David Mauricio Cubides Dominguez

Position: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

David is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst at ACT. David holds a Bachelor of Psychology, Diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées (DESS) en intervention comportementale auprès des personnes présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA), a Master in Education (Learning Design) and has completed a BCBA verified course sequence at Florida Institute of Technology. David also speaks English, French and Spanish.

David has worked with children diagnosed with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders for the past five years. He has spent most of his career working in early intervention. He has experience in assessment and intervention using the ESDM approach, and other evidence-based interventions based on naturalistic teaching strategies.

David also has experience with adolescents with severe problem behaviors, teaching functional communication training, using the Hanley approach. David has taught goals in a variety of settings such as schools (teaching IEP goals), agencies (teaching social peer groups) and home settings (teaching verbal behavior). David has also worked with non-verbal kids on how to communicate through PECS and speech generation devices.

“I work at ACT because I really enjoy the multidisciplinary approach, the team, the importance given to naturalistic teaching strategies and the growth opportunities.”

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Cheetah

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lasagna

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

David Mauricio Cubides Dominguez

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

David is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst at ACT. David holds...

Mackenzie Quain

Position: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Lead Program and Development
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Mackenzie graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2015 with a Bachelor of Psychology. She continued her educated at the University of Western and achieved a Master of Professional Education with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Mackenzie became a BCBA in 2020 and holds certifications in AIM and VB-MAPP, as well as level 4 PFB/SBT.

Mackenzie has been working with children with ASD for over 10 years. She has experience as an Instructor Therapist, Senior Therapist and Supervising Senior Therapist. In her spare time, Mackenzie runs a study prep program for individuals getting ready to write their BCBA exams. The program is called Study CABA (Study “Canadian Applied Behaviour Analysis”).

Mackenzie is extremely passionate about trauma-informed approaches to treating dangerous behaviour, developing individualized program goals, collaborating with other professionals and the training and supervision of staff.

“The multidisciplinary approach really stood out to me when I was considering employment at ACT. There are very few (if any) other providers in the Ottawa area that provide access to ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapy all under the same roof and within the same funding model. It is something that really sets ACT apart from other organizations and makes me very proud to be a part of it!”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

Greece!

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Penguin! I don’t really know why, but they have always been my favourite animal!

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anything Italian

Mackenzie Quain

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Lead Program and Development

Mackenzie graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2015 with...

Amanda Black

Position: BCaBA & ABA Manager
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Amanda graduated in 2010 with an honours degree in Behavioural Psychology. Her undergraduate research was presented at the ABAJam and ONTABA conferences in 2009 and 2010.

For over a decade, Amanda has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis with children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum in various capacities. Amanda has taught a wide variety of skills to her learners and holds a particular interest in trauma-informed care. She recently obtained her BCaBA Certification and is looking forward to broadening her scope of practice and continuing her education. Amanda has experience and training in IBI, ABA, ESDM, Practical Functional Assessment, AIM, PEAK and the Zones of Regulation.

“What drew me to ACT was working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Being able to collaborate with other clinicians and professionals in the best interests of the clients is something I truly value.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ice cream!

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

 

Amanda Black

BCaBA & ABA Manager

Amanda graduated in 2010 with an honours degree in Behavioural...

Marie Cybelle Haramahoro

Position: Lead ABA Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Marie Cybelle speaks Kirundi, English and French and has experience working with children and young adults with ASD in many different environments. Marie also holds a Diplôma en Intervention Au près des personnes ayant un handicape.

“I work at ACT because the vision and values of the company, agree with the ideal environment in which I wanted to share my experience.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fruit

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

Marie Cybelle Haramahoro

Lead ABA Therapist

Marie Cybelle speaks Kirundi, English and French and has experience...

Hala Slim

Position: Instructor Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Hala has been working as a special educator for over a decade. She has experience working with children and youth with learning, intellectual and cognitive disabilities to overcome their academic and behavioral challenges through assessments, one-to-one sessions and classroom settings. In addition to Specific Learning Disorders, Hala’s expertise covers a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, ODD and Williams syndrome.

Hala holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Disability Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Learning Disabilities and Giftedness. Hala speaks English, French and Lebanese (Arabic).

“I chose to work at ACT as I wanted to shift from the inclusive schools’ settings to a workplace dedicated only to children with special needs, as well as getting to know the field of Autism from a new and in-depth perspective.”

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Fennec fox

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lasagna

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

Hala Slim

Instructor Therapist

Hala has been working as a special educator for over...

Emily Harris

Position: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Categories: Behavioural Therapy, Entry to School

Emily is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and has been working in the field for over a decade. She holds a Master of Professional Education from Western University. Her clinical area of focus is in evidence-based early intervention for children on the autism spectrum. She also has a special interest in comprehensive ABA programming, verbal behaviour therapy and functional communication training. Emily has completed the advanced workshop for the Early Start Denver Model and has experience delivering ABA/IBI services in the home, school and in centre-based programs.

“I was one of the first employees hired at ACT and was excited to assist in opening a new clinic. I was interested in ACT’s vision of providing a variety of evidence-based therapy and working on a multi-disciplinary team.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

Emily Harris

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Emily is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and has been working...

Mikaela Graf

Position: Senior ABA Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Mikaela started in the field in 2020 and joined the ACT team in February 2021. Mikaela holds an Honours Bachelor of Child Studies and a minor in Psychology. In October 2021, she completed her Registered Behavioural Technician (RBT) certification. She offers ABA and ESDM therapy to help children and youth achieve meaningful changes in their lives. She enjoys running, teaching her dog (Loki) new tricks and planning her next trip to Disney World

“ACT gave me the opportunity to continue to work and learn alongside a multi-disciplinary team, offering novel strategies and recommendations to better the lives of the clients I care for.”

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Giraffe

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Bacon

What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas

Mikaela Graf

Senior ABA Therapist

Mikaela started in the field in 2020 and joined the...

Jordan Kelso

Position: Senior ABA Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Jordan has been working with children and youth providing ABA services across different settings such as clinical settings, homes, schools and daycares since 2018. Her experience includes running assessments to identify areas of need and implementing individualized programming to help children achieve meaningful change in their lives using evidence-based principles. Jordan graduated from Carleton University with an undergraduate degree in psychology. She is currently working towards a Master of Disability Studies specializing in ABA and hopes to become a certified BCBA in 2023. Her favourite part of the day is the smile clients put on her face and watching them grow and learn.

“I chose to work at ACT due to its interdisciplinary team and a centre that allows me to grow and develop professionally. I enjoy the collaboration between different professionals and my colleagues and the fact that ACT is always trying to expand its services and provide children and families with opportunities outside of the box.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

New Zealand

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

sloth

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

mashed potatoes

Jordan Kelso

Senior ABA Therapist

Jordan has been working with children and youth providing ABA...

Nicole Therrien, M.ADS, RBT

Position: Lead Instructor Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Nicole is a Registered Behaviour Technician with extensive experience working with children with ASD. Nicole holds an Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology from St. Lawrence College, as well as a Master of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University. Nicole enjoys crafting and currently has many works in progress including a beaded rose and a blanket of all her Guiding badges.

“I started as a placement student at ACT in the final year of my master’s degree. During this time, I received many opportunities to practice the skills that I had learned in my undergraduate and graduate studies. Right from the beginning, I was welcomed by everyone and made to feel part of the team. Whether I was shadowing behavioural therapists on the floor, learning to implement client programs with clients or working on my practicum assignments, I always felt supported and knew that there was always someone that I could turn to if I needed help.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Curried Chicken Rice Soup

What’s your favourite holiday?

It’s a tie between Halloween and Star Wars Day (I’m counting it as a holiday!).

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

Nicole Therrien, M.ADS, RBT

Lead Instructor Therapist

Nicole is a Registered Behaviour Technician with extensive experience working...

Sarah Toupin, CYW

Position: Lead Registered Behaviour Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Sarah is a Registered Behaviour Therapist who has over five years of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Carleton University and a Child and Youth Work Diploma from Algonquin College.

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Jaguar

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Grilled Cheese & Bacon

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Night-owl

Sarah Toupin, CYW

Lead Registered Behaviour Therapist

Sarah is a Registered Behaviour Therapist who has over five...

Cielo Paraggua

Position: Lead Instructor Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Cielo holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business from the University of Victoria, as well as an Associate of Arts: Psychology from Langara College. Cielo speaks three languages, English, Tagalog and Ilocano, and is First Aid Certified with CPR-C-AED.

“I like how ACT has a wide range of services. I am not only learning what I do as an Instructor Therapist, but I also get to collaborate with other professionals. Everyone is supportive of each other.”

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Parrot

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Porkchop

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Cielo Paraggua

Lead Instructor Therapist

Cielo holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a...

Melissa Hughes

Position: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Melissa began her career in the field of ABA in 2016. She holds a Master of Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and completed her certification as a BCBA upon joining the ACT team. Melissa enjoys collaborating with other professionals and using evidence-based interventions to assist young clients as they transition into the school system. When Melissa isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children and her wild Bernedoodle!

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Night-owl

Melissa Hughes

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Melissa began her career in the field of ABA in...

Nathalie Khouzam

Position: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Nathalie has been working with children with a variety of special learning needs such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia since 2016. She became a Senior Therapist in 2021 and has gained experience in parent consultation, program development and supervision, therapist training and implementing behaviour interventions. She also gained training and experience in ESDM and has a special interest in natural environment teaching. Nathalie speaks both English and Arabic. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Master of Professional Education specializing in ABA from the University of Western Ontario. Nathalie is also currently pursuing her BCBA certification. In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys painting, cooking and exploring new cities!

“I chose ACT because I’m excited to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team. I believe that being a part of a diverse team allows us to share our knowledge and expertise to provide a holistic therapy approach.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Brazil

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Monkey

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi

Nathalie Khouzam

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Nathalie has been working with children with a variety of...

Victoria Wilson

Position: Lead ABA Therapist, Registered Behaviour Technician, Placement Student Supervisor,
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Victoria has been working in the autism community for over six years. She started her career by working at autism summer camps and quickly fell in love with it. She then began studying ABA and working toward her Autism Support Worker Certification, while working as an Educational Assistant. In 2018, she began working as an Instructor Therapist and is now a Lead Therapist at ACT. She also supervises and trains placement students from different colleges across the province.

Victoria speaks English and American Sign Language. In her free time, she loves to snowboard, paddleboard and skateboard!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Anywhere in the Mediterranean.

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

Elephant

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Potatoes. Fries, chips, hash browns, sweet potatoes the possibilities are endless!

Victoria Wilson

Lead ABA Therapist, Registered Behaviour Technician, Placement Student Supervisor,

Victoria has been working in the autism community for over...

Brittany Tindall

Position: Lead ABA Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Brittany has extensive experience working in childcare and has been working with children with ASD for over 10 years. Brittany uses both ESDM and ABA techniques to help her clients reach their full potential. She is an ESDM Senior Lead Team member working under the supervision of Jocelyne Boileau, a certified ESDM Therapist.

Brittany holds a Child and Youth Worker Advanced Diploma and an Autism and Behavioural Sciences Graduate Certificate. She has also completed an ESDM introductory course and is a Registered Behavioural Therapist.

“I work at ACT because of the multidisciplinary aspect and the professionals that I work and collaborate with on a daily basis.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

Italy

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Night-owl

 

Brittany Tindall

Lead ABA Therapist

Brittany has extensive experience working in childcare and has been...

Andrew Thornburgh

Position: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Andrew has been practicing in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2013. He began as a behaviour technician, obtained his BCaBA credentials in 2015, and became a BCBA in 2017. He has been a crisis management instructor since 2016 and has taught for both the Professional Crisis Management Association and the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Andrew has worked with clients of varying backgrounds, from age two to senior adults, and across private homes, group homes, adult day training facilities, private schools, public schools (K-12) and learning centres. He has consulted with multiple school districts to develop assessment tools, staff training programs, class-wide intervention systems, and IEP processes. He has also collaborated with individual schools in developing specific IEPs to help them conform to legal and local regulatory standards for behavioural services. From Andrew’s experiences, he has developed a passion for training and coaching others through effective and ethical practices.

In addition to his professional experiences in the field of ABA, Andrew has been a licensed race car driver, a professional musician (drums, bass, and guitar), a text editor for a local publication, a freelance photographer, and an I.T. Support Specialist.

“I recently moved to Canada, and ACT Learning Centre quickly stood out from other providers. Their reputation for providing effective services and taking care of their staff set them apart from their competition. ACT is also one of the few centres that incorporate ABA, Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy under the same roof, which helps support the whole learner through a multidisciplinary approach.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

I’d return to Oslo, Norway any day; but I’d also love a chance to visit New Zealand

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

I have wanted a pet wallaby for as long as I can remember

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi

Andrew Thornburgh

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Andrew has been practicing in the field of Applied Behavior...

Robyn Chaput

Position: Instructor Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy, Entry to School

Robyn is an Instructor Therapist with over four years of experience working with children with disabilities and 16 years of experience working with adults with a variety of disabilities. Robyn holds a Diploma of Recreation and Leisure as well as a Registered Behaviour Therapy certificate.

In her spare time, Robyn enjoys spending time with her children, walking her dogs and playing soccer.

“ACT Learning Centre is an inspirational company that is doing amazing things for children on the spectrum, and I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring team.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Fiji

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Monkey

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

Robyn Chaput

Instructor Therapist

Robyn is an Instructor Therapist with over four years of...

Taylor Orchard

Position: Entry to School Site Manager
Categories: Behavioural Therapy, Entry to School

Taylor holds a diploma in Autism and Behavioural Sciences and is a Registered Behaviour Technician. Taylor is also currently working towards a Bachelor of Psychology.

Taylor has been in the field of ABA for six years. Throughout his experience, he has worked with a variety of different aged clients, implementing programs from ABLLS-R, AFLLS and ESDM curriculums.

“I work at ACT because there are great therapists to work alongside, and opportunities to develop and further my skills as a therapist.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Iceland

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Capuchin Monkey or Penguin

What’s your favourite holiday?
Summer Solstice

Taylor Orchard

Entry to School Site Manager

Taylor holds a diploma in Autism and Behavioural Sciences and...

Chelsey Son, CYW

Position: Instructor Therapist
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Chelsey is a Child and Youth Practitioner, a graduate of the Algonquin College Program. Chelsey has close to ten years experience working with children and youth with complex or dual diagnoses, with a focus on Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. She strives to develop and maintain relational practices, while working within a client’s life space. Chelsey believes that every client has strengths, and works to use those strengths to their advantage, using holistic planning to reduce barriers. Chelsey’s educational background has been focused on Learning Disabilities, Mental health and Therapeutic practices and program development. When Chelsey isn’t working, she can be found reading by the water with her two Labradors or traveling.

Chelsey Son, CYW

Instructor Therapist

Chelsey is a Child and Youth Practitioner, a graduate of...

Kristy Hunt

Position: Director of ABA
Categories: Behavioural Therapy

Kristy is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Arizona. Kristy began working in the field of ABA 20 years ago as an Instructor Therapist in a variety of settings (clinic, school and home-based programming, both direct 1:1 and group settings). Since that time, she practiced most roles offered within an ABA clinical setting, from Lead and Senior Therapist positions to management, training and clinical supervision.

EIBI (Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention) assessment and intervention is her strength and scope of practice, however, since her early days in ABA, she has progressed into more academic, executive functioning, adaptive and friendship development areas of practice. In more recent years, she has had the opportunity to support and collaborate worldwide with clinics and behaviour analysts in program development, data collection and measurement. When not fully immersed in the world of ABA, Kristy is enjoying downtime with her three children, family and friends, downhill skiing, paddle boarding or running to a yoga class.

“I work at ACT because of their dedication to a multi-disciplinary approach and positive work culture! I am delighted to be part of such an incredible team.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Maldives

If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Monkey

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta

Kristy Hunt

Director of ABA

Kristy is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and holds a Master...