No Waitlist - Now Accepting New Families in Nevada and Colorado.

Because everyone needs a Best Bud

Therapy that happens where life happens

Home-based ABA therapy in Lakewood gives families a practical way to access autism services without adding more travel to the day. At Best Buds ABA, we provide in-home ABA therapy in Lakewood that helps children build communication, daily living, behavior, and social skills in the environment where those skills are used most.

Our Lakewood ABA therapy services support progress in routines, emotional regulation, independence, and real-life learning at home and in the community. We work with families across Lakewood, including Belmar, Green Mountain, and nearby neighborhoods.

We know the first step is the hardest. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll take care of everything. You’re about to experience what it’s like to have a Best Bud in your corner.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Why Families in Lakewood Choose
Home-Based ABA

No Traffic, No Stress

Skip the extra driving with home-based ABA therapy in Lakewood.

Built Around Your Schedule

Flexible in-home ABA sessions fit your child’s routine and your family’s schedule.

Real-Life Learning

Skills are taught where your child uses them most: at home.

Community-Focused Care

Personalized autism therapy in Lakewood designed for local families.

Comfortable Environment

Familiar surroundings can help your child stay calm and engaged.

No Clinics or Waiting Rooms

Just one-on-one ABA therapy at home.

At Best Buds ABA, We Build Everyday Skills for Lakewood Families

Every family’s routine is different, and in a city like Lakewood, flexibility matters. Our home-based ABA therapy in Lakewood focuses on practical skills that help make daily life easier and build confidence over time.

Communication & Self-Expression

Helping your child express needs, wants, and feelings more clearly.

Daily Routines Made Easier

Support with meals, dressing, toileting, and transitions.

Emotional Regulation & Flexibility

Teaching strategies to manage big feelings and handle change.

Growing Independence

Building confidence and everyday life skills at home and in the community.

Everyday Sensory Tips From your Best Buds Lakewood

Choose Quieter Windows

Slower times at parks or libraries can make outings more manageable.

Keep Outings Predictable

A simple plan can reduce anxiety before community activities.

Create a Home Reset Space

A calm space at home can help your child settle after stimulation.

Start Small

Short outings often work better than long, unpredictable ones.

Use Everyday Routines as Practice

Neighborhood stops and errands can support communication and flexibility.

Sensory Support for Lakewood Families

Lakewood blends neighborhoods, trails, parks, and community resources, which can be a great fit for many families. At the same time, new environments and active schedules can still create sensory challenges. At Best Buds ABA, we help children build strategies they can use at home and throughout Lakewood, because everyone deserves a Best Bud in their corner. The city highlights parks, open space, trails, and adaptive recreation opportunities, while Jefferson County Public Library provides local family resources.

Easy, Sensory - Friendly Fun Around Lakewood

Quiet Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Bear Creek Lake Park

A favorite local outdoor area with room for movement and breaks.

Lakewood trails and open space

Helpful for lower-pressure outdoor time at your own pace.

Lakewood Library

A dependable indoor option for reading, children’s activities, and calmer outings.

Lakewood therapeutic recreation programs

Structured recreation options can be helpful for many families.

Park and nature programs

A good way to practice routines in a more structured outdoor setting.

Sensory-friendly movie screenings

A more comfortable movie option with adjusted sound and lighting.

Real Questions.
Real Answers.
From Your Best Bud

What does ABA therapy look like in Lakewood?
ABA therapy in Lakewood is personalized to your child’s needs and typically takes place in your home. Sessions focus on building communication, social, and daily living skills through structured play and positive reinforcement in a familiar setting.
Yes, most insurance plans in Lakewood cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. Coverage varies, but our team will verify your benefits and guide you through the process so everything feels clear and manageable.
Getting started is simple. Reach out to our team, and we’ll walk you through insurance verification, intake, and scheduling your child’s initial assessment making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The number of hours depends on your child’s individual needs and goals. Some children benefit from a few hours each week, while others may need more comprehensive support. We create a personalized plan based on a detailed assessment.
Yes, we collaborate with schools in the Lakewood area when appropriate to support consistency across environments and help your child succeed both at home and in school.
Start times can vary depending on insurance approval and scheduling, but we aim to begin services as quickly as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way.
ABA therapy is highly effective for many children with autism, but every child is unique. We take the time to understand your child’s needs and ensure our approach is the right fit for your family.
Simply contact us to begin. We’ll guide you through insurance, assessments, and next steps bringing personalized, in-home ABA therapy to your family with care that feels supportive from day one.

Looking for Home-Based ABA Therapy in Lakewood, Colorado

We’d love to be your best bud!

Melissa Zuniga M.S. BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Melissa Zuniga is a bilingual Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Nevada and Utah with experience in both education and behavioral health since 2006. Over the years, she had the opportunity to work in many different roles including direct therapist, teacher, RBT, behavior consultant, and BCBA, which has helped her develop a well-rounded and compassionate approach when supporting children and families. Melissa’s specialty is in early childhood intervention, with a focus on building communication, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills through individualized and developmentally appropriate support.

She is passionate about helping clients build communication, independence, emotional regulation, social, and daily living skills across home, school, clinic, and community settings.
Melissa especially values working closely with families and creating individualized, culturally responsive care that feels supportive, practical, and meaningful for each child’s unique needs.

Patrick Gray, MA, CAS, BCBA

Clinical Director

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in clinical applied behavior analysis for over eight years. He completed his Masters and Certificate of Advanced Study in school psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, practicing for two years before getting his BCBA credential in 2017 through the University of Colorado at Denver. Patrick has worked with children with disabilities since 2011, and has specialized in social skills training, school-based collaboration, and serving individuals impacted by severe behavior. He is particularly proud of his membership in COABA and his work in the Public Policy Committee, specifically the Medical Necessity in Schools Action Committee. Outside of work, you can find him attending concerts, doing laps in a pool, or reading.

Candice Ashley "Candi" Delto-Alambatin M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Candi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, where she gained experience supporting young women impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Candi initially entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while pursuing a different career path. However, through her work with children and families, she discovered a strong passion for creating meaningful, lasting change through behavioral support. This led her to further her education and earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Since 2017, Candi has worked with individuals ages 2 through 21 with autism and related developmental needs, including ADHD, ODD, OCD, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Epilepsy, and other behavioral and developmental differences in Nevada. She has provided services across telehealth (in Colorado and Maryland), home, clinic, school, and community-based settings, allowing her to support families in a wide range of environments. Candi is passionate about helping individuals develop functional, meaningful skills that increase independence and improve quality of life. Her clinical approach focuses on identifying the underlying function of behavior and implementing individualized, data-driven interventions designed to support long-term success.

She is known for balancing empathy with structure, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective. Candi prioritizes collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to promote consistency across environments and meaningful progress over time. She is deeply committed to parent training and caregiver support, equipping families with practical strategies they can confidently implement in their daily lives. As a BCBA, Candi integrates principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her clinical approach, supporting individuals and caregivers in building psychological flexibility, strengthening values-based decision making, and developing adaptive coping strategies. She strives to create a supportive and respectful therapeutic environment for everyone involved, including clients, families, behavior technicians, and colleagues. She approaches her work with cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the unique experiences of each individual she serves. Her goal is to provide high-quality care that leads to meaningful, sustainable outcomes for every individual and family.

Brittany Archuleta

Operations Manager

Brittany Archuleta began her journey in ABA over six years ago as an RBT, working directly with children and seeing firsthand the incredible impact individualized support can have on their lives. As she grew in her career, Brittany discovered a passion not only for helping children succeed but also for supporting the teams and systems that make that care possible. Today, in her leadership and operations role, she is dedicated to building strong, compassionate teams and creating an environment where every child and family feels supported, empowered, and celebrated. Brittany believes that meaningful connections, thoughtful guidance, and a commitment to growth are at the heart of truly transformative ABA care.

Jairin Dela Cruz, BCBA, LBA, DBH-C

Clinical Director

Jairin is a passionate advocate for individuals and families in the autism community, bringing a unique blend of medical knowledge, behavioral expertise, and cultural understanding to her work. She earned her Doctorate in Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the Philippines and later became certified by the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates in the U.S..

Her journey shifted when a family member was diagnosed with autism, inspiring her to dedicate her life to supporting individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Jairin studied ABA at the Florida Institute of Technology and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015, building a strong foundation for her evidence-based practice. For over a decade, she has helped individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges, collaborating with parents, caregivers, and behavior technicians to foster supportive environments where every individual can reach their fullest potential. She also guides a team of BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), helping them provide compassionate, high-quality care. Deeply committed to community service, Jairin volunteers at autism awareness events, family resource programs, and outreach initiatives, always approaching her work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and profound respect for the diverse families she serves.

Today, as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada and a doctoral candidate in behavioral health, Jairin focuses on delivering ABA interventions that blend her clinical expertise with ongoing research to help individuals thrive. Her mission is to provide care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and partner closely with families, and guide her team to ensure every individual receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.