Christina Hooper is the center director at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) Oak Creek Learning Center. She leads a team that provides therapy and support for children with autism and their families. In this role, she oversees day-to-day services, coaches team members, and helps every child receive thoughtful, individualized care. 

She joined WEAP in 2013 as a one-on-one support provider, then called a line therapist and now known as a behavior technician. Since then, she has taken on several roles that have built her skills in personalized care, team leadership, and family collaboration. 

She holds a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University and is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She also earned a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders, with a minor in psychology, from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. 

During college, she discovered how much she enjoyed working with children. After returning to Milwaukee, she joined WEAP and quickly became inspired by the difference early intervention can make in a child’s life. 

She says one of her favorite parts of the job is celebrating progress — no matter how small — with the children and families she serves. She also values mentoring new team members and supporting others in their work. 

“Nothing excites me more than when a child reaches a new milestone and their family lights up with pride and joy.”

“Every child’s progress fuels my passion for this work.”

Heather Bania, BSc, discovered her passion for applied behavior analysis (ABA) while obtaining her bachelor’s degree in human development from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She started her career with the Green Bay Learning Center as a behavior technician (BT) in 2001.

Later that year, she transferred to the Milwaukee region, where her career continued to flourish. She was promoted to managing technician, then clinical supervisor, and ultimately, to clinical director.

Heather is the senior regional director for the Milwaukee region, where she oversees the operation of four Learning Centers. Her journey from behavior technician to senior clinical director is a testament to her dedication and expertise in ABA.

Away from her professional commitments, Heather spends time with her husband and two children. She has an eye for decorating and savors peaceful moments relaxing by the lake.

“I feel so blessed to go to work each day and to be a part of helping my clients grow and learn. Hearing some of my clients say their first words is one of the most rewarding moments in the work we do. I am so thankful for the commitment of everyone within the child’s family and clinical team because each of them is helping the child to improve his or her quality of life.”

Linda Klotz, MA, BCBA, LBA, is a dedicated behavioral treatment licensed supervisor and the regional clinical director for the Milwaukee, Wisconsin region.

Raised in the heart of Milwaukee, Linda continues to call this vibrant city home along with her husband and three children.

Her academic journey took her first to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she earned her undergraduate degree in psychology. She then pursued her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Ball State University.

Since 2003, Linda has been devoted to working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Her experience spans from helping toddlers as young as 18 months to guiding teenagers.

Linda’s passion particularly lies in early intervention and in the transformative power it can have on a child’s development. Linda continually seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights by attending state and national conferences. She has presented her work at the prestigious Autism Society of Wisconsin’s Annual Conference, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field.