Our Story
Spark was founded in Austin, Texas in 2012 by Kristen Rakun M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. Before creating Spark Learning, Kristen had been a trusted therapist and teacher in an inclusive preschool program for many years. When the school closed its doors, a group of families asked for her help. With a bit of ingenuity, Kristen began offering ABA therapy, turning a family’s spare playroom and backyard into a vibrant therapy space.
What began as a small, heartfelt effort quickly evolved into Spark Learning—one of the most reputable ABA therapy and inclusive preschool programs in Austin. Kristen knew that to provide the highest quality services, it was crucial to balance clinical expertise with a genuine love for children, create joyful spaces, and be a steadfast resource for families.
Today, our mission remains as strong as ever. Our experienced and trusted team offers the latest in ABA therapy, Speech therapy, and inclusive Kindergarten and Preschool programs in a safe, caring, and play-filled environment. We are still proudly locally owned, operated, and managed by BCBAs who are deeply committed to your child’s success and high clinical standards. For over 10 years, Spark Learning has been a trusted provider in the community, dedicated to helping each child ignite their “spark”.
The Spark Difference
Our Mission is to create a lasting impact on the lives of our families by setting a higher standard of care and fostering meaningful progress through empathy and excellence. We believe children learn best when they feel comfortable, feel cared for, and are having fun.
Our Centers have room to play, plenty of outdoor space, and are designed to encourage peer interaction, even during one-on-one therapy. Plus, at Spark Learning, you won’t just have one therapist or a one-size-fits-all plan for your child—you’ll have an entire team dedicated to providing consistent care for the children and collaborating with parents and other caregivers every step of the way. With a variety of programs and offerings to choose from, our ABA and Speech therapists can design a personalized plan that works for your family.
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Our Values
Inclusive, Supportive, and Fun Environment
We create an inclusive, supportive, and fun learning environment that caters to each child’s unique learning style.Our play-based approach, along with our vibrant, joyful learning spaces, helps learning and development feel natural.
Exceptional Programs
We provide exceptional programs that are personalized, flexible, and intuitive. Our programs are tailored to each child to support their unique strengths, challenges, and developmental goals, fostering meaningful progress in a way that best suits their individual needs.
Qualified and Caring Team
Our highly qualified, board-certified team has a passion for early education. We train every Spark therapist and teachers to our elevated quality of care and support their ongoing development through continuing education and hands-on support.
Family and Caregiver Involvement
We make family and caregivers an integral part of the process. Studies show that outcomes improve when everyone participates in a child’s treatment plan. We encourage participation, communication, collaboration, and consistency across the entire care team to enhance results.
Meaningful Progress
We track and celebrate every step forward. In addition to conducting gold standard assessments, our team continuously evaluates your child’s progress. Our teams refine and enhance treatment plans over time to meet each child’s evolving needs.