Allison is a bilingual Occupational Therapist Assistant working in the Entry to School program at ACT’s Pembroke location. She holds an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma from Algonquin College and is certified in DIR/Floortime. Allison looks forward to furthering her knowledge by completing more courses and training in the field of autism.

“Knowing we are having a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of the children and caregivers is a very fulfilling feeling. Being part of the BOG team and witnessing the growth we are seeing in the children as a multidisciplinary team.”

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

Italy

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?

Taco’s

This post is also available in: French

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

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

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 a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in 2011.  Caitlin has spent the majority of her clinical career working with the pediatric population, in the school, community and clinic settings. She has provided consultation and direct therapy to address a wide range of physical, cognitive and sensory-based issues.

Caitlin has extensive experience in assessment and intervention with children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and developmental delays. Caitlin has completed the Professionals Certificate in the DIR/Floortime  Model and the advanced workshop for the Early Start Denver Model.  She has specialized training in feeding therapy, sensory processing and play based therapy.

This post is also available in: French

Elena holds a Bachelor of Psychology from McGill University, as well as a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queens University. She also holds certificates in Pediatric mental health and trauma; Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Feeding and Eating, Fine Motor Development and Sensory processing. Elena has been working with children, youth and young adults in an Occupational Therapy setting since the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming an OT, Elena worked with neurodivergent individuals for approximately 10 years both in groups and in one-to-one settings. In her spare time, Elena enjoys walking her dog, gardening and playing music with her partner.

“ACT is a growing organization that is founded on a genuine caring about the well-being of the families they serve. There is lots of room to grow as a professional within the ACT community and I feel valued as an employee and team member at ACT Learning Centre.”

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos… there are so many different things to do with tacos

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas! I love how cozy it is

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?
Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Emily holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Trent University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children through summer camps, nannying and volunteer work and has volunteered with an adapted hockey team (Capital City Condors) for over 13 years. In her spare time, Emily loves to travel, she has been to over 20 countries!

ACT Learning Centre aligns with my values as someone who works with children. ACT’s approach avoids a ‘one-size-fits-all’ methodology, instead offering client-centered interventions to ensure the best possible care. Even in my short time here, I have already seen the tremendous benefits of the Entry to School program, which effectively prepares children for a successful transition to the school environment.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? 
Croatia or Greece!

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Gabrielle has experience in developing and implementing plans to facilitate advancements in skills for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as individually assisting university-aged students with a variety of disabilities in the completion of labs and classes. She has also worked with populations who acquired brain injuries, in forensic psychiatry and outpatient rehabilitation. Gabrielle joined the ACT team in order to work with the pediatric population, which has always been her goal.

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Major: Human Kinetics, a Master of Science in Human Health Nutritional Sciences + Neuroscience Minor and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy + Indigenous Focus Minor.

“I am excited to work at ACT Learning Centre because I see it as a wonderful opportunity for a new graduate who wants to work with children and learn and grow in her role. I benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of the other interdisciplinary team members and am encouraged and supported in pursuit of continuing education. I believe ACT Learning Centre offers the perfect foundation for my career goals and will allow me to make a positive and meaningful impact in my community.”

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

What’s your favourite holiday?
Halloween

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?
Morning person

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

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has over 20 years of training and experience in pediatrics working in both school-based and community care. She has extensive experience addressing fine and gross motor development concerns, handwriting/written output, sensory processing and self-regulation.

In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys many outdoor activities including gardening, cross-country skiing and adventurous travel with her family.

“I am excited about being a part of the dynamic Entry to School Program team assisting each client in achieving their meaningful goals by working collaboratively with the children, their families, and their school team.”

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

I would love to paddle the Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories.

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

A chameleon

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

Definitely rice!

This post is also available in: French

Since achieving her diploma in Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant, Madison has worked with preschool and school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. She strives to be able to help children meet their goals and ensure their sensory needs are being met, all while making it fun and engaging for them!

In her spare time, you can find Madison at the gym, going for long walks or spending time with friends and family!

“I choose to work at ACT Learning Centre because of the flexibility and the ability to collaborate with other professional disciplines. ACT allows me to learn from clinicians with a wide variety of professional backgrounds!”

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

Kangaroo

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

Pasta

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

This post is also available in: French

Marisa is a registered Occupational Therapist within the province of Ontario. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University.

Marisa has previously worked in both community and private practice settings and has experience working with senior, adult, and pediatric populations. Marisa’s past involvement in the community has enhanced her capacity for creative practice. She has led sensory regulation and mindfulness-based groups and enjoys designing methods to convey information that is enjoyable and engaging.

In her spare time, you can find Marisa outside running, cycling and skiing.

“I was drawn to ACT Learning Centre as I wanted the opportunity to grow my pediatric practice experience and to work alongside an interdisciplinary team that values child led, client centered care. I look forward to collaborating with team members to best meet the needs of our clients.”

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

Patagonia

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

Pasta

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

Sea Turtle

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

Vera has been an Occupational Therapist since 2005, working with children predominantly in school settings, but also in private practice.

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

Costa Rica, New Zealand

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

Chips

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

This post is also available in: French