OUR TEAM

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

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

Emma holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, Emma gained experience working with teens and young adults in a variety of 1 to 1 and group settings, working on life skills and community integration and engagement. She also has experience in job matching, skill building, creating personalized accommodation policies and in a consulting role with employers on increasing accessibility within their organizations.

Emma has two cats named Ginny and Fleur (like in Harry Potter), and her favourite time of day is an early morning coffee on the porch with her partner.

“The opportunity for inter-professional collaboration between a variety of like-minded and skilled individuals drew me to work at ACT. There is also a lot of opportunity for growth – both personal and professional. I feel valued as an individual for my unique contribution and ideas.”

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

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oven fired thin crust pizza

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

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