OBA Staff

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.

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 Oakbridge 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.

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, she gracefully 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.

STEPHANIE ROMANO (on maternity leave for the 2022-23 school year)
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.

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.

ANESSA SELCAGE
Behaviour Therapist / Outdoor Activity Co-ordinator / Library Clerk

Anessa’s journey into the field of ABA began when her son was diagnosed with ASD in 2010. Determined to help her son achieve his goals, she completed the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Mohawk College via Distance Education. She completed two field placements at A Balanced Approach in Waterloo and graduated with honours in 2015. Anessa also earned her RBT designation in 2018 and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo in 1995. Prior to joining Oak Bridge Academy, she worked as a home-based instructor therapist and spent many years working in the insurance industry. Anessa loves helping children achieve their goals. She enjoys the fact that every day brings new successes and challenges. Outside of work, Anessa is a busy wife and mother of two boys. She enjoys being with her family, reading, gardening, and spending time with her dog.

TRACEY TAUBE
OBHS Teacher

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.

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.

ERIN DOYLE
BA, BEd - Senior Teacher

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.

HOLLY KANE
Behaviour Technician - Senior Grades

Holly Kane is a registered behaviour therapist, who began supporting individuals with exceptionalities at a young age. She is currently working towards her Masters of Applied Disability Studies, Specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Brock University. Prior to this, she 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, traveling and cuddling her dog.

KEVIN BRIMER
Behaviour Therapist - Senior 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.

DEVON BELLMAN
Junior Teacher

Devon completed Teacher's College and his Bachelor's of Education and Science at Brock University in St. Catharine's, Ontario. After graduating, Devon moved to the United Kingdom for a year to teach high school science in the town of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Since begin 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 be starting at Oak Bridge and thankful to be a part of an amazing and supportive school community."

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 our students succeed. Outside of the classroom Alicia spends most of her time with her daughter. She enjoys being outside and loves traveling.

HILLARIE RIDDELL
Behaviour Technician - Junior Grades

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.

JEN MORROW
BA, M.ED - Junior Teacher

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.

JESSY BLACKADAR
Behaviour Therapist - 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.

MARY BROOKS
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.

MARINA RISTOVSKA
Behaviour Technician - Senior 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 named, Charlie. Marina is proud to be a part of the Oak Bridge community, watching students reach their potential and be their true selves.

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!

CRYSTAL ABRAHAM
MS.Ed. - Primary Teacher

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.

CHRISTA MURR
Behaviour Therapist - 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.

CHARISSA SILLANPAA
Behaviour Therapist - Primary 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 worked with children with autism officially for 5 years. She started as an instructor therapist at Breaking Barriers and then became an RBT when it became Monarch House Waterloo. 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, a
chocolate lab, Rolo.

DANNIELLE D'AMATO
Behaviour Technician / Mindfulness Instructor - Ready 2 Learn

Dannielle D’Amato 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!

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.

LINA CASALE
Behaviour Technician - Ready 2 Learn

Lina’s passion for working with individuals with exceptionalities began with a volunteer position at Light House Adult Day Program in Kitchener when she was in high school. From there, she obtained her BA in Community Health from Wilfrid Laurier University and her graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from Conestoga College through a combined program. Lina had the opportunity to present the findings of her undergraduate thesis, “Caregiver Perceptions of the Educational Experiences of their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”, at the Geneva Centre for Autism’s 2020 Virtual Symposium’s research poster session. In addition to working at Oak Bridge, Lina also works as a research assistant through Wilfrid Laurier University and is a volunteer for the Laurier Autism Research Consortium. In her spare time, Lina enjoys reading, video games, and puzzles.

VANESSA PUIM
Behaviour Technician
Vanessa is a Registered Behavior Technician who graduated from the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at Mohawk College in 2017. Before her journey into ABA, she graduated from Conestoga College in 2016 with her Early Childhood Education diploma. During one of her placements, she met a young girl on the spectrum, who she instantly felt a strong connection with. It was this connection that she decided to pursue the field of Behavioral Sciences. During the last 5 years she's been working in an IBI centre with many children of all ages. This year she is excited to work with the OBA team, expand her knowledge of ABA and ACT and utilize these skills in a school environment. She loves being able to be a part of the lives of her clients and students and help them reach their goals. Outside of work she likes to go camping, read, watch movies, care for her pets Lola, Luna and Archie.