Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children with autism build communication, social, and daily living skills. At Happy Luna ABA Therapy in Tampa, we use personalized strategies to support each child’s growth.

At what age should my child start ABA therapy?

Early intervention is most effective. Children as young as 18 months can benefit from ABA therapy. At Happy Luna ABA Therapy, we create age-appropriate programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.

Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Florida?

Yes. Many insurance plans in Florida cover ABA therapy for children with autism. We can guide you through the process of verifying coverage and answer questions about your benefits.

How long are ABA therapy sessions?

Session length varies depending on your child’s needs and goals. Some children benefit from a few hours per week, while others thrive with more intensive programs. Our team will recommend the best schedule after an assessment.

Do parents participate in ABA therapy?

Absolutely! Parent training is a core part of our programs. We teach families strategies to support their child’s learning at home and in the community, ensuring progress continues beyond therapy sessions.

What makes Happy Luna ABA Therapy different?

Our approach combines professional expertise with compassionate, family-centered care. We focus on building real-life skills, celebrating every success, and partnering with families to create lasting progress.

Where do you provide ABA therapy services?

Happy Luna ABA Therapy proudly serves families in Tampa, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, and surrounding Florida communities. Contact us to find out if we serve your area.

ABA Therapy in Hillsborough County: Compassionate, Local Care for Your Child 🌙

Michelle Ventimiglia
Apr 30
4 min read

Personal Introduction

Hi, I'm Michelle Ventimiglia, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Tiny Habits® Coach serving families throughout Hillsborough County and the greater Tampa Bay area. After 20 years working with children with autism, I know that finding the right ABA therapy provider can feel overwhelming — especially when you're not sure where to start or what to look for.

That's why I built Happy Luna ABA Therapy around one simple idea: therapy should feel like support, not stress. For your child and for you.

Whether you're in Tampa, Lutz, Carrollwood, Land O'Lakes, or Temple Terrace, we come to you — bringing evidence-based ABA therapy directly into your home and your child's school. No long drives. No clinical waiting rooms. Just compassionate, individualized care in the places where your child feels most comfortable.

Why Families Choose ABA Therapy in Hillsborough County

Choosing a local ABA therapy provider means more than just convenience — it means getting care from someone who understands your community, your schools, and the resources available to your family right here in Hillsborough County.

At Happy Luna ABA Therapy, being local means we can:

Build real relationships with your child and your family over time
Coordinate with your child's school and other providers in the area
Connect you with local resources and support networks in Hillsborough County
Be available and responsive when questions or concerns come up between sessions

Here are some of the key benefits families experience when working with a local ABA specialist:

Convenience: Therapy happens in your home or your child's school — no travel stress
Community connection: We know Hillsborough County and can help you navigate local support systems
Consistent care: Your child builds trust through regular, familiar visits with the same therapist
Family partnership: Parents and caregivers are active partners in every step of the process

What to Expect from ABA Therapy at Happy Luna ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is all about helping children develop essential skills in a supportive, positive environment. At Happy Luna ABA Therapy, we focus on communication, social skills, daily living, and behavior — always using positive reinforcement to make learning feel good.

Every child's program begins with a comprehensive assessment. Our BCBA gets to know your child — their strengths, their interests, what motivates them, and where they need support. From there, we build a fully individualized treatment plan.

Goals we commonly work on include:

Improving verbal and non-verbal communication
Building social skills and peer interactions
Teaching daily living skills like dressing, eating, and self-care routines
Reducing challenging behaviors through positive, evidence-based strategies

A typical session might include warm-up activities to build comfort and rapport, targeted skill-building exercises, positive reinforcement through praise and preferred activities, and parent coaching time so you know exactly what we're working on and why.

We track data carefully so progress is always visible — and we adjust the plan as your child grows and their needs change.

Family playing together at home with ABA therapy Hillsborough County — Learning happens where your child feels most at home.

How We Approach ABA Therapy in Hillsborough County

At Happy Luna ABA Therapy, we believe that behavior is just behavior — no moral weight, no shame. Our job is to understand what's driving a behavior and create the conditions where your child can succeed and feel good doing it.

This non-judgmental lens shapes everything we do:

We meet your child exactly where they are — not where we think they "should" be
We use your child's natural interests and motivators to make learning feel rewarding
We involve you as a partner, not just an observer — because what happens between sessions matters just as much as the sessions themselves
We celebrate every win, no matter how small, because positive emotion is what wires new skills in

As both a BCBA and a Certified Tiny Habits® Coach, I bring a unique perspective to parent coaching. I help families identify small, sustainable strategies they can use at home — anchored to routines they already have — so supporting your child's growth doesn't feel like one more thing on your to-do list.

How Families Can Support Their Child's Growth

Therapy doesn't stop when the session ends. Families play a crucial role in reinforcing skills and encouraging progress every day.

At Happy Luna ABA Therapy, we give you practical tools and strategies to support learning at home:

Understanding your child's unique needs and behaviors
Using positive reinforcement techniques effectively and consistently
Creating structured routines that promote independence
Communicating clearly and patiently — even on the hard days

Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. And we mean that — not as a platitude, but as a core principle of how lasting behavior change actually works.

Taking the Next Step with Happy Luna ABA Therapy

If you're looking for a trusted ABA therapy partner in Hillsborough County, we'd love to connect. Getting started is simple — reach out for a free consultation and we'll walk you through the process together.

Every child deserves the chance to shine. With the right support, your child can build crucial life skills and enjoy a brighter, more independent future. We're here to help make that happen — one small win at a time. 🌙

Happy Luna ABA Therapy 📞 (813) 790-5119 📧 mventi2@happylunaabatherapy.com 🌐 www.happylunaabatherapy.com

Serving families in Tampa, Lutz, Carrollwood, Land O'Lakes, Temple Terrace, and surrounding Hillsborough County communities.

Insurance accepted: Sunshine Health, Children's Medical Services (CMS), Ambetter, Florida Blue (PPO, HMO, MyBlue), Cigna through Evernorth Behavioral Health, Curative (Direct + Wrap Network)

Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. We're honored to brighten every step of the way with your family. 🌙

— Michelle Ventimiglia, M.S., BCBA | Happy Luna ABA Therapy & Venti Habits

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