KIM RODRIGUES - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Board of Directors of Oak Bridge Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kim Rodrigues to the inaugural role of Executive Director. Kim will begin her appointment on March 27, 2023.
Kim comes to Oak Bridge Academy with extensive experience in the non-profit sector with a career spanning over 25 years working in developmental services, Autism services and victim supports. In the last 15 years she has held senior and executive leadership roles within several non-profit organizations. Kim brings to Oak Bridge Academy an innovative wealth of knowledge and experience.
One of Kim’s greatest strengths is her ability to partner with others and build strong and collaborative relationships. Kim exudes confidence, competence, enthusiasm and compassion
for her work.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Oak Bridge Academy team and to help further strengthen and expand upon the wonderful work that has been started”. Kim shared, “Oak Bridge Academy offers our community a unique learning environment for exceptional learners. I have always been passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to be successful, and Oak Bridge Academy delivers this each and every day. I look forward to meeting and getting to know our students, families and teaching staff in the coming weeks”.
Kim is also a lifelong learner herself and has education at both the university and college levels, including specialization in crisis intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation and volunteer management. Kim completed a Master of Education specializing in distance learning and has a postgraduate certificate from the Rotman School of Business in Public Sector Leadership. Recently, Kim completed a diploma in Human Resources and is actively working towards her Certificated Human Resources Leader (CHRL)designation.
Outside of work, Kim is a dedicated parent of two wonderful human beings. Kim and her family have recently added a four-legged family member, so many hours are spent walking local trails. Kim is an active community member and volunteers her time whenever possible to local initiatives.
The Board of Directors of Oak Bridge Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kim Rodrigues to the inaugural role of Executive Director. Kim will begin her appointment on March 27, 2023.
Kim comes to Oak Bridge Academy with extensive experience in the non-profit sector with a career spanning over 25 years working in developmental services, Autism services and victim supports. In the last 15 years she has held senior and executive leadership roles within several non-profit organizations. Kim brings to Oak Bridge Academy an innovative wealth of knowledge and experience.
One of Kim’s greatest strengths is her ability to partner with others and build strong and collaborative relationships. Kim exudes confidence, competence, enthusiasm and compassion
for her work.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Oak Bridge Academy team and to help further strengthen and expand upon the wonderful work that has been started”. Kim shared, “Oak Bridge Academy offers our community a unique learning environment for exceptional learners. I have always been passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to be successful, and Oak Bridge Academy delivers this each and every day. I look forward to meeting and getting to know our students, families and teaching staff in the coming weeks”.
Kim is also a lifelong learner herself and has education at both the university and college levels, including specialization in crisis intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation and volunteer management. Kim completed a Master of Education specializing in distance learning and has a postgraduate certificate from the Rotman School of Business in Public Sector Leadership. Recently, Kim completed a diploma in Human Resources and is actively working towards her Certificated Human Resources Leader (CHRL)designation.
Outside of work, Kim is a dedicated parent of two wonderful human beings. Kim and her family have recently added a four-legged family member, so many hours are spent walking local trails. Kim is an active community member and volunteers her time whenever possible to local initiatives.
KATHIE SHAW - PRINCIPAL/FOUNDER
Kathie has been working in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis since 1993 and has specifically worked in the field of Intensive Behaviour Intervention since 2000. After completing her undergraduate degree at Trent University, she went on to receive her diploma in Social Work, then later her Masters in Social Work at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University while at the same time completing her coursework to become a behaviour analyst through Dr. Vince Carbone.
Kathie is Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA); is a registered social worker and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers; is a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) instructor with the Crisis Prevention Institute; has completed training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through Sir Wilfrid Laurier University; and has completed Mindfulness Based Group Practice including Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) through Sunnybrook hospital.
Kathie is passionate about supporting an alternative school in Waterloo Region. Oak Bridge Academy uses a model that has shown great success in several schools in the USA, following a model by Dr. Mark Dixon. This model uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. For those who may be unfamiliar with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, its aim is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy does this by teaching behavioural skills to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively in such a way that they have much less impact and influence (these are known as mindfulness skills). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps to clarify what is truly important and meaningful, i.e. your values, and then uses this knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate positive life changes.
Academics is a core focus and an important part of each day at Oak Bridge, however, mindfulness and working to be flexible in thoughts and behaviours are the skills and strategies that are intertwined throughout the day and incorporated into all learning activities. Oak Bridge also intentionally teaches skills such as initiation, organizational strategies, interpersonal skills, collaboration, self-regulation and responsibility.
Kathie believes that these are the skills that will support our kids in being successful not only in school but in life. Kathie ensures that these are the skills that are pivotal in the teaching at Oak Bridge Academy to support our children on their journey into high school and beyond.
Kathie has been working in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis since 1993 and has specifically worked in the field of Intensive Behaviour Intervention since 2000. After completing her undergraduate degree at Trent University, she went on to receive her diploma in Social Work, then later her Masters in Social Work at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University while at the same time completing her coursework to become a behaviour analyst through Dr. Vince Carbone.
Kathie is Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA); is a registered social worker and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers; is a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) instructor with the Crisis Prevention Institute; has completed training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through Sir Wilfrid Laurier University; and has completed Mindfulness Based Group Practice including Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) through Sunnybrook hospital.
Kathie is passionate about supporting an alternative school in Waterloo Region. Oak Bridge Academy uses a model that has shown great success in several schools in the USA, following a model by Dr. Mark Dixon. This model uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. For those who may be unfamiliar with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, its aim is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy does this by teaching behavioural skills to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively in such a way that they have much less impact and influence (these are known as mindfulness skills). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps to clarify what is truly important and meaningful, i.e. your values, and then uses this knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate positive life changes.
Academics is a core focus and an important part of each day at Oak Bridge, however, mindfulness and working to be flexible in thoughts and behaviours are the skills and strategies that are intertwined throughout the day and incorporated into all learning activities. Oak Bridge also intentionally teaches skills such as initiation, organizational strategies, interpersonal skills, collaboration, self-regulation and responsibility.
Kathie believes that these are the skills that will support our kids in being successful not only in school but in life. Kathie ensures that these are the skills that are pivotal in the teaching at Oak Bridge Academy to support our children on their journey into high school and beyond.
