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. 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.

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

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