Meet the Riveras

Meghan and Steve Rivera founded DESTINation Little Learners ABA Services with a clear mission: to make a lasting difference for local families navigating autism spectrum disorder.

As parents of a neurodivergent child, they experienced firsthand the power of early intervention through programs like Early Steps, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. During a routine speech therapy session, challenging behaviors began to emerge, and behavioral therapy was recommended. At the time, neither Meghan nor Steve had heard of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). What started as an extensive online search quickly became a turning point—Meghan shifted her career path from social work to the field of ABA.

Recognizing a significant gap in behavioral resources in the Destin area, Meghan pursued her master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. After graduation, she completed extensive fieldwork and earned her certification and licensure, gaining valuable experience at respected ABA centers.

Together, Meghan and Steve decided it was time to turn their passion for early intervention into action. They opened DESTINation Little Learners in Destin with a simple but powerful goal: to reduce long waitlists and deliver high-quality ABA therapy to early learners during the most critical stages of development.

DESTINation Little Learners ABA Services was founded in loving memory of Carmen Rivera.