Adrienne has been working in the field of disability services for over 10 years and has graduated from the Developmental Service Worker program at Algonquin College. She has volunteer experience at a friendship group for adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Since then, she has supported individuals in community, educational and residential settings. Adrienne is fluent in English, French and American Sign Language.

“I like that ACT offers a variety of therapies and interventions. The diverse educational background enriches the environment for the staff and children.”

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

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

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

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Allison is a bilingual Occupational Therapist Assistant working in the Entry to School program at ACT’s Pembroke location. She holds an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma from Algonquin College and is certified in DIR/Floortime. Allison looks forward to furthering her knowledge by completing more courses and training in the field of autism.

“Knowing we are having a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of the children and caregivers is a very fulfilling feeling. Being part of the BOG team and witnessing the growth we are seeing in the children as a multidisciplinary team.”

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

Italy

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?

Taco’s

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Alyssa has experience working in school, home, community and clinic settings with children of all ages and abilities to foster meaningful engagement in activities. Much of her experience has been centered on supporting children with ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders in the development of self and sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills, social engagement and independence with self-care tasks via a naturalistic, play-based approach. She has assisted in the creation and implementation of a program to support children with ASD in their transition to preschool and has led social, self-regulation and health and fitness groups (including dance) for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, she is expanding her competencies in youth mental health.

Alyssa holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health with a Minor in Psychology from Carleton University. Alyssa is also an avid dancer and enthusiast of all things outdoors!

“I enjoy ACT’s strength-based and family-centered approach to care, plentiful opportunities for professional development and support, and am happy to be a part of a team of inter-professionals that strives to collaborate to optimize outcomes for clients and their families.”

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

Italy – mountains, beaches, and amazing food

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

Pasta – hands down!

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Night-owl

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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. 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

This post is also available in: French

Amanda is a dedicated and experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about nurturing young minds and helping children grow in safe, supportive environments. With a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, her expertise ensures a strong foundation for early development.

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Ana has been practicing in the field of Behavior Analysis since 2016, beginning her career as an Instructor Therapist in Dubai. She received her Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst in 2019, following the completion of a BCBA Verified Course Sequence at the Florida Institute of Technology. Ana holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon, which she completed in 2015.

Specializing in Verbal Behavior and early intervention, Ana has experience working with children and youth with ASD in both clinical and school settings. She has collaborated with schools in the development of IEPs and has facilitated the integration of children with ASD into classroom settings.

Ana is passionate about training parents, caregivers, and therapists to implement personalized treatment programs that adhere to evidence-based practices. Her multilingual fluency in English, French, Arabic and Romanian enhances her ability to serve a diverse client base and her cross-cultural communication skills allow her to provide effective and empathetic therapeutic outcomes.

“ACT is renowned for its multi-disciplinary approach and for fostering a positive work culture, making it exciting to be a part of this exceptional team.”

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

Japan

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

Ezo flying squirrel

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

Thai

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Arianna is a Social Service Worker graduate from Algonquin College, with three years of experience working with children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old with diverse backgrounds in both one-on-one and group settings. She’s passionate about helping children meet their full potential at their own pace, and growing with the children. She is a firm believer that we learn as much from the children, as they do from us.

“I love dancing with or without music, acting silly and reading! I am very excited to meet everyone and make memories to hold onto!”

This post is also available in: French

Arianne holds a Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa.

Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, Arianne worked in an educational centre where she discovered her passion for helping children reach their full potential in their everyday activities. Arianne has also many years of experience providing respite to families with children on the autism spectrum.

Arianne has a collaborative, client-centered approach and offers services in French and English.

What’s your favourite hobby?

Playing sports, especially hockey

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

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

Greece

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Ashley holds an Honours Bachelor with Distinctions in Linguistics with a Minor in American Sign Language and Psychology from Carleton University. She also holds a Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate from St. Lawrence College and has completed PECS Level 1 Training.

Ashley completed a 14-week placement in the Western Quebec School Board working with children with diverse needs (e.g., high-tech communication boards (Proloquo2Go), DLD, autism, apraxia, Noonan Syndrome and others). In this placement, Ashley independently ran sessions, chose session activities, and created therapy materials and lesson plans.

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween

This post is also available in: French

Berdhie is an Intake Clerk at ACT. Berdhie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting and a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She is currently working towards a Master of Counselling Psychology. Berdhie is fluent in English, French and Haitian Creole.

Berdhie has worked in the medical field for many years. Previously, she worked as a medical assistant, ward clerk and receptionist. She has experience in taking vital signs, performing EKG and various clinical tests such as urinalysis, school and work physicals and strep and influenza tests. She also has customer service experience in technical support. Berdhie enjoys being with kids as they bring so much joy with their uniqueness. She also works with kids of all ages through different volunteering programs.

“I chose to work at ACT Learning Centre due to the attractive work environment. Their mission and the services they provide have an amazing impact on a community that needs an incredible amount of support. The opportunity to be a part of serving the community and the kids in need was a driving force in my decision.”

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

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

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Haitian meal called Fritay (fried plantains, pikliz, fried goat/chicken/fish)

This post is also available in: French

Breanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trent University. After graduation, she began working as an Instructor Therapist in Barrie, ON. She then made the move to Ottawa and joined ACT Learning Centre as a Supervised Instructor Therapist.

“I have always loved working with & learning about children. When moving to Ottawa, I researched many different clinics & found that my work ethics, professional growth opportunities and all of my wants and needs were all found and aligned with ACT Learning Centre.”

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

Banff, or anywhere with a gorgeous hiking trail/view!

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

Sushi or Pasta

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween!

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

Caitlin has been a Registered Early Childhood Educator for nearly two decades. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology as well as a graduate certificate in Autism and Behaviour Sciences. Throughout her career, Caitlin has experience working in daycare centres and schools.

“I have a passion for working with young children. I have worked in full-day kindergarten for 10 years. Working in the Entry To School program allows me to help support these children where they are in their development and help prepare them for their upcoming school transition.”

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

Chocolate

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Caitlin is a registered Occupational Therapist with the province of Ontario. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McGill University in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in 2011.  Caitlin has spent the majority of her clinical career working with the pediatric population, in the school, community and clinic settings. She has provided consultation and direct therapy to address a wide range of physical, cognitive and sensory-based issues.

Caitlin has extensive experience in assessment and intervention with children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and developmental delays. Caitlin has completed the Professionals Certificate in the DIR/Floortime  Model and the advanced workshop for the Early Start Denver Model.  She has specialized training in feeding therapy, sensory processing and play based therapy.

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Callista holds a Bachelor of Science Honours with a Major in Psychology, a Minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health and a Concentration in Developmental Psychology. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Callista is an experienced behavioural therapist who has been working with neurodivergent children for several years, specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has applied evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques in both clinical and educational settings, including her work at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in the Urgent Response Services (URS) program. In addition to her clinical experience, she has supported neurodivergent students in the school system, developing individualized plans and fostering skill development in communication, social interaction and daily living. Her collaborative and compassionate approach promotes cohesive care and empowers children to achieve meaningful, long-term growth and success.

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Charlotte holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Understanding Autism and has 10 years of experience working in early learning environments. Charlotte speaks both English and French and is passionate about music!

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?

Otter

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

Breakfast

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Christine comes to ACT with 15 years of experience in ABA, beginning as an instructor therapist and progressing to senior therapist. Christine also has over 5 years of experience as an administrative manager, specializing in Human Resources.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Design from The Ontario College of Art & Design a Graduate Certificate in Behaviour Science from Humber College and is currently enrolled in the Human Resources Management Certificate program at Algonquin College with the aim of achieving the Certified Human Resources Professional designation.

Christine is into bonfires, strength training and British Shorthair cats!

I’m excited to join the multi-disciplinary team at ACT! Problem-solving and collaborating with diverse teams are areas where I excel. I’m committed to supporting others in this field to ensure that children and families receive the best therapy possible. A positive work environment is important to me, and I value a company that emphasizes ongoing learning and provides opportunities for growth.

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Thanksgiving – I love the fall

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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

This post is also available in: French

Corrie holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College and speaks both English and French. She has been working in childcare for the past 10 years, primarily with children between the ages of three and five. For the past few years, Corrie gained experience working with children on the spectrum and developmental delays. In her spare time, you can find Corrie with her four kids, dogs or reading!

“I choose to work at ACT Learning Centre because I have a love for child development and wanted to choose somewhere where they do meaningful work.”

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

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

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

This post is also available in: French

Cindy is a Speech Language Pathologist and co-founder of ACT Learning Centre and ACT’S sister company, CommuniCare Therapy. Cindy’s area of clinical focus is the provision of assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, global developmental delays. Cindy holds a post-graduate certificate in DIR/Floortime, and is the only Master Trainer for The Play Project in Canada.

Cindy is Senior Faculty for Profectum, a New Jersey-based international online learning organization that specializes in offering post-graduate training in the Developmental Individual Difference (DIR/Floortime) model for clinicians wishing to work with children, youth and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. Cindy is currently teaching in Profectum’s Training Program educating occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists, educators and physicians in the use of the DIR model in their practice settings. Cindy is a well-known public speaker who trains and educates clinicians and parents in North America and abroad.

Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Vermont. She is very active in her community and serves on a number of boards and community associations. Cindy lives in Ottawa with her husband, Don, her two children (her youngest is on the autism spectrum) and their two disobedient Bernedoodles.

What is your favourite holiday?

Christmas. I love everything about it but most of all spending time with family and friends.

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

Do dogs and horses count as exotic?

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

If I could eat one food for the rest of my life and not suffer any health related consequences it would be a really, really great burger!

This post is also available in: French

David is a Registered 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

This post is also available in: French

Deidre holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology and has previous experience working in Long-Term Care in Recreation Therapy, as well as with children implementing different recreation/behavioural programs. Deidre is also a textile artist and plays the guitar, ukulele, piano and some banjo!

I have always had a passion for working with children. ACT is an amazing company that I am so grateful to be part of. I love the feeling that I am making a difference.

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

If you could own any exotic animal, what would it be?
Possum

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

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Elena holds a Bachelor of Psychology from McGill University, as well as a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queens University. She also holds certificates in Pediatric mental health and trauma; Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Feeding and Eating, Fine Motor Development and Sensory processing. Elena has been working with children, youth and young adults in an Occupational Therapy setting since the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming an OT, Elena worked with neurodivergent individuals for approximately 10 years both in groups and in one-to-one settings. In her spare time, Elena enjoys walking her dog, gardening and playing music with her partner.

“ACT is a growing organization that is founded on a genuine caring about the well-being of the families they serve. There is lots of room to grow as a professional within the ACT community and I feel valued as an employee and team member at ACT Learning Centre.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos… there are so many different things to do with tacos

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas! I love how cozy it is

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?
Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Emilie holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She has supervisory experience working with preschool-aged children and speaks both English and French.

“I work at ACT because I love the supportive team environment and professional development opportunities.”

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

If you could own any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Lion cub

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

This post is also available in: French

Emily is a Registered 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

This post is also available in: French

Emily holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Trent University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children through summer camps, nannying and volunteer work and has volunteered with an adapted hockey team (Capital City Condors) for over 13 years. In her spare time, Emily loves to travel, she has been to over 20 countries!

ACT Learning Centre aligns with my values as someone who works with children. ACT’s approach avoids a ‘one-size-fits-all’ methodology, instead offering client-centered interventions to ensure the best possible care. Even in my short time here, I have already seen the tremendous benefits of the Entry to School program, which effectively prepares children for a successful transition to the school environment.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 
Croatia or Greece!

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Emily holds a Developmental Services Worker Diploma and has extensive experience in the autism sector. She has previous experience as an educational assistant and an instructor therapist and has provided respite care to families with children who have complex medical needs. Emily has also previously taught cooking programs for Autism Ontario.

Emily has completed the ECE Child Developmental Course, Crisis Prevention Intervention and ASL Level 1.

“I work at ACT because I wanted to work at a multidisciplinary centre that offers and supports children’s early learning and childhood development. Having an opportunity to explore the world of education again in a new setting that offers a holistic approach to working with autistic children.”

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Emma graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Psychology and Linguistics and went on to receive a Master of Educational Psychology. She also holds diplomas in both Early Childhood Education and Applied Behaviour Analysis from Algonquin College.

Emma has extensive experience working with children with special needs, including coordinating life skills programming, social activities and respite workers. She also grew up with siblings on the autism spectrum. In her spare time, you can find Emma drawing and painting.

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Emma holds an Honours Bachelor of Public Relations from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Diploma of Public Relations from Algonquin College. Emma specializes in social media, media relations and communications writing. Her goal is to create frequent and transparent communication between ACT and the families that use our services.

“I am very proud to be a part of the ACT team. Every day I have the pleasure of watching the therapy team go above and beyond for each child and family.”

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

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

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

This post is also available in: French

Eva is a Classroom Facilitator in ACT’s Entry to School program.

Eva is currently a full-time student Majoring in Childhood and Youth Studies with a minor in Disability Studies and has experience working in an ECE Learning Class and as an aftercare counsellor.

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?
Deli Sandwich

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween

This post is also available in: French

Gabrielle has experience in developing and implementing plans to facilitate advancements in skills for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as individually assisting university-aged students with a variety of disabilities in the completion of labs and classes. She has also worked with populations who acquired brain injuries, in forensic psychiatry and outpatient rehabilitation. Gabrielle joined the ACT team in order to work with the pediatric population, which has always been her goal.

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Major: Human Kinetics, a Master of Science in Human Health Nutritional Sciences + Neuroscience Minor and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy + Indigenous Focus Minor.

“I am excited to work at ACT Learning Centre because I see it as a wonderful opportunity for a new graduate who wants to work with children and learn and grow in her role. I benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of the other interdisciplinary team members and am encouraged and supported in pursuit of continuing education. I believe ACT Learning Centre offers the perfect foundation for my career goals and will allow me to make a positive and meaningful impact in my community.”

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?
Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Geneviève holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with a concentration in Psychology from Carleton University and speaks both English and French. In 2008, while living in Calgary, AB, Geneviève began working with at-risk teenagers in group homes and residential treatment programs. After returning to Ottawa in 2010, she worked with children on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities in a group home setting. She then gained experience supervising family visits at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa and provided case management on the children’s team at Service Coordination Support (SCS).

In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, attending CrossFit classes, catching up with friends and spending quality time with her husband, son and their incredibly cuddly Lab mix, Lexie!

I’ve always had a deep passion for working with children and families. When my son was diagnosed with autism and I discovered the PLAY Project, I knew I had found my calling. My professional background, combined with my personal experience, gives me a unique perspective and a strong drive to support families to the best of my ability. I love ACT Learning Centre’s multidisciplinary approach and the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals to provide exceptional support for families.

This post is also available in: French