocesma.org/about-old-colony-elder-services

About 2026 Best Places to Work
For more information about Cape & Plymouth Marketing’s annual award event, the 2026 Best Places to Work, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com/event-details/2026-best-places/.

About OCES

OCES is recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Marketing and has been certified as a Woman-Owned Nonprofit Organization (W/NPO) by the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 52 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with offices in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 22 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families across 34 communities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore, and surrounding areas.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org