KATHIE SHAW - 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.
RETA BOONE - PRINCIPAL
BA, BEd (Primary/Junior) - Curriculum Specialist / Support
Reta has spent the last 19 years doing what she enjoys the most, being an educator. After receiving her Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior division at Lakehead University, it was with pleasure that she accepted the opportunity to teach abroad at a private school in Mexico, where she taught English as a second language. Upon her return to Canada, she fulfilled her role as an elementary teacher for many years, primarily teaching Grade One and Grade Three. While working with children is her true passion, she has always embraced and
welcomed the opportunity to work with those with learning exceptionalities, which is what led her to embark on her journey with Oak Bridge Academy.
Reta's role as Curriculum Specialist and Support Teacher has allowed her the opportunity to be a part of something amazing. Working alongside the students in an environment where they are encouraged to be their best and supported the entire way, is what she feels is the best remedy for any child to succeed. Reta has always valued supporting the staff at OBA with designing
and implementing programs, IEP development and ensuring that they are up to date with the most current curriculum. She has also embraced the opportunity to stay active within the classrooms where she sometimes provided small group teaching and 1:1 support; welcoming the opportunity to instill her love of teaching.
Reta is beyond excited to move into the role of Principal and is delighted to be a part of this amazing community and
to witness all of the wonderful things that are on the horizon.
Reta has spent the last 19 years doing what she enjoys the most, being an educator. After receiving her Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior division at Lakehead University, it was with pleasure that she accepted the opportunity to teach abroad at a private school in Mexico, where she taught English as a second language. Upon her return to Canada, she fulfilled her role as an elementary teacher for many years, primarily teaching Grade One and Grade Three. While working with children is her true passion, she has always embraced and
welcomed the opportunity to work with those with learning exceptionalities, which is what led her to embark on her journey with Oak Bridge Academy.
Reta's role as Curriculum Specialist and Support Teacher has allowed her the opportunity to be a part of something amazing. Working alongside the students in an environment where they are encouraged to be their best and supported the entire way, is what she feels is the best remedy for any child to succeed. Reta has always valued supporting the staff at OBA with designing
and implementing programs, IEP development and ensuring that they are up to date with the most current curriculum. She has also embraced the opportunity to stay active within the classrooms where she sometimes provided small group teaching and 1:1 support; welcoming the opportunity to instill her love of teaching.
Reta is beyond excited to move into the role of Principal and is delighted to be a part of this amazing community and
to witness all of the wonderful things that are on the horizon.
