Jaden Plowman is a Classroom Facilitator at ACT Learning Centre. With a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology, Jaden is currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences. Fluent in both English and French, Jaden brings a wealth of experience to the team, having worked in the childcare field for 10 years.

Her background includes providing inclusive recreational programming through summer camps and after-school programs, as well as offering one-on-one tutoring for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Jaden is drawn to ACT Learning Centre for its multidisciplinary team and approach, which aligns with her passion for supporting students through a comprehensive and collaborative framework.

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

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

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

This post is also available in: French

Jane is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario and a member of SAC. She has experience providing a wide variety of services to individuals across their lifespan. In her first year of practice, she provided speech, language, feeding, swallowing, social and play therapy services in English and French to individuals and their families from 1 to 100. Jane has experience with multilingual families and finding the optimal approach to treatment to meet her clients’ specific needs.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Université de Moncton and a Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Maine. She is also nearing completion of PLAY Project certification. Jane is passionate about international travel, solidarity and friendship. She has previously traveled, studied and worked abroad, and looks forward to the opportunity to do so again.

“ACT Learning Centre provides extensive opportunities for training, professional growth and diversified practice, within the realm of autism services. It is ACT’s commitment to providing quality services for its clients and diverse opportunities for its staff which make me a proud employee.”

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

Portugal and China are next on my list!

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

A fox

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

Ice cream

This post is also available in: French

Jenna is a certified PLAY Consultant and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science. Jenna has extensive experience providing assessment and intervention to autistic children, both from a behavioural and developmental lens. As the manager for PLAY Project and Entry to School, Jenna combines her clinical and administrative skills to support the team to provide the best possible services for our clients. On the weekends, you can find Jenna walking her 95lb lab mix named Goose, or playing board games with friends.

“When I was offered a job in the PLAY Project at ACT, I decided to take the leap and learn more about developmental approaches for supporting children with Autism. The team at ACT is so supportive and encouraging in every aspect and a positive work environment is so important to me. I’m glad I made the change!”

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Jennifer is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with more than 20 years of experience working with children. She is very passionate about her work with children and truly enjoys being a part of their development. Jen loves the outdoors and glamping at her trailer. You can always find her swimming or boating with family and friends.

“I love the entire program at ACT. The children, families, staff and management make it very easy to come to work every day.”

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

Hersheys Eggies

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Jessica has over three years of experience providing support to children and youth with autism and developmental disabilities. Jessica is pursuing her Master’s degree at Brock University in Applied Disability Studies with a focus in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Victoria Day because it has the best weather!

This post is also available in: French

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Studies and speaks English and French. She has previous experience as a preschool Teacher, Playroom Associate, Children’s Camp Coordinator and ABA Therapist.

I chose to work at ACT because I love knowing that my work has a meaningful impact and helps transform the lives of our clients. The supportive work environment and the incredible team make every day fulfilling. At ACT, you always feel valued and heard.

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

Turks and Caicos

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?

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This post is also available in: French

Jessica graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma of Early Childhood Education in 2017 and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator under the College of ECEs. She speaks English and French and has worked with children for over 10 years. She has been a Registered Early Childhood Educator for the past five years. Throughout her career, Jessica has provided children with a safe learning environment where they could develop their skills and learn through play.

I am passionate about learning more about early child development and different techniques and strategies that I can implement to help children progress and become successful. I am grateful to be a part of the Play Project where I can pass down my knowledge to families so that they as well can learn these techniques and strategies and be a part of their child’s learning journey.

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?

Lion

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Jocelyne is the Director of Operations at ACT Learning Centre.

Jocelyne graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2009 with an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a major in both Psychology and Criminology. Upon graduation, she immediately began her work in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Jocelyne has extensive knowledge regarding early childhood intervention and the functioning of a multi-disciplinary practice. Jocelyne has continued to further her knowledge in the field by completing a series of professional development training.

Jocelyne is fluent in both French and English. She has the expertise and knowledge to guide and mentor various teams within the organization and promptly address unforeseen situations while comprehending their potential long-term implications on the clients, team members and the organization.

“I work at ACT because I strongly believe in a holistic approach when it comes to finding a well-rounded program that will best meet the client’s needs. Collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team ensures a comprehension intervention plan for our clients.”

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

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?
Strawberries

This post is also available in: French

Jolly is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and holds a Master of Science in Child and Human Development from North India. To further hone her educational skills, Jolly pursued ABA coursework from the University of North Texas with the Department of Behaviour Analysis.

Jolly started her ABA journey 13 years ago as an Instructor Therapist in a variety of settings (clinics, private schools, daycares and in-home). Since then, she has provided Behaviour Analytic services with a multidisciplinary approach, working in collaboration with teams involving SLPs, CDAS, OTs, Social Workers and Classroom Facilitators as Lead and Senior Therapist, as well as a supervisory role of Clinical Supervisor.

Jolly is passionate about providing ABA support to families with a compassionate and trauma-informed lens. She believes in creating an inclusive learning & work culture with cultural competency and sensitivity involving diverse cultural/social aspects, values and learning needs.

Jolly completed a 10-hour workshop on Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment by Dr Gregory Hanley and is motivated to gain competency on the next levels of this assessment and treatment model.

After work, Jolly enjoys playing Pickleball and power walking. Her other passions include attending candlelight concerts, reading books and going out on brunch dates with some lovely friends.

This post is also available in: French

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

This post is also available in: French

Julie Tessier is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) with the province of Ontario. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics and completed a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She provides Occupational Therapy services in both English and French. In addition to providing assessments, interventions and consultations in private practice, Julie is also part of many projects such as a registered PLAY consultant for the Play Project, a member of the supervisory team in the Entry to School (ETS) Program and a mentor for the Secret Agent Society (SAS) research project.

Julie’s love of helping kids has led her to acquire several years of experience working alongside experienced pediatric therapists. For the past eight years, she has worked with children on the autism spectrum in different settings. She has skillfully assisted with integration in day cares, has developed and led social groups as well as summer camps, provided respite services to families. She continues to pursue her passion as an Occupational Therapist with a special focus on working with children of all ages.

Julie aspires to help children gain independence in their everyday activities as well as work in an interdisciplinary setting. Julie provides quality interventions that emphasize promoting the child’s motivation and engagement within activities of their daily life. Julie is highly motivated to grow and develop as a therapist as she and completed various trainings.

In her spare time, Julie loves to travel, spend time outdoors, participate in various sports and being surrounded with her friends and family.

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

Iceland

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

Stir fry

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

Goat

This post is also available in: French

Justin is a Supervised Instructor Therapist with extensive experience as a youth worker in high-risk setting. Prior to working with youth, Justin studied music at the University of Ottawa!

“I love ACT and what they stand for and the people that I work with.”

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

Venice

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

Wolf

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

Tacos

This post is also available in: French