Sabina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a passion for working with children and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science from the University of Guelph, with a major in Child, Youth and Families studies and a minor in Psychology. She is presently completing the placement hours needed to graduate from her master’s program in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Sabina is certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and has extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum and their families. She is skilled in facilitating play therapy using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and has supported many families thorough the PLAY Project, here at ACT. Sabina also has experience providing respite care for individuals with neurodiverse backgrounds and working in a group home with adults.

In addition to her therapy work, Sabina has also supervised visits between children and their families at a visitation center. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in a field that would allow her to support members in her community.  She firmly believes in equipping clients with the tools that they need to navigate their challenges independently.

Sabina is proficient in English, and regularly hones her writing and speaking skills in French and Polish. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks and hikes, playing with her dog, relaxing on the beach, and having game nights with some friends.

“I have always had a passion for working with children. ACT gives me the chance to make a difference in the lives of local families while giving me opportunities to grow personally and professionally.”

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Thanksgiving

This post is also available in: French

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology and has experience working with the neurodivergent individuals, through ABA and groups for teens. In addition to working at ACT, Samantha is also a photographer!

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Sarah is a bookkeeper with over 20 years of experience in admin and office management and over six years in finance coordinating.

“I love being a part of a vision-driven company that is there for children.”

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas – I love listening to Christmas carols all year long!

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

As a Registered Social Service Worker and a graduate of an Autism and Behavioural Science college program, Sarah strives to assist children in their learning path with empathy and compassion. Sarah has previously worked in a school-based setting for the past two years.

Sarah enjoys connecting with each child to best meet their needs and help to promote their strengths.

This post is also available in: French

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health and has several years of experience working with autistic youth in education and recreational settings. Her previous experience includes volunteering with Ausome Ottawa and research focusing on outcomes for autistic youth following participation in CBT-based programming. Outside of work, Sarah can be found in the gym, on her paddleboard or cozying up with a book.

“I choose to work at ACT Learning Centre because of their evidence based and multidisciplinary approach to intervention. I have the opportunity to collaborate with individuals in other fields like SLP and OT, and I really appreciate that. I also really like how supportive everyone is. They have really fostered a very healthy team environment.”

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

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

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

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has experience working with youth in residential settings who need various levels of assistance. She has also worked with individuals with developmental delays in a community setting, assisting them with their ADL’s, in their workplaces, in volunteer positions and socially, and with the senior community both in LTCs and in community drop-in centers.

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

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

What is your favourite holiday?
Halloween

This post is also available in: French

Sarah graduated from Queen’s University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. Before this, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at York University. Since graduating she has worked as an Occupational Therapist supporting a variety of client populations and has had the pleasure of supporting various early intervention programs.

“I am excited to work with the PLAY project program with ACT and support an early intervention program that’s strength’s based and family centered.”

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?

Noodles!

What’s your favourite holiday?

The Lunar New Year

This post is also available in: French

Shaylyn is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the province of Ontario. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psycholinguistics, specializing in Communication Disorders, with a minor in American Sign Language from Carleton University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Clinical Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western University. Throughout her education, Shaylyn gained valuable experience working with diverse populations, including both children and adults, addressing issues such as voice disorders, aphasia, swallowing, fluency, literacy, articulation and language acquisition. Before obtaining her Speech-Language Pathologist license, Shaylyn served as a Red Cross swimming instructor and worked as a respite worker.

Shaylyn enjoys outdoor activities with her family and friends; however, she equally appreciates quiet nights in with her dogs and a good book. She is also passionate about giving back to her rural community through organizing community events. She describes herself as both compassionate and creative.

“I chose to work at ACT Learning Centre because their values align with my own. I believe that individualized therapy is immensely beneficial to clients and their families because we all have diverse learning styles and unique interests! I also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with different professions, allowing for the highest quality of care for our clients.”

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?

Surf and turf

What’s your favourite holiday?

Thanksgiving

This post is also available in: French

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts – Joint Honours in Psychology and Linguistics as well as a Master of Health Sciences – Speech-Language Pathology. She speaks both English and French and has experience working with children and youth of various populations (autism, Down Syndrome, hearing impairment and/or low vision, speech and language difficulties, specific language impairment, literacy difficulties, etc.). Prior to obtaining her SLP license, she worked in language stimulation at a private speech therapy clinic. Additionally, she has experience working with autistic children through a day program that offered stimulation of social and language skills.

Stephanie adores spending time with my friends, cooking and baking for her family and relaxing at home with her cat! She describes herself as very curious and enjoys reading in her spare time. She also always looks forward to social activities planned on the weekends.

“I have a particular passion for working with autistic children. In fact, it played an important role in my decision to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology. The multidisciplinary environment at ACT Learning Centre is also a plus!”

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?
Anything BBQ

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas, I have so many happy childhood memories surrounding that holiday

This post is also available in: French