Meet The VBS Team
Each of our team members is passionate about helping families learn, grow and achieve new milestones. We use evidence-based strategies in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) to help your child develop skills to succeed at home, in school and in the community!
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Peggy
Clinical Director
(BCBA/RBA)
Margaret (aka Peggy) is a dedicated professional with a long-standing passion for supporting children in reaching their full potential. Since 2007, she has gained extensive experience working with children, youth, and young adults with diverse needs and developmental profiles, with a particular emphasis on individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Peggy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, along with an Early Childhood Education Diploma from St. Clair College. In 2014, she earned her Master of Education from Arizona State University and successfully completed the Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) certification—an achievement she describes as a pivotal moment in her professional journey. She is also a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA), recognized for her commitment to upholding high standards of practice in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
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Throughout her career, Peggy has recognized the transformative impact of parent training and parent-mediated interventions. She is passionate about equipping families with the knowledge and tools rooted in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support meaningful and lasting behaviour change. She firmly believes that parents are the true experts when it comes to their children and strives to empower them through education and collaboration.
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To further her commitment to families, Peggy launched VBS in 2020—an organization designed to provide high-quality, individualized supports to children and youth with exceptional needs. Through VBS, she aims to better serve the community by offering accessible, evidence-based services grounded in compassion, family partnership, and professional excellence.
In addition to her clinical work, Peggy serves as a part-time instructor in the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at St. Clair College. She is also an Approved Provider under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), continuing to advocate for high-quality, accessible services for children and families across the province.
With over 25 years of experience in social service-based organizations, Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and humour to her work with families, staff, and children. Her approach is playful, strengths-based, and grounded in the belief that meaningful connection is the key to growth and learning.
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Natalie’s journey into the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis began in 2006 when she joined a provincially funded autism program—now part of the Ontario Autism Program. Since then, she has held a range of roles spanning direct clinical work, developmental programming, consulting, and management.
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As Care Manager, Natalie provides HR support to our staff and organization, creating a positive and responsive workplace culture. She also offers resource-based support to families in service with us, helping them navigate everything from social and recreational opportunities to funding options, dental/medical and psychological assessments, as well as transition services.
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Her personal philosophy—“get outside and have new experiences”—shapes the way she builds relationships and fosters community. At the heart of it all is a commitment to joyful living, lifelong learning, and helping others find their place to thrive.
Natalie
Care Manager
Ashlynn
Clinical Supervisor
(BCBA/RBA)
Ashlynn brings energy, enthusiasm, and a unique ability to make any learning program both fun and effective. She holds an Honours degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Windsor and a graduate certificate in Autism and Behaviour Science (ABS) from St. Clair College. Ashlynn went on to earn her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2022.
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With over eight years of experience in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis, Ashlynn has worked across both private and publicly funded children’s treatment centres. While her skill set spans a wide range of age groups, she is especially passionate about supporting school-aged children and teenagers. Ashlynn is deeply committed to empowering families and helping them achieve meaningful goals through compassionate, evidence-based support.
​Sarah is an enthusiastic and charismatic professional with a deep passion for educating others about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and supporting exceptional individuals. Her journey in this field began in 2010, volunteering with various organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.
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In 2018, Sarah earned a double major in Disability Studies and Psychology from the University of Windsor. She further advanced her expertise by completing a Master’s degree in Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Brock University in 2020. With several years of clinical experience, Sarah possesses extensive knowledge of both the practical and technical aspects of behavior analysis. Her hard work and commitment lead to her achieving her BCBA certification in December 2021.
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Sarah’s vibrant and playful personality, combined with her love for Disney, Marvel, and anime, makes her diverse in connecting with all the individuals she supports at any age. She showcases exceptional creativity in program development and excels in designing non-traditional teaching methods tailored to each child’s unique learning style. Her passion for Trauma-Informed Care drives her to create interventions that are compassionate, respectful, and sensitive to individual experiences.
Sarah
Clinical Supervisor
(BCBA/RBA)
Jada
Instructor Therapist
Jada has a bubbly, caring and outgoing personality. Continuous improvement in her skills and developing a healthy and strong rapport with her clients are most important to her. She prides herself on being patient and believes that her strengths lie in working with children and their families to support them in achieving their goals.
Jada has earned a college diploma in Child Youth Care and a degree in Disability Studies. She has developed a broad range of experience while working in homes, community centers, and schools with children and teens with developmental disabilities.
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Outside of work, you can find Jada at the gym taking part in weight lifting and yoga. She also enjoys spending time with her family, trying new foods, shopping, and watching movies.
Svetlana Popovic is a bubbly problem solver who has a way with communication. She incorporates research into practice daily and excels in one-on-one instruction, group instruction with peers, parent/teacher/clinician training, community collaboration, and teamwork.
Svetlana holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of Windsor and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst as of 2023. Prior to this, she earned a Master's in Education, a Bachelor of Education (OCT Certified), and a Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, all from the University of Windsor.
She is also the only Level 5 Clinical Trainer/Clinician in Pivotal Response Treatment in Ontario, and the 5th certified in Canada.
Her main interests have always been in increasing independence in skills and functional communication; she strives to cultivate these crucial, fundamental skills in all of her learners.
Svetlana PhD
Clinical Supervisor
(BCBA/RBA)
Oz
Instructor Therapist
Oz Alpas has a cheerful and empathetic personality with a passion for teaching, supporting and advocating for children and adults on the autism spectrum. After graduating from the University of Windsor with a degree in Honours Psychology, Oz attended St. Clair College, where she received her graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural science.
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Oz strives to build genuine connections with each of her learners and the families that she supports. Oz believes that establishing a trusting and safe rapport with her clients is crucial for positive and enjoyable learning to take place. Using a mixture of creativity, motivation, and play is Oz’s favourite way to teach. This is a method called Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and allows Oz to teach learning goals in a fun, natural and functional way.
Having experience working in centre, home and community-based settings, Oz is a dedicated and hardworking Instructor Therapist who finds genuine happiness in watching her clients grow and learn.
Syd has been working in the field for over 8 years and has been with VBS since 2021. Syd has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and started her career working with children in schools and daycares. After taking the Autism and Behavioural Science program, Syd has learned that her passion lies in nurturing each child’s individual skills and finding ways to meet learning goals in creative, fun ways!
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In her time at VBS, Syd has found a passion for staff and parent training, travelling to homes, schools, daycares, and more to show caretakers how to create a fun and effective learning environment.
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In her spare time, Syd loves working in the garden, playing guitar, and hanging out with her golden retriever, Lou. Syd’s favourite place in the world is Nova Scotia (where her nephew lives) and she loves the smell of campfires.
Sydney
Lead Instructor Therapist
Rose
Instructor Therapist
Rose earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Guelph-Humber and went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Wayne State University.
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She entered the field of ABA with a strong passion for making meaningful, positive impacts in the lives of individuals and their families. Known for her outgoing, optimistic, and creative nature, Rose strives to make every session engaging and enjoyable for the client she works with.
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Outside of her professional life, Rose enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, and relaxing with her beloved husky, KG—named after basketball legend Kevin Garnett.
Mensiha is an optimistic individual whose greatest passion is caring, teaching and supporting children as well as learning. She holds a degree in Honours Developmental Psychology with Theses from the University of Windsor, a graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from St. Clair College and a Level 1: PRT training certificate from Stanford University. She has 10 years of experience working with children with ASD as an Instructor Therapist, both in IBI and PRT settings, and as a respite worker. Mensiha enjoys working with individuals of all ages, however, she prefers to work with preschool-age children where she can truly express her love of teaching and own "child-happy" personality through play, singing, dancing and imitation of sounds and motions of animals and objects.
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In her free time, she loves to read, write, journal, craft, draw, paint, listen to music, tend to her indoor houseplant jungle and spend time with her cats and her three adult children watching movies, cooking or going on mini outdoor adventures. Every day is an opportunity to learn and experience something new, we should embrace every moment of it.
Mensiha
Instructor Therapist (PRT)
Tatum
Instructor Therapist
Tatum graduated from the University of Windsor in 2023, earning a bachelor's degree in honours psychology. Her background in psychology inspired Tatum to dream of making a difference in others’ lives, especially children. VBS has allowed Tatum to achieve this dream and continue to strive to do so.
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Tatum brings her optimistic, creative, and bubbly personality to work every day, making every learning experience fun!
Outside of work, Tatum enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her fur baby, Roush.
Diljot graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and Psychology and has a background in education, youth programming, and administration. She has worked with children in both teaching and program facilitation, supporting their growth, adjustment, and confidence in a variety of settings. She is dedicated to fostering positive connections and creating environments where children feel encouraged and supported to reach their potential. Diljot is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she works with.
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Outside of work, Diljot enjoys going to the gym, grabbing coffee, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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Diljot
Instructor Therapist
Daniel
Instructor Therapist
Daniel has been working with children of all ages and abilities as a gymnastics coach for 8 years. After graduating from the Human Kinetics and Honours Psychology programs from the University of Windsor, Daniel wanted to work in the psychology field, specializing in helping children and found his way to VBS. As a coach with a fresh knowledge of psychological principles and techniques, Daniel aims to help clients achieve their unique potential and fulfill their ultimate goals! With his energetic personality and kindness towards others, Daniel is sure to fit right in!
Outside of VBS, Daniel is a professional gymnast, avid video game player, and frequent gym-goer with a passion for fitness.
Mayna has an enthusiastic and friendly personality, coupled with a passion for making learning enjoyable and engaging. She brings diverse experience working with individuals of all ages, including roles as a support worker for children with autism and as a recreational aide in long-term care settings. Through these experiences, Mayna has discovered the joy of identifying each person's interests and tailoring activities to foster growth and connection.
Holding an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Disability Studies from the University of Windsor, Mayna is eager to continue her learning journey in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She has a particular interest in Pivotal Response Training and looks forward to helping children achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Mayna enjoys exploring creative hobbies such as gel nails, LEGO, and pottery. She also has a special fondness for dogs with cat-like personalities.
Mayna
Instructor Therapist
Liz
Administrative Assistant
Liz brings a diverse range of experiences, shaped by her dedication to volunteer work and her passion for making a positive impact. Through her efforts, she has not only supported those in need but has also developed valuable skills along the way. Known for her bubbly and friendly personality, Liz is excited to connect with others and embrace new opportunities to create meaningful experiences.
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In her role as Administrative Assistant, Liz looks forward to building strong relationships, collaborating with the team, and providing thoughtful care and support to the families we serve. She’s eager to grow both personally and professionally as part of the VBS community.
When she’s not at work, Liz enjoys spending time with her family, indulging in TV shows and movies, diving into video games, and exploring nature through hiking and camping.
Trinity is a compassionate and caring individual who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Windsor. She also completed the Early Childhood Education program at St. Clair College. She is a certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and is also accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
With over five years of hands-on experience, Trinity has supported children and adults with disabilities in various settings. She has worked as an Early Childhood Educator and Program Support staff, providing tailored assistance to children with diverse needs. Additionally, she is part of the Community Living team, offering direct support to adults with developmental disabilities in community-based environments.
Outside of her professional life, Trinity enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé, their two dogs, and two cats. They are currently busy renovating an investment property, rebuilding a camper van, and planning their wedding. She places a high value on spending quality time with friends and family, recognizing that a strong support system is an essential element for achieving success.
Trinity