Amanda is a dedicated and experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about nurturing young minds and helping children grow in safe, supportive environments. With a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, her expertise ensures a strong foundation for early development.

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Arianna is a Social Service Worker graduate from Algonquin College, with three years of experience working with children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old with diverse backgrounds in both one-on-one and group settings. She’s passionate about helping children meet their full potential at their own pace, and growing with the children. She is a firm believer that we learn as much from the children, as they do from us.

“I love dancing with or without music, acting silly and reading! I am very excited to meet everyone and make memories to hold onto!”

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Brooklyn is currently studying Developmental Psychology (BSc) at Carleton University and has been working in a child care setting for three years. Brooklyn speaks both English and French and in her spare time, loves spending time with her Boston Terrier, Frankie!

I want to work at ACT Learning Centre because I’m passionate about making a positive impact and supporting children as they grow, learn and build confidence in a caring and fun environment.

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

Africa

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

Lemur

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

Shawarma

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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.

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Elizabeth studied Behavioural Science at Humber College and has worked with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder consistently since 2014. Elizabeth hopes to continue her education to get a master’s degree to become an RBA.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys listening to music and doing puzzles.

My passion is to effectively support the growth & development of the children I work with. ACT Learning Centre provides me the opportunity to do so with the Entry to School Program.

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

Croissant BLT toasted

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Night Owl

This post is also available in: French

Emelie is in her final year completing her degree in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa with the goal of becoming a pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist. Emelie has 7 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings and has also volunteered in the ETS program in 2024.

“I chose ACT because I loved the time I spent volunteering here for the ETS program. I love to build meaningful and trusting relationships with the children and am excited to encourage and support them in their transitions into school.”

This post is also available in: French

Emilie holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She has supervisory experience working with preschool-aged children and speaks both English and French.

“I work at ACT because I love the supportive team environment and professional development opportunities.”

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

If you could own any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
Lion cub

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

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Helen holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Childhood and Youth Studies. She is fluent in both English and French. In her spare time, Helen loves cooking African food and blasting loud music to put some groove in the house!

“My passion is to work with children. The Entry to School program allows me to help the children by developing their skills and help them by preparing for the upcoming school transition.”

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

Africa, Carribean and Ireland

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?

I love chapati with meat or any pasta dish

This post is also available in: French

Idil is personally and professionally invested in providing optimal learning and development environments for children. In her early learning environments, she advocated for inclusion and representation. Her primary goal as an educator is to ensure all children, regardless of race, ability, gender or other differences, are in environments that make them feel safe, wanted, valued and respected.

Idil holds a Master of Professional Education in Equity, Diversity and Social Justice, an Honours Bachelor of Arts – Educational Studies and Digital Technology (specializing in early childhood development) and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. She is also CPR, First Aid & AED certified and holds a certificate in Autism 101.

“Relationships between families and the centres where children are involved are critical to the children’s success. I admire the way ACT recognizes and values relationships with children and families. Additionally, I love being a part of a multidisciplinary team. Being a part of the first cohort for the Entry to School program has been a unique experience that has allowed me to pick up different skills and strategies from an amazing group of professionals from various fields.”

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

Maldives

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

Pizza

What’s your favourite holiday?

Eid

This post is also available in: French

Iris has worked as a Special Education Technician with the Riverside School Board in Quebec and completed her studies in Special Care Counselling. With over three years of experience supporting children with special needs, she brings a calm, strengths-based approach to her work across a range of educational and program settings. 

Iris enjoys building meaningful connections with children through play, routines and everyday interactions, and is passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. She is fluent in English and Mandarin and is enthusiastic about joining the Entry to School program.

This post is also available in: French

Isabelle is a bilingual Registered Behaviour Analyst 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.

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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

Kaitlyn has nearly nine years of experience working with children of all neurotypes in a daycare setting, camps and one-to-one. She holds a Social Service Worker diploma from St. Lawrence College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Laurentian University.

In her spare time, you can find Kaitlyn reading a good fantasy book, hosting Lord of the Rings marathons and attending as many concerts as she can!

I chose to work at ACT because I want to help change the lives of children within my community. Every child deserves the chance to thrive and I believe ACT is giving that chance!

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

Ireland

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

Polar Bear

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

Butter Chicken

This post is also available in: French

Katie is the Site Manager of the Entry to School program in Kanata. She began her career working as a Behaviour Therapist providing 1:1 ABA therapy. She has also worked as an Educational Assistant with the OCDSB in a special education school where she found her passion in working in a group setting, supporting the needs of different students, and working closely with other professionals.

She has worked at ACT Learning Centre since 2021, where she began as Lead Classroom Facilitator with the very first cohort of Entry to School and is proud to see the program continue to grow and reach more families. Katie’s dream is to open a forest school for autistic children and adults, but for now, she is invested in the success of every child who enters her classrooms!

“Being a part of the first cohort of the Entry to School program was an opportunity I could not pass up. Working in a multi-disciplinary setting sounded like a great chance for growing my professional skills. This program is unique as it allows me to combine my passion for behaviour intervention while in a more natural setting.”

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

Chimpanzee

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

Baked beans on toast

What’s your favourite holiday?

Halloween

This post is also available in: French

As a registered early childhood educator of 9 years, Katie has worked with many children ranging from 6 months-12 years. She is caring and companionate and connects with each child, to learn individual needs. Katie strives to include developmentally appropriate environments and activities while making sure all children are feeling safe and loved.

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Laura is a Child and Youth Practitioner (Algonquin College, Advanced) who brings a wealth of experience working with children and youth to her position as a Classroom Facilitator in the Entry to School program. She prides herself on working from a strengths-based perspective, using compassion and connection to encourage the children she works with to reach their fullest potential.

This post is also available in: French

Lina has extensive experience teaching ESL to toddlers and preschoolers and speaks both English and Arabic. She has also worked providing ABA therapy one-on-one, in group settings as well as in-school support as an educational assistant. Lina holds an Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master of Psychology from the University of Liverpool.

“I admire the goal of the ETS program, and the mixed skills and talents combined to provide the best possible support for autistic children. I truly believe this program will have a huge positive impact on enabling autistic children with the necessary skills to succeed in school. Working with so many skilled and knowledgeable individuals from various fields has benefitted me in terms of knowledge and practice and enabled me to perform my job in the best possible way.”

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

Maldives

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

Monkey

What’s your favourite holiday?

Eid

This post is also available in: French

Lynne holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education from St. Lawrence College. Before joining the ACT teams, Lynne operated a home-based childcare program for 16 years. Throughout this time, she consistently delivered developmentally appropriate enriching activities in all areas of child development. She then worked in the role of ECE educator with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. Working alongside teaching teams, she had many opportunities to deliver developmentally appropriate enriching activities to school-age children in both the classroom and in the Extended Day Program.

“I love being part of a multi-disciplinary team and making a positive impact in the lives of these little people!”

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?

Pizza

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

Morning person

This post is also available in: French

Macie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood and Family Studies. She also attended Teachers’ College with primary and junior specifications. Macie has six years of teaching experience.

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

Bora Bora

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

Peacock

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

Megan is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been working in the field for 10 years. She has experience working in varying centres across Ottawa, primarily with children ages 1-6. She also worked as a Child and Youth worker with military youth ages 1-24. She is currently studying Supervision and Administration for ECEs in hopes of getting a better understanding of the world behind the classroom. In her spare time, you can find Megan with her two kids or curling up with a mystery novel!

“I chose ACT because they have a wonderful, supportive and inclusive environment. I love that they strive for a happy, safe and fun learning space for anyone who walks in their doors.”

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

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

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

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Natasha holds a Bachelor of Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Education. She has experience as a manager of a childcare centre as well as 13 years of experience in an early childhood educator role. She also has several years of experience as an elementary teacher and math and English tutor. Natasha speaks both English and French.

“I love working at ACT Learning Centre because I learn something new from the children and my team every single day.”

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

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

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

This post is also available in: French

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and she is also certified in supporting children and families with disabilities.

She speaks English and Swahili and has experience working with children on the neurodiversity spectrum for more than three years in both residential and school settings. Rachel worked as a support worker providing direct care to children through modelling, play, self-regulation and learning. She also has experience working in collaboration with clinicians, speech therapists, OTs and educators, providing a safe and friendly environment where neurodiverse children can positively develop communication, flexible and consistent routines and adequately prepare for their transition through pre-school. Rachel loves travelling and learning new experiences every single day. She loves music and believes it’s the best medicine for the soul.

I have an immense passion working with children with autism and other developmental disorders through positive modelling, providing care and creating fun, consistent and relaxed environments that help them learn with ease. I do believe that ACT Learning Centre provides this environment and more with a diverse, dedicated team.

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

dwarf hamster

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

grilled chicken

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

This post is also available in: French

Becky is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a Carleton University graduate possessing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Becky has experience implementing behaviour therapy to children ages 3 -12 in both one-on-one and group settings. With over five years of experience working with children of diverse backgrounds, Becky is passionate about working alongside her clients to help them reach their full potential safely and compassionately.

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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

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.

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Shammah holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and has experience supporting individuals with diverse cognitive, physical and psychosocial needs through volunteer and professional roles in community and rehabilitation settings.

Shammah assisted in facilitating recreational and therapeutic activities that promote engagement, social participation and overall well-being, and has also worked with neurodiverse children and adults, adapting communication and activities to support varying developmental and functional abilities. Shammah also plays electric guitar!

I chose ACT because it is the perfect environment to work and learn from so many skilled and diverse professionals while doing the one thing I love the most, which is working with kids.

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

I would visit my home country, Nigeria, because that’s where most of my family resides, and there’s no other place like home!

This post is also available in: French

This post is also available in: French

Victoria has been working as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist since 2014. She has experience and additional training in the areas of autism, augmentative communication (AAC), gestalt language processing and motor speech disorders. Victoria has a particular passion for early intervention and supporting young autistic children and their families to thrive through strengths-based care. Victoria loves working as a member of a team and believes in the importance of a collaborative, interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach to services taking the whole child into consideration in order to develop functional and meaningful goals with the family. Victoria is also passionate about and committed to continuous improvement and is honoured to support the ongoing development of the Entry to School program as the Quality Manager.

“I love working at ACT because the organization invests in the learning and development of its staff and values and fosters neurodiversity-affirming practice and collaboration across disciplines. These values translate into excellent quality services for our clients and families, which I am proud to be a part of.”

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

Antarctica

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

A jaguar

What’s your favourite holiday?

Christmas

This post is also available in: French