About G.I.F.T.
Growing Individually For Tomorrow
Comprehensive ABA Therapy
Our Mission
Founded on empathy, advocacy, and a personal mission to fill a critical gap in services, G.I.F.T. Comprehensive ABA Therapy is dedicated to helping young children with developmental and behavioral needs reach their full potential.
We believe intensive early childhood intervention, delivered through specialized, compassionate, and coordinated care, can create a strong foundation for lifelong growth and development. Our vision is to bring together a team of experts in one centralized location, making it easier for families to access the treatment, education, and support their children need.
By working collaboratively with parents and caregivers, we aim to provide comprehensive care that supports the whole child, empowers families, and helps children build the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in their communities.

Our Story
G.I.F.T. Comprehensive ABA Therapy was founded with a mission to help close the gaps families often face when seeking high-quality developmental and behavioral care for their children.
We believe early intervention can have a profound impact on a child’s development and future. That’s why G.I.F.T. is focused on providing compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy in a supportive environment where children can build meaningful skills, gain independence, and reach their full potential.
Our clinical approach is supported by consultation with Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism, whose evidence-based treatment model has been developed through more than 25 years of experience serving children with autism and developmental needs. This relationship provides G.I.F.T. with a strong clinical foundation as we bring high-quality early intervention services to families throughout the Tampa Bay community.
But our vision extends beyond ABA therapy.
We are working toward a comprehensive model of care that brings developmental, behavioral, educational, and therapeutic services together in one centralized location. As G.I.F.T. grows, our goal is to expand access to complementary services and programs while collaborating closely with families, healthcare providers, schools, and community partners.
At the heart of G.I.F.T. is a simple belief: families shouldn’t have to navigate their child’s developmental journey alone. We want to make high-quality care more accessible, coordinated, and family-centered—empowering children of all abilities and their families to grow, learn, and thrive.
We proudly operate under the guidance of the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism- a globally recognized leader in autism care

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism
As national leaders since 1998, we are continually involved in research to identify causes and advance treatments for autism spectrum disorders
Our Leadership

Alex Smith
Founder & CEO
As a former professional football player and longtime youth sports leader, I’ve dedicated much of my life to helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and strong character. After a decade-long NFL playing career and several years working in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office, I transitioned my focus toward entrepreneurship, community impact, and youth development.
Today, I operate youth sports programs through Under the Lights Flag Football, where thousands of families across the Tampa Bay area have participated in programs designed to teach teamwork, accountability, and leadership.
As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve also experienced firsthand the challenges families can face while navigating developmental services and support systems. That experience deepened my commitment to creating resources that help children and their families thrive.
Through G.I.F.T. Comprehensive ABA Therapy, and with guidance from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism, I aim to provide a supportive, family-centered environment where children can build foundational skills, social confidence, and greater independence with the support of experienced clinicians and behavioral professionals.
My mission is simple: to create a place where children are supported, families feel understood, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Dr. Brittany Zern, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Medical Director
Dr. Brittany Zern is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), as well as the owner of Zern Behavioral Health. She brings extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of developmental and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents.
Dr. Zern earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and her Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from Nova Southeastern University. Her clinical expertise includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Learning Disorders.
Partners & Supporters



