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HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
Vice Principal of Operations Heather has been with Oak Bridge Academy since its opening day in September 2018. She brought 12 years of administrative experience to OBA as well as many years of experience in home childcare. Heather enjoys keeping things running smoothly and being the liason between OBA families and staff. She also enjoys getting to know each and every student at OBA! When she's at her home in Kitchener you will find her with her family, enjoying a good book in her backyard, going for walks with her standard poodle or hosting a family event. Heather is honoured to be a part of the OBA community. |
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Kristina Clemmer
Assistant Administrator Kristina was born to organize and has true passion (or some would say obsession) for post-it's, coloured pens, filing tabs and list making. At Oak Bridge Academy she gets to apply her administrative and organizational skills to the day to day behind the scenes "juggling act" of administration at a busy school. Kristina ran a home childcare for 18 years before joining the team at OBA in 2022. Her love for children and passion for organization help things run smoothly for the kiddo's, their families and staff and she loves every minute of it. |
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RETA BOONE
BA, BEd (Primary/Junior) - Curriculum Specialist / Support Reta has spent the last 15 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 in Grade 1 for 3 years and Grade 3 for 8 years. 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 this new journey with Oak Bridge Academy. Her 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 works alongside the staff to design and implement programs, but she is also very active within the classrooms where she provides small group teaching and 1:1 support. When she’s not spending time with family and friends, she will often partake in a Zumba class, or just relax and listen to music. Reta is honoured to be a part of this amazing school and she is looking forward to many years of working with all the brilliant students. |
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STEPHANIE ROMANO
B.Sc, M.PEd ABA, BCBA - All grades Stephanie is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and has completed her Masters of Professional Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis through the University of Western Ontario. She has worked in the field of ABA for 6-years, beginning in an IBI setting then moving into an Autism Interventionist position, providing services in various capacities. Stephanie enjoys supporting OBA students in the classroom as they learn, grow, and reach new milestones everyday. She thoroughly enjoys being a part of a school team that is passionate about providing effective support to students as they reach their goals, develop meaningful friendships and explore exciting ways of learning. Stephanie is excited to be supporting all of the classrooms this year at OBA in a clinical capacity, designing school-wide, class-wide and individualized strategies to foster the success of our students. During her down time she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, crocheting, taking dance classes as well as teaching dance classes. |
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CHRISTINA CAMACHO CABRAL
B.HSc, M.ADS, BCBA / Primary Research - All Grades Christina (Tina) is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and completed her Masters of Applied Disability Studies with a Specialization in ABA at Brock University. After receiving her Bachelor's degree at Western University, she completed the Autism and Behaviour Science Certificate program at Mohawk College. It was this first experience with ABA that established her motivation and compassion to support children in reaching their fullest potential in every way that she could. Christina has been working in the field of ABA for the last 10 years in various settings, and began at Oak Bridge Academy in 2018. She is passionate about supporting the students at OBA, using evidence based practices, to gain the skills needed to live a happy and autonomous life both at school and in the community. Christina was born and raised in Cambridge and can be found spending her spare time with her husband and two children. |
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DANNIELLE FITZGERALD
Behaviour Technician / Mindfulness Instructor Dannielle is a graduate of Laurier University. Upon discovering her passion for working with children, Dannielle enrolled in the Autism and Behavioural Science program at George Brown College and began her career as an Instructor Therapist and has been working in the field for over 10 years. Dannielle is a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) and recently graduated from the Mindful Schools Teacher Certification Program and is pursuing certification. In her downtime she loves to travel, explore the outdoors and spend time with her family, friends and pets. Dannielle is so thankful to be a part of this school community and can’t wait to see the amazing things that both staff and students will achieve this year! |
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DEVON BELLMAN
Teacher - OBHS/Junior Grades Devon completed Teacher's College and his Bachelor's of Education and Science at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. After graduating, Devon moved to the United Kingdom for a year to teach high school science in the town of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Since being back in Canada, Devon has been tutoring students with a variety of different exceptionalities and taking additional qualifications online. Devon enjoys to travel the world as much as he can and spends his free time playing sports, guitar, hiking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Devon is excited to teach at Oak Bridge Academy and thankful to be a part of an amazing and supportive school community. |
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GLORIA BAKKER
Behaviour Technician/Instructor - OBHS Meet Gloria Bakker, she is a graduate of the Autism and Behavioural Science Program. Besides this diploma Gloria has a degree in Sociology from York University as well as two other diplomas in Developmental Service Work and Early Childhood Education. She has worked in various group home settings supporting adults with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as in school environments as an ECE and an Educational Assistant. Gloria has five years of experience delivering ABA therapy in various settings such as therapy centres, in-home and in the community. She is a busy and loving mother of 4, 2 of whom both have autism. Local community services and ABA providers have been a great support for Gloria and her family and she wants to give back to the community by using her experience and knowledge to support and help families and their children. Gloria’s hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, travelling and being involved in the community through groups and organizations. She enjoys being a part of the wonderful staff at Oak Bridge Academy and the Oak Bridge Academy community. |
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STEPHANIE (NORTH) LONGE
Behaviour Technician - OBHS Stephanie (or North as everyone calls her) has worked with children with autism for over 10 years. She started her career as an instructor therapist and worked for the Hamilton School Board before she joined OBA last school year. Stephanie completed the Autism and Social Sciences program at Mohawk college and is a Registered Behaviour Therapist. Stephanie looks forward to joining OBHS this school year and connecting with families and students. Stephanie is very grateful to be a part of such an amazing and supporting school. |
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ERIN DOYLE
Senior Teacher - Senior Grades Erin graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Advanced Bachelors Degree in Canadian Studies and English and furthered her education by graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Education. Erin taught for four years for the Halifax Regional School Board in a variety of roles before moving to Kitchener in 2014. She has been working with students with exceptionalities for over 10 years and is proud to be a part of all of the incredible things that Oak Bridge Academy has accomplished since it opened its doors in 2018. When not in the classroom, Erin enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her two children and husband and making trips to the east coast to visit family. |
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HOLLY KANE
Behaviour Technician - Senior Grades Holly Kane is a registered behaviour therapist, who began supporting individuals with exceptionalities at a young age. She has completed her Masters of Applied Disability Studies, Specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Brock University. Prior to this, Holly received her undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Social Work as well as her Postgraduate certificate in Autism Behavioural Science. In her free time she enjoys outdoor adventures, travelling and cuddling her dog. |
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PARVIN AZIZI
Behaviour Technician - Senior Grades Parvin graduated with honours from the University of Guelph with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. With prior experience as a Transitional Support Worker in a group home, providing crucial care to individuals with mental and physical challenges, she has deepened her commitment to advocating for those often underserved and overlooked. Her unique background includes proficiency in four languages, a skill she has used since childhood to bridge communication gaps and foster understanding within diverse communities. Parvin firmly believes in the transformative potential of education and inclusion, dedicated to crafting a supportive and inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive and achieve their full potential. Committed to continuous growth, she also aspires to deepen her knowledge through further education and will be pursuing a graduate program in the future. |
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ANESSA SELCAGE
Instructor - OSSD/Junior Grades Anessa graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo with a major in Geography and a minor in English. She completed a post-graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from Mohawk College and achieved her RBT designation in 2018. Anessa is a busy mom of two boys and loves reading, gardening, and playing with her dog in her spare time. |
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MARINA RISTOVSKA
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Marina graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Brock University. To pursue her passion in working with children with exceptionalities, Marina continued her education at the University of Waterloo completing a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation. During this time, she interned at Arts Abound, an inclusive community art studio, supporting children explore their creative sides. Marina was working in the field of ABA as an Instructor Therapist until her move to Oak Bridge Academy. In her leisure time, she values travelling and spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and her dog, Charlie. Marina is proud to be a part of the Oak Bridge community, watching students reach their potential and be their true selves. |
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JEN MORROW
Teacher - Junior Grades Jen has wanted to work with children for as long as she can remember. She started out her career path by completing the Early Childhood Education diploma at Mohawk College and it was there during her final practicum in a classroom that she knew that her place was meant to be in a classroom. From there, she studied at Wilfrid Laurier University, received her Bachelor of Arts and moved on to Griffith University in Australia to complete her Masters of Education degree. Throughout her schooling she worked in summer camps and daycares, but it was when she was hired on as respite care worker for Lansdowne Children’s Centre that she discovered that she would love to mix both aspects of teaching in a classroom and working with children with exceptionalities. Before being hired at Oak Bridge Academy, Jen was an occasional teacher with the Grand Erie School Board for several years. If you cannot find Jen in the classroom, she’s probably trying to keep up with her 2 very energetic boys or spending some time at the trailer with her husband. |
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SARAH DE AMORIM
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Sarah graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology. In following her passion of working with children, she continued on to study Autism and Behavioural Science at Fanshawe College where she got a student placement at Oak Bridge Academy. She was super excited when she was offered the opportunity to work at OBA full time. Outside of work, Sarah loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family. She is looking forward to an amazing school year! |
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MICHAILA MELANSON
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Michaila graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and a Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology. Alongside coaching figure skating, Michaila worked as an Instructor Therapist at Kalyana Support Systems, where she could continue pursuing her love of working with children. Michaila looks forward to working with the OBA team, who share her desire of helping students reach their potential. In her spare time, Michaila enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. |
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JANINE MYERS
Teacher- Junior Grades Janine, a certified Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) since 2013, comes to Oak Bridge Academy with a wealth of experience catering to students with unique learning needs.Starting her career in the role of an Assistive Technology Trainer, Janine expertly integrated technology into education, enabling students to engage more effectively with their learning. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility through technology showcased her innovative approach to teaching and learning. Her most recent role at an independent non-for-profit school showcased her skills as a Learning Resource Teacher, where she guided students in enhancing their numeracy and reading abilities. Janine is dedicated to nurturing individual potential and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Janine finds immense joy in spending quality time with her children, cherishing the moments they share together. As someone who thrives on an active lifestyle, she is often found embracing the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking through scenic trails, embarking on nature adventures, walking her dog, or engaging in outdoor sports. |
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ALICIA NEMES
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Alicia graduated from McMaster University with a honors degree in Social Psychology in 2014. After graduating, she worked at Lansdowne Children’s Center as an Instructor Therapist in the Autism Intervention Program for 5 years. Alicia began working at Oak Bridge Academy in 2019. She has loved being a part of such an amazing group of people who all have the same goal of helping students succeed. Outside of the classroom Alicia spends most of her time with her daughter. She enjoys being outside and loves travelling. |
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EVELYN CHRISTOPHER
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades In 2021, Evelyn graduated with honours from uOttawa with a Bachelor in Health Sciences. Evelyn pursued her passion of working with children on the spectrum by completing the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at George Brown College in 2023. Evelyn is honoured and proud to be a part of the OBA team and enjoys being able to support children in being their best selves and reaching their full potential. In her spare time, Evelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on road trips, and pursuing her many hobbies. |
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ASHLYN McCARTNEY
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Ashlyn recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Psychology. She started off her journey in ABA at Monarch House where she was then sent to OBA to monitor a trial run for a student. During her time visiting OBA Ashlyn realized that OBA was where she needed to be! Ashlyn is excited to start this new chapter with such amazing students and staff that are so supporting! In her spare time Ashlyn enjoys spending time with her son, watching movies, and kayaking! |
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JAMIE COOK
Teacher - Junior Grades Jamie knew she wanted to be a teacher from the time she was 7 years old. After working at inclusion camps for children with disabilities, she found her passion for education intertwined with her passion for supporting children with exceptionalities to reach their full potential. Jamie graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Child, Youth, and Family studies, alongside certification as an Early Childhood Educator. Following this, Jamie attended Wilfrid Laurier University where she obtained her Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior Division. During this time, she did a teaching placement here at Oak Bridge Academy, and knew from day one that this was the place for her. Jamie is excited to be a part of the learning journey of the students of OBA. During her free time Jamie volunteers as a coach with the Cambridge Ice Hounds Special Hockey Club, Buddy League Canada, and Challenger Baseball. To relax, she loves to hang out with her yellow lab, Freddie. |
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KEVIN BRIMER
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades While working for the City of Burlington in their camp programs for individuals with exceptionalities, Kevin realized he had an interest in the field and wanted to continue his education. He graduated from the Educational Assistant program from Niagara College, and went on to complete the Autism and Behavioural Science program from George Brown College in Toronto. He has been working in the field of ABA for the last 9 years in both group homes and IBI centers in Toronto and the Niagara region. He is enjoying that both areas of his professional career have come together at Oak Bridge Academy. Kevin enjoys spending his free time painting and drawing, hiking the trails in Hamilton, listening to podcasts, playing guitar, spending time with family, and visiting family in Scotland when he can. Kevin is thrilled to be a part of the Oak Bridge Academy team. |
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CHARISSA SILLANPAA
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Charissa’s experience with ASD started in High School, when a girl insisted on sitting with her, every day. It started with the simple task of opening this girl's chocolate pudding. Charissa has 5 years of experience working with children with autism. She started as an instructor therapist at Breaking Barriers in Waterloo and went on to become an RBT when it became Monarch House. Through her work at Monarch House she gained experience for OBA by working at St Judes, St Marguerite and Ecole L’Harmonie, where she provided therapy in French. Her passion has been to bridge the gap between ASD and Education and so she feels OBA is the perfect fit for her. She has loved watching the students flourish both academically and socially through the great work and care given by staff at the OBA. Outside of school she is kept busy with her three children and her fourth baby, her chocolate lab, Rolo. |
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HAYLEY HAMILL
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Hayley graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2013. She then continued on in her studies in the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Mohawk College where she completed a student placement at A Balanced Approach in Waterloo. After graduating from the program in 2015, she continued on to work at A Balanced Approach as an Instructor Therapist. In the fall of 2016, Hayley moved to Brantford where she has been working as an Instructor Therapist/Registered Behaviour Technician at Kalyana Support Systems for the last 7 years. In her spare time, you can find Hayley spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book or baking something delicious for family and friends to enjoy! Hayley is thrilled to be starting a new RBT position at OBA and looks forward to helping students reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. |
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CRYSTAL ABRAHAM
Teacher - Primary Grades It has been a dream of Crystal’s to teach since she was little, which is why she went on to get a B.A. in English and History from the University of Waterloo and a Masters of Science in Education from Niagara University. She didn’t go straight into teaching, however, because she fell in love with what was supposed to be a part-time job: being an Instructor Therapist. She worked as an IT for four years before she started facilitating social skills and academic groups for children with ASD at a local therapy centre; and then after that, she became the centre’s Office Manager. Crystal has completed Orton-Gillingham literacy training at the Foundations and Classroom Educator levels through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners, as well as the Basics of Decoding and Spelling Instruction course through the International Dyslexia Association. Crystal loves spending time with her husband and two sons, camping (there’s nothing better than a campfire), crafting (she is a Pinterest addict), and organizing just about anything. |
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CHRISTA MURR
Behaviour Technician - Primary Grades Christa is a registered behaviour therapist who has enjoyed working with children of various exceptionalities over the past 15 years. She is very passionate and grateful to be part of a team who works with the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis to help students be successful in school and in life. She loves watching the students be their true selves, be proud of their accomplishments and make many lasting friendships at Oakbridge Academy. Outside of school, Christa’s life is filled with the adventures of 2 teenagers, boating with family and friends and snuggling with her many pets. |
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MIRANDA GALVAO
Behaviour Technician - Primary Grades Miranda graduated from Fanshawe College in 2018 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and in 2019 with a diploma in Autism and Behavioural Sciences! After graduation she worked as a Behaviour Therapist at Best Behaviour before making a move out east to Nova Scotia where she lived for almost 3 years! In Nova Scotia she worked as the Inclusion/Curriculum Coordinator for a childcare center. Miranda is currently an RECE and is working on her RBT certification through St. Lawrence College. This will be Miranda's first year at Oak Bridge Academy and she is looking forward to getting to know the students and families within the school community! In her downtime Miranda enjoys spending time with her son reading stories, going on adventures and swimming! |
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HILLARIE RIDDELL
Behaviour Technician - Ready 2 Learn Hillarie graduated from Fanshawe College in 2012. After graduating she worked at A Balanced Approach for 6 years, where she met Kathie Shaw. Hillarie began at Oak Bridge Academy when it welcomed its first group of students in September 2018. She has a very strong passion for working with kids and has loved watching her OBA students grow and flourish in a school environment. Hillarie grew up in the small town of Fergus and continues to now live with her husband and young son. Hillarie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, curling and coaching soccer. |
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ELEXIS THOMPSON
Behaviour Technician - Ready 2 Learn In 2019 while attending an ABA center with her son who has autism, Elexis heard about Oak Bridge Academy. That fall Elexis joined Oak Bridge Academy as a PSW and loved witnessing children reach their potential through the use of ABA and ACT. This inspired her to return to college where she obtained her Autism Studies Certificate with Honours from Algonquin College. She was also very intrigued by the positive impact ACT could have on children with Autism, and strived to use it in both her personal and professional life. In August 2020 she completed the ACT Immersion program with Steven C. Hayes. She is currently attending Seneca College to complete an Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology (BBP). This year Elexis is looking forward to supporting her students on their learning journeys. When Elexis has free time she loves spending time with her partner and son doing outdoor activities. She also enjoys crafting, cooking and reading. |
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ASHLEY GERGER
Behaviour Technician - Ready 2 Learn |
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ARIEL MCLEAN
Behaviour Technician - OSSD/1:1 PEAK Programming Ariel graduated from the University of Guelph with an honours in applied Psychology with an emphasis in Research Skills and Analysis. While studying, Ariel found her passion in Applied Behaviour Analysis, so she further narrowed her studies to the studies of Autism and Behavioural Sciences at Fanshawe College; along the way taking various Humber college courses to help keep her main goals at focus. Ariel is passionate about learning, and strives to maintain her ability to learn on a daily basis. She understands the importance of both empirical and theoretical knowledge, so her experience and knowledge will maintain a balance. Working first at an young-adult day program, then privately as an Instructor Therapist, Ariel has now found her place at Oak Bridge Academy and hopes to keep her research and experiences sharp to best support each individual in her care. She ultimately looks forward to doing so with a bright and dynamic team at her side! |
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MARY BROOKS (maternity leave for the 2023-2024 school year)
B. Ed, M. Ed - Junior Teacher Mary is eager to be a part of Oak Bridge Academy where the unique learning potential of each child is embraced. Mary completed her Special Care Counseling training at Vanier College in Montreal, Quebec. During her time as a child care worker, she had the opportunity of working with children with a variety of exceptionalities. Combining her love for teaching and working with children; Mary went on to complete a Bachelor of Education, at the University of McGill. Mary has been a teacher for the past ten years in Montreal and is a member of the Ontario College of teachers. Her time as a teacher has reinforced her belief that each child learns best when they feel safe and secure. Mary has recently completed her Masters in Education at the University of LaSierra with an emphasis on administration and leadership. Mary loves spending time with her husband and son, and enjoys cruising adventures to various parts of the world. |
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JESSY BLACKADAR (maternity leave for the 2023-2024 school year)
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades Jessy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and later graduated with the Autism and Behavioural Science Post Graduate Certificate from Mohawk College. In the last 12 years, Jessy has worked with a variety of individuals with ASD . She has volunteered in the Hamilton-Wentworth School Boards in an autism classroom, worked with teens and adults in a semi-independent living home through Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services and worked as an Instructor Therapist at Lansdowne Children's Centre. When Jessy isn't working she is travelling! She absolutely loves it and looks forward to checking a few more places off her bucket list. Jessy feels extremely grateful to be part of a welcoming and wonderful community. |
Our Support Staff
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Way |
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