Care That Meets Each Child Where They Are
Empowered Journeys ABA is a BCBA-owned practice offering individualized, family-centered applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for children and adolescents ages 2–17.
Every plan starts with an individualized assessment and caregiver partnership. Treatment goals may address communication, daily living, social and play skills, safety, flexibility, and greater independence.
Serving families in Ocala and select communities throughout Marion County.
Vanessa Fernandez, MA, BCBA
Founder & Clinical Director
Vanessa holds an AA in Business Administration, a BA in Psychology, and an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Vanessa spent six years working directly with children and families as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) before advancing to become a BCaBA and, ultimately, a BCBA. Her experience across direct-care and clinical roles gives her a firsthand understanding of the treatment process—from implementing individualized programs and recognizing day-to-day progress to guiding clinical decisions and partnering with caregivers.
Those experiences inspired Vanessa to create Empowered Journeys ABA and build the kind of practice she values as a clinician: attentive to each child’s progress, responsive to caregiver concerns, and grounded in responsible clinical decision-making.
Our Philosophy
Effective ABA begins with understanding the whole child—their strengths, needs, preferences, routines, and environment. We use behavioral principles and caregiver input to develop practical supports that are relevant to daily life.
Individualized Care
Goals and strategies are individualized to each child’s strengths, needs, and family priorities, then adjusted as progress is evaluated.
Family Partnership
Caregivers are essential members of the team. We listen, collaborate, and share practical strategies that can be used across everyday routines.
Practical Skills for Daily Life
We prioritize skills that support communication, independence, safety, social interaction, flexibility, and participation across familiar settings.
Data-Guided Care
Ongoing observation, data collection, and caregiver feedback help the clinical team evaluate progress and adjust treatment.
BCBA-Led Clinical Care
Each child’s care is developed and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst through assessment, treatment planning, ongoing supervision, data review, and caregiver collaboration.
- Individualized assessment and treatment planning
- Ongoing clinical oversight and progress review
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Considering ABA services for your child? We would be glad to learn about your family, answer your questions, and explain what to expect next.