OUR TEAM
The team at ACT Learning Centre is comprised of dedicated therapists with unique backgrounds and specialties.
Leadership
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Cynthia (Cindy) Harrison
Chief Executive Officer
Cindy is CEO and co-founder of ACT Learning Centre and ACT’s sister company, CommuniCare Therapy. 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 also holds a post-graduate certificate in DIR/Floortime and is a Master Trainer for The Play Project.
Directors
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Caitlin Lacelle, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Director of Occupational Therapy and Entry to School
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…
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Kristy Hunt, M.A., R.B.A. (Ont.)
Director of ABA and Mental Health
Kristy is a Registered 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…
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Rebecca Nishimura, MSc(A), SLP Reg CASLPO
Director of Speech-Language Pathology and the PLAY Project
Rebecca Nishimura is the director of Speech-Language Pathology and the PLAY Project. She is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the province of Ontario.
All Staff
Geneviève Toner
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.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Costa Rica
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?
Pasta
This post is also available in: French
Geneviève Toner
PLAY Consultant
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...
Grace-Emmanuelle Akatchi
Grace- Emmanuelle holds a Bachelor of Health Science with a minor in Psychology. She is fluent in both English and French.
Grace- Emmanuelle has experience tutoring French to elementary and high school students, has over 3 years of experience as a camp counsellor and has worked as a teacher’s assistant at both an elementary school and a daycare.
I chose to work at ACT Learning Centre because I’m passionate about working with kids and mental health. The welcoming staff and supportive managers help me grow as a behavioral therapist, and they’re always available to assist with questions. It’s a wonderful environment to work in.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Greece
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life it would be chicken alfredo pasta
What’s your favourite holiday?
My favourite holiday is of course Christmas
This post is also available in: French
Grace-Emmanuelle Akatchi
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Grace- Emmanuelle holds a Bachelor of Health Science with a minor in Psychology. She is fluent in both English and French. Grace- Emmanuelle has experience...
This post is also available in: French