OUR TEAM

Abbey is a registered Speech-language Pathologist with a wide range of professional experience in early intervention, special learning support and education. She is an outgoing, creative and adaptable clinician skilled in the development of individualized and goal-focused treatment plans.

Abbey values developing and fostering meaningful rapport with clients, families and co-workers. She enjoys working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with the client and family at the centre, to reach holistic outcomes that have a real-world impact.

Abbey loves to travel and has a sausage dog named Oni (the pepperoni).

“I have a passion and determination to help people of all ages develop, regain and refine their ability to communicate.”

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

The Philippines

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

Giraffe

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

Amanda holds a Bachelor in Cognitive Science with a Minor in Neuroscience & Mental Health from Carleton University and Diploma of Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapist Assistant from Algonquin College. She has previous experience working with children and adult on the autism spectrum in community settings. In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors with her dog!

“I’m proud to be part of providing evidence-based and individualized therapy, really focuses on enabling and supporting clients, putting their needs first.”

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

This post is also available in: French

Ambareen is a Communicative Disorders Assistant and is currently working as a classroom facilitator in ACT’s Entry to School program.

I love to bring out every individual’s strengths and assist them with all forms of communication.

This post is also available in: French

Ameera has been working in special education for nine years. She holds a Bachelor of Speech and Language Science, with a minor in Psychology, a Master of Education in Reading Education and is a Registered Behavioural Therapist. Ameera speaks both English and Spanish.

“One size does not fit all when it comes to education, it isn’t always about the graphs and grades but about the quality and change an educator and learner can achieve together. ACT Learning Centre enabled me to become a part of a team which helps clients and their individualities. The organization is constantly changing and growing, as such my knowledge of up-to-date techniques and health awareness.”

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

Hawaii / Norway

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

Sloth or a Wolf

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

Shawarma or Soup.

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

Aron holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education from la Cite and has experience working in a French daycare setting as well as a school setting. He has worked with children with autism for about 5 years and has also worked with children with a wide range of disabilities. Aron describes himself as a very enthusiastic and energetic person to be around, he loves to be silly and do science experiments with the children!

“I choose to work at ACT Learning Centre because it’s a great environment, I enjoy working with children with autism. There are a lot of different opportunities, and you can work your way up and learn a lot of new information. The staff are extremely great to work with!”

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

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

What is 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

Brigette has experience working in several programs focusing on behaviour, speech and language and hearing. She has had the opportunity to work with various populations including preschool, school-aged and adult clients. In her role at ACT, Brigette provides treatment to preschool and school-aged children in areas such as receptive language, expressive language, articulation, literacy and augmentative and alternative communication.

Brigette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate from Georgian College. She is currently enrolled at MacEwan University in the Hearing Aid Practitioner program.

In addition to working at ACT, Brigette works part-time at a hearing clinic as a CDA where she provides aural rehabilitation for adults with communication difficulties. Outside of work you can find Brigette on the water kayaking or with her dog Kallie at the dog park.

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?

Hedgehog

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

Homemade macaroni and cheese

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

Brooklyn is a bilingual Behavioural Therapist at ACT. She holds a Psychology Undergraduate Honours Degree and has devoted her career to working with children with ASD. In her free time, Brooklyn loves to skateboard!

“I enjoy working with children and watching them learn and progress, so ACT Learning Centre has been a great fit for me. The Centre has fantastic programming to ensure the children are progressing in their learning, and multidisciplinary teams of professionals to make sure the children are receiving the different supports they may require.”

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

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

Axolotl

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

Sandwiches

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.

This post is also available in: French

Cassandra is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has years of experience working in childcare and has primarily held positions working with children ranging from ages one to four. When Cassandra isn’t working, you can find her playing volleyball, field hockey or hanging out with her two cats Sevro and Nala!

“I work at ACT because the environment is welcoming and inclusive. I love the standards and practice of ACT Learning Centre and the inclusion they provide for all children.”

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

Lion!

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween!

This post is also available in: French

Chenia has been working with children with ASD in the field of behavioural therapy for over five years. Chenia holds a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Special Education from the University of British Columbia and is a Registered Behaviour Technician.

“I am particularly interested in teaching meaningful skills to children who require higher support and I feel like ACT delivers just that. They gave me the opportunity to develop my skills as a therapist. I have learned so much since I began working here, working with different children and helping them with different needs. Joining the ACT team was a great step after university.”

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

Crepes

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

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

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

Damini holds a B.Sc in Psychology from the University of Ottawa as well as a Diploma in HR Management from Algonquin College. She speaks English, French, Hindi and Punjabi. Damini also holds a black belt in karate and is trained in two different kinds of Indian classical dance!

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

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Grilled cheese Sandwich on Sourdough

What’s your favourite holiday?
Diwali

This post is also available in: French

Darlene holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Carleton University and a certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from Algonquin College. Darlene is fluent in both English and French and has experience working with children in a daycare setting.

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

If you could own any exotic animal, what would it be?
I would have a lion

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

This post is also available in: French

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

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

This post is also available in: French

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

Elizabeth is a recent graduate and has joined the ACT team as an RBT. Elizabeth is fluent in English and French and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Elizabeth loves discovering new music and has been a pianist since she was four years old.

“I chose the ACT Learning Centre because I wanted to work at a place where they do meaningful and fulfilling work.”

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

I would love to visit Korea, I am a huge Kpop fan.

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

An otter!

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

Poutine, Canada’s most iconic food

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

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

Emmanuella holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Carleton University. She is passionate about helping people, and the majority of her professional experience has been supporting and encouraging children and youth. In her free time, Emmanuella enjoys travelling and finds it influences her creativity in her work.

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

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

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rice (in all its variations)

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

Gali holds a Bachelor of Psychology and has extensive experience working with children and youth. Gali has been working in the field of ABA since 2020.

“I began working at ACT because I wanted to work in a more multidisciplinary clinic. Seemed like such a positive environment full of great staff and kiddos.”

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

Pasta

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French