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

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

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

Breanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trent University. After graduation, she began working as an Instructor Therapist in Barrie, ON. She then made the move to Ottawa and joined ACT Learning Centre as a Supervised Instructor Therapist.

“I have always loved working with & learning about children. When moving to Ottawa, I researched many different clinics & found that my work ethics, professional growth opportunities and all of my wants and needs were all found and aligned with ACT Learning Centre.”

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

Banff, or anywhere with a gorgeous hiking trail/view!

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

Sushi or Pasta

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween!

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

Callista holds a Bachelor of Science Honours with a Major in Psychology, a Minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health and a Concentration in Developmental Psychology. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Callista is an experienced behavioural therapist who has been working with neurodivergent children for several years, specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has applied evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques in both clinical and educational settings, including her work at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in the Urgent Response Services (URS) program. In addition to her clinical experience, she has supported neurodivergent students in the school system, developing individualized plans and fostering skill development in communication, social interaction and daily living. Her collaborative and compassionate approach promotes cohesive care and empowers children to achieve meaningful, long-term growth and success.

This post is also available in: French

Christine comes to ACT with 15 years of experience in ABA, beginning as an instructor therapist and progressing to senior therapist. Christine also has over 5 years of experience as an administrative manager, specializing in Human Resources.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Design from The Ontario College of Art & Design a Graduate Certificate in Behaviour Science from Humber College and is currently enrolled in the Human Resources Management Certificate program at Algonquin College with the aim of achieving the Certified Human Resources Professional designation.

Christine is into bonfires, strength training and British Shorthair cats!

I’m excited to join the multi-disciplinary team at ACT! Problem-solving and collaborating with diverse teams are areas where I excel. I’m committed to supporting others in this field to ensure that children and families receive the best therapy possible. A positive work environment is important to me, and I value a company that emphasizes ongoing learning and provides opportunities for growth.

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Thanksgiving – I love the fall

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

David is a Registered 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

Emily is a Registered 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

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

Isabelle is a bilingual Supervised Behavioural Clinician and Entry to School Supervisor.

In her years working in the field, Isabelle has developed a passion for working on life skills with her clients and supporting their caregivers through parent coaching. Isabelle also enjoys providing training and supervision to further the careers of her colleagues in the field of ABA.

Isabelle is a certified trampoline, gymnastics and freestyle ski instructor. Isabelle coached competitive and recreational trampoline for 13 years.

The multidisciplinary team and variety of services offered through ACT attracted my attention. I think it’s so valuable to have professionals experienced in different areas coming together to support the needs of their clients. I was also pleased to discover that ACT offers French services as this is quite limited in the community and adds an extra barrier for caregivers when seeking out services.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 
Texas, I grew up there and would take any opportunity to go back!

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

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Brisket, I’ll always be a bbq girl at heart.

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

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

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

Kate is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and has been working with children with autism and additional learning needs since 2015. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics from St. Francis Xavier University in 2019, and a earned a Master of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Brock University, in 2021.

Kate has a passion for supporting learners in the development of life-long skills that are meaningful to them and their families. Kate has worked in diverse settings including schools, daycares, camps, interdisciplinary centres and in the community. She has experience as an instructor therapist, lead instructor therapist, and senior therapist.

Kate’s interest in the field of ABA began in high school where she worked at ABA summer camps and learned the significance of building fun into skill acquisition. She brings this value into her learners’ programming by promoting a safe, happy, relaxed and engaging environment, where optimal learning can take place.

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

Portugal and Sicily are at the top of my list!

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

An alpaca

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

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 Therapist in a variety of settings (clinic, school and home-based programming, both direct 1:1 and group settings). Since that time, she practiced most roles offered within an ABA clinical setting, from Lead and Senior Therapist positions to management, training and clinical supervision.

EIBI (Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention) assessment and intervention is her strength and scope of practice, however, since her early days in ABA, she has progressed into more academic, executive functioning, adaptive and friendship development areas of practice. In more recent years, she has had the opportunity to support and collaborate worldwide with clinics and behaviour analysts in program development, data collection and measurement. When not fully immersed in the world of ABA, Kristy is enjoying downtime with her three children, family and friends, downhill skiing, paddle boarding or running to a yoga class.

“I work at ACT because of their dedication to a multi-disciplinary approach and positive work culture! I am delighted to be part of such an incredible team.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Maldives

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

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

Lauren is a Registered Behaviour Analyst who holds a Master of Education in Psychological Counseling from the University of Ottawa. Lauren began working in the field of ABA in 2012 as an Instructor Therapist, where she provided ABA therapy to both individuals and groups in a variety of settings such as clinics, schools and in-home.

Since then, Lauren has held roles as a Senior Therapist, Supervising Senior Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Manager of a clinical team within the clinical setting. Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) assessment and intervention is her strength and scope of practice. She particularly enjoys the creativity behind individualized programming to support her clients in reaching their goals. In more recent years, Lauren has become increasingly interested in ABA as it applies to the working environment and in 2020 obtained a specialist certificate in Organizational Behaviour Management. Lauren also holds a Level 5 certificate in Practical Functional Assessments and Skills-Based Treatment.

Lauren is passionate about supporting and collaborating with the families and staff with whom she works and approaches all relationships from a strengths-based and trauma assumed framework. When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and friends, sitting on the dock at her cottage (weather permitting) and reading a good book.

“What stood out for me at ACT was the multi-disciplinary approach. Having BCBA’s, OT’s, SLP’s and Mental Health Specialists all under one roof is rare in the private therapeutic setting. I love the “one door” approach as it supports families in caring for their children.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

It’s hard to narrow down on one but I’ll pick Bali!

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?

Tacos

This post is also available in: French

Mackenzie graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2015 with a Bachelor of Psychology. She continued her educated at the University of Western and achieved a Master of Professional Education with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Mackenzie became a BCBA in 2020 and holds certifications in AIM and VB-MAPP, as well as level 4 PFB/SBT.

Mackenzie has been working with children with ASD for over 10 years. She has experience as an Instructor Therapist, Senior Therapist and Supervising Senior Therapist. In her spare time, Mackenzie runs a study prep program for individuals getting ready to write their BCBA exams. The program is called Study CABA (Study “Canadian Applied Behaviour Analysis”).

Mackenzie is extremely passionate about trauma-informed approaches to treating dangerous behaviour, developing individualized program goals, collaborating with other professionals and the training and supervision of staff.

“The multidisciplinary approach really stood out to me when I was considering employment at ACT. There are very few (if any) other providers in the Ottawa area that provide access to ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapy all under the same roof and within the same funding model. It is something that really sets ACT apart from other organizations and makes me very proud to be a part of it!”

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

Greece!

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

Penguin! I don’t really know why, but they have always been my favourite animal!

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

Anything Italian

This post is also available in: French

Marie Cybelle speaks Kirundi, English and French and has experience working with children and young adults with ASD in many different environments. Marie also holds a Diplôma en Intervention Au près des personnes ayant un handicape.

“I work at ACT because the vision and values of the company, agree with the ideal environment in which I wanted to share my experience.”

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

Fruit

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Melissa began her career in the field of ABA in 2016. She holds a Master of Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and completed her certification as a BCBA upon joining the ACT team. Melissa enjoys collaborating with other professionals and using evidence-based interventions to assist young clients as they transition into the school system. When Melissa isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children and her wild Bernedoodle!

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

Sushi

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Night-owl

This post is also available in: French

Mikaela started in the field in 2020 and joined the ACT team in February 2021. Mikaela holds an Honours Bachelor of Child Studies and a minor in Psychology. In October 2021, she completed her Registered Behavioural Technician (RBT) certification. She offers ABA and ESDM therapy to help children and youth achieve meaningful changes in their lives. She enjoys running, teaching her dog (Loki) new tricks and planning her next trip to Disney World

“ACT gave me the opportunity to continue to work and learn alongside a multi-disciplinary team, offering novel strategies and recommendations to better the lives of the clients I care for.”

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

Giraffe

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

Bacon

What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Nathalie has been working with children with a variety of special learning needs such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia since 2016. She became a Senior Therapist in 2021 and has gained experience in parent consultation, program development and supervision, therapist training and implementing behaviour interventions. She also gained training and experience in ESDM and has a special interest in natural environment teaching. Nathalie speaks both English and Arabic. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Master of Professional Education specializing in ABA from the University of Western Ontario. Nathalie is also currently pursuing her BCBA certification. In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys painting, cooking and exploring new cities!

“I chose ACT because I’m excited to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team. I believe that being a part of a diverse team allows us to share our knowledge and expertise to provide a holistic therapy approach.”

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

Brazil

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

Monkey

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

Nicole is a Registered Behaviour Technician with extensive experience working with children with ASD. Nicole holds an Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology from St. Lawrence College, as well as a Master of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University. Nicole enjoys crafting and currently has many works in progress including a beaded rose and a blanket of all her Guiding badges.

“I started as a placement student at ACT in the final year of my master’s degree. During this time, I received many opportunities to practice the skills that I had learned in my undergraduate and graduate studies. Right from the beginning, I was welcomed by everyone and made to feel part of the team. Whether I was shadowing behavioural therapists on the floor, learning to implement client programs with clients or working on my practicum assignments, I always felt supported and knew that there was always someone that I could turn to if I needed help.”

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

Curried Chicken Rice Soup

What’s your favourite holiday?

It’s a tie between Halloween and Star Wars Day (I’m counting it as a holiday!).

Are you a morning person or a night-owl? 

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Robyn is an Instructor Therapist with over four years of experience working with children with disabilities and 16 years of experience working with adults with a variety of disabilities. Robyn holds a Diploma of Recreation and Leisure as well as a Registered Behaviour Therapy certificate.

In her spare time, Robyn enjoys spending time with her children, walking her dogs and playing soccer.

“ACT Learning Centre is an inspirational company that is doing amazing things for children on the spectrum, and I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring team.”

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

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

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 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

Victoria has been working in the autism community for over six years. She started her career by working at autism summer camps and quickly fell in love with it. She then began studying ABA and working toward her Autism Support Worker Certification, while working as an Educational Assistant. In 2018, she began working as an Instructor Therapist and is now a Lead Therapist at ACT. She also supervises and trains placement students from different colleges across the province.

Victoria speaks English and American Sign Language. In her free time, she loves to snowboard, paddleboard and skateboard!

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

Anywhere in the Mediterranean.

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?

Potatoes. Fries, chips, hash browns, sweet potatoes the possibilities are endless!

This post is also available in: French