The Koala ABA & Learning Centers History
In the dynamic realm of Autism Behavior Therapy Services and related services that support Autistic children and their families, our company and the people within it have emerged as a shining example of commitment and profound change. The history of New Way Day Services, Inc., today known as Koala ABA & Learning Centers, exceeds an impressive two-decade journey that has left an enduring mark on the Autism community.
Below is our story, a mere chronicle of successes and setbacks, that serves as a homage to the lives touched, the unwavering resilience and commitment displayed by our employees, clients, and founding members whose influence continues to shape the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Genesis of a Hero: Year, 1993
More than 23 years ago, our founding father, Jose A. Merida embarked on a path that would shape the destinies of countless families. In 1993, he earned the title of Florida Certified Behavior Analyst (FLCBA), this wasn’t just a professional achievement; it was a testament to his commitment to understanding and empowering those in need. His tenure as a lead analyst in State-run facilities laid the foundation for what was to come – a revolution in family support.
A Paradigm Shift: Year, 1999
The year 1997 marked a transformative shift as State-run facilities closed their doors, leading to the rise of small group homes. In this evolving landscape, Jose’s vision took flight. In 1999, he became the visionary founder of New Way Day Services, Inc. (NWDS), a haven for families seeking Behavior Analysis therapy through Florida’s Medicaid Waiver program. Soon after, the union of Caridad Bouza-Merida and Jose symbolized not only a marriage but also a business partnership in their shared mission-to not just be an ABA service provider; but to serve as a sanctuary of hope for families navigating the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
A Foundation of Love: Year, 2008
Jose & Cary’s love to serve those in need reverberated through the establishment of a 501c3 non-profit organization, A Better Day Therapy, Learning Center, Inc., which now stands as The Koala Foundation. Their commitment to children’s academic excellence, regardless of their challenges, laid a foundation of empowerment.
Advocacy & Justice: Year, 2009
Year, 2014-2020
- Data Innovation Trademark: Year, 2014
Working with our dedicated team, an internal data collection system based on an assessment tool was created. The endeavor showcased a data collection system whose formulas were copy written in 2018. - Medicaid Trusted Provider: Year, 2019 The agency earned recognition as a trusted Medicaid provider, a testament to their rigorous BCBA, BCaBA & RBT training and transparent billing practices.
- COVID-19: Year, 2020
The year 2020 tested the agency’s resilience, and it met it head-on. The pandemic didn’t hold back; it pushed the team to innovate. the agency’s leadership team of BCBAs established one-on-one telehealth services, ensuring uninterrupted support during the most trying times. Tragically, in the same year, the team and family of NWDS faced a profound loss as its revered founder, Jose A. Merida, passed away at the age of 53. His legacy lives on through his widow, and his protégés of BCBAs who valiantly continue to
New Beginnings: Year, 2021
Fate brought Mr. Pedro Curbelo and Caridad Bouza Merida together at a local networking event. Pedro’s dedication to his daughter’s autism journey ignited a deep-seated resolve to explore an innovative approach to Autism therapy. Years prior, he had conceptualized NeuroMod, a therapeutic model founded on ABA principles and EEG technology aimed at enhancing neuroplasticity in the brain. Cary, on the other hand, was resolute in preserving her late husband’s vision and her ABA agency’s growth, driving her to search for an entrepreneurial figure in the healthcare sector. Pedro’s expertise in enterprise risk management, and healthcare practice Cary’s unwavering commitment, and NWDS’s team proficiency in Applied Behavior Analysis, including Jose’s patented techniques were the perfect match for a partnership, propelled Mr. Pedro Curbelo to acquire the agency.
A Koala is Born: Year, 2022
In 2022, amid a transformative rebranding and restructuring, Alina Garza-Montesino joined as a partner and Chief Financial Officer, strengthening our leadership team. Today, KOALA ABA & LEARNING CENTERS proudly stands as a symbol of inclusive education, pioneering ABA techniques, and collaborative clinical excellence.
The Genesis of a Hero: Year, 1993
More than 23 years ago, our founding father, Jose A. Merida embarked on a path that would shape the destinies of countless families. In 1993, he earned the title of Florida Certified Behavior Analyst (FLCBA), this wasn’t just a professional achievement; it was a testament to his commitment to understanding and empowering those in need. His tenure as a lead analyst in State-run facilities laid the foundation for what was to come – a revolution in family support.
A Foundation of Love: Year, 2008
Jose & Cary’s love to serve those in need reverberated through the establishment of a 501c3 non-profit organization, A Better Day Therapy, Learning Center, Inc., which now stands as The Koala Foundation. Their commitment to children’s academic excellence, regardless of their challenges, laid a foundation of empowerment.
Year, 2014-2020
- Data Innovation Trademark: Year, 2014
Working with our dedicated team, an internal data collection system based on an assessment tool was created. The endeavor showcased a data collection system whose formulas were copy written in 2018. - Medicaid Trusted Provider: Year, 2019
The agency earned recognition as a trusted Medicaid provider, a testament to their rigorous BCBA, BCaBA & RBT training and transparent billing practices. - COVID-19: Year, 2020
The year 2020 tested the agency’s resilience, and it met it head-on. The pandemic didn’t hold back; it pushed the team to innovate. the agency’s leadership team of BCBAs established one-on-one telehealth services, ensuring uninterrupted support during the most trying times. Tragically, in the same year, the team and family of NWDS faced a profound loss as its revered founder, Jose A. Merida, passed away at the age of 53. His legacy lives on through his widow, and his protégés of BCBAs who valiantly continue to
A Paradigm Shift: Year, 1999
The year 1997 marked a transformative shift as State-run facilities closed their doors, leading to the rise of small group homes. In this evolving landscape, Jose’s vision took flight. In 1999, he became the visionary founder of New Way Day Services, Inc. (NWDS), a haven for families seeking Behavior Analysis therapy through Florida’s Medicaid Waiver program. Soon after, the union of Caridad Bouza-Merida and Jose symbolized not only a marriage but also a business partnership in their shared mission-to not just be an ABA service provider; but to serve as a sanctuary of hope for families navigating the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Advocacy & Justice: Year, 2009
New Beginnings: Year, 2021
Fate brought Mr. Pedro Curbelo and Caridad Bouza Merida together at a local networking event. Pedro’s dedication to his daughter’s autism journey ignited a deep-seated resolve to explore an innovative approach to Autism therapy. Years prior, he had conceptualized NeuroMod, a therapeutic model founded on ABA principles and EEG technology aimed at enhancing neuroplasticity in the brain. Cary, on the other hand, was resolute in preserving her late husband’s vision and her ABA agency’s growth, driving her to search for an entrepreneurial figure in the healthcare sector.
Pedro’s expertise in enterprise risk management, and healthcare practice Cary’s unwavering commitment, and NWDS’s team proficiency in Applied Behavior Analysis, including Jose’s patented techniques were the perfect match for a partnership, propelled Mr. Pedro Curbelo to acquire the agency.
A Koala is Born: Year, 2022
In 2022, amid a transformative rebranding and restructuring, Alina Garza-Montesino joined as a partner and Chief Financial Officer, strengthening our leadership team.
Today, KOALA ABA & LEARNING CENTERS proudly stands as a symbol of inclusive education, pioneering ABA techniques, and collaborative clinical excellence.
Koala ABA & Learning Centers -
The Gold Standard of Autism Care in Florida
At Koala ABA & Learning Centers, we proudly set the Gold Standard in Ethical ABA Therapy, where science meets compassion to create lasting change for children with autism.
For over 26 years, our Koalafied® approach has helped more than 10,000 families across Florida, delivering individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs that foster communication, independence, and social growth.
Recognized as Florida’s most trusted network of Autism Clinics, we bring together expert BCBAs, RBTs, and licensed clinicians to ensure measurable, meaningful progress — every child, every session, every time.
What Makes Koala ABA
the Gold Standard in Autism Care
Evidence-Based ABA Therapy:
Every program is rooted in research and personalized for each child’s unique needs.
Ethical & Compassionate Practice:
Our team follows the highest ethical standards in autism care.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Model:
Integrating ABA, speech, and occupational therapy to support total development.
Family-Centered Approach:
Parents and caregivers are active partners in every stage of the therapy journey.
Becoming Koalafied®. The Path to Clinical Excellence
Our clinicians and therapists are Koalafied® — trained to uphold the Gold Standard of ABA Therapy.
- RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) receive hands-on mentorship and ethical training to deliver outstanding behavioral support.
- BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) lead with clinical integrity, data-driven strategies, and compassionate care.
By becoming Koalafied RBTs and BCBAs, our professionals carry forward a shared mission: to transform the landscape of autism care through excellence, empathy, and measurable outcomes.
Florida’s Most Trusted Autism Network
With locations across Miami Lakes, Doral, Pembroke Pines, and Tampa, Koala ABA continues to expand access to quality autism services statewide. Families trust our ABA clinics for consistent results, expert guidance, and compassionate care.