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!

Peggy

Clinical Director (BCBA)

Peggy (aka Margaret) has always had a passion for helping children succeed! Since 2007, she has gained extensive experience working with children/youth ages 1-22 with varying needs and developmental levels, with a primary focus on working with children/youth with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In 2007 Peggy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, as well as her Early Childhood Education Diploma from St. Clair College! In 2014, Peggy completed her Master of Education from Arizona State University and passed the Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) exam. What she describes as a pivotal moment in her career.

Early in her career she learned the benefits of parent training and parent-mediated training using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis to implement behaviour change programs. She has a passion for parent training and teaching others because she knows that parents are the experts when it comes to their children.

Peggy also works as a part-time instructor for the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at St. Clair College, is a member of the Board of Directors for Autism Services Inc (ASI) and is an Approved Provider for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

Natalie has gained a diverse skillset over the past 25 years working in social service-based organizations. She supports families and children with a playful and family-focused approach.

In 2006, Natalie began work for a provincially funded provider in what is now referred to as the Ontario Autism Program. This is where she developed a passion for the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Over the years, she held positions in direct clinical service, developmental programming, consulting, as management.

Her connection to families and children focuses on a personal philosophy of “get outside and have new experiences." Ultimately, it’s about being joyful, life-long learning and having an opportunity to be a contributing part of your community.

Natalie

Care Manager

Kaity

Administrative Assistant

Kaity, our administrative assistant, brings extensive experience and is a certified member of our joint health and safety committee. Known for her meticulous planning, scheduling, and organizational skills, she ensures smooth operations in any environment, especially at VBS.

When she is not working, she is a proud mom to her 4 sons and 2 dogs. Her commitment to our VBS team/ families and her love for her own family, define her both professionally and personally.

Sarah has a bubbly, outgoing personality, with a passion for applied behaviour analysis and supporting exceptional individuals.

This passion began in 2010 when she spent much of her time volunteering with various organizations that support individuals with disabilities.

Sarah graduated from the University of Windsor in 2018 with a double major in Disability Studies and Psychology; then graduated from Brock University in 2020 with a Master's degree in Disability Studies with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Practicing clinically for 4 years, Sarah has extensive knowledge of practical and technical aspects of behaviour analysis. In December 2021, Sarah successfully completed her BCBA certification.

Given her goofy personality and love for Disney and Marvel movies, Sarah thrives on supporting preschool-aged children. She shows creativity in her program writing style and benefits individuals who learn best through non-traditional teaching methods. Sarah is a supportive and hardworking individual who exhibits remarkable dedication toward her team and clients.

Sarah

Clinical Supervisor (BCBA)

Ashlynn

Clinical Supervisor (BCBA)

Ashlynn Boutros is energetic and has the ability to make any learning program fun and functional. Graduating from the University of Windsor with a degree in Honours Developmental Psychology, she then attended St. Clair College where she received her graduate certificate in Autism and Behaviour Science (ABS). She then completed her Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Arizona State University and successfully achieved her Board Certified Behaviour Analyst certification in 2022.

Ashlynn has over 5 years of experience working in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has worked in private and publically funded children’s treatment centres, as well as in clients’ homes. She has mentored multiple students from St. Clair College pursuing their ABS graduate certificates. Ashlynn has experience working and teaching groups of students ranging from toddlers to adults. She uses her love for play and teaching to create a balanced learning environment. She is dedicated to the field of Autism and finds satisfaction in watching her clients use all the skills they have learned.

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. She is currently finalizing her BCBA coursework at the University of California Santa Barbara

Svetlana recently obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of Windsor. 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, with being 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.

Dr. Svetlana

Clinical Supervisor (BCBA)

Jada

Behaviour Therapist

Jada has a bubbly, outgoing personality with a lot of knowledge in the field of ABA. 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 lies 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 will soon graduate with a degree in Disability Studies this Spring. Since she was young she has always had a passion for working with children and has developed a broad range of experience while working in homes, community centers, and schools with children and teens with developmental disabilities.

Outside of work, you can find Jada at the gym taking part in weight lifting, yoga, mobility training, and flexibility. She also enjoys spending time with her family, trying new foods, shopping, watching thrillers.

Sydney Mardling (or Syd) is warm, goofy, and loves bringing music into her sessions to increase the fun and engagement. Syd has a certificate in Early Childhood Education and a background in teaching in various preschool and toddler classrooms in her hometown, Chatham.

Her experience made her eager to continue her education so that she could help more children which led her to pursue a graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science at St. Clair College.

She loves her career as a behaviour therapist, gaining experience in schools, clinical, and home settings for the last 3 and a half years.

Outside of work, Syd loves hanging with her family and her SUPER CUTE Golden Retriever/roommate, Beau.

Sydney

Behaviour 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.

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 behaviour therapist who finds genuine happiness in watching her clients grow and learn.

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 7 years of experience working with children with ASD as a behaviour 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 I can truly express my love of teaching and my "child-happy" personality through play, singing, dancing and imitation of sounds and motions of animals and objects.

In her free time, she loves to read, write, journal, craft, draw, paint, listen to music, tend to my indoor houseplant jungle and spend time with my cat and my three teenage children watching movies, cooking or going on mini outdoor adventures. Every day is a learning day, enjoy every moment of it.

Mensiha

Behaviour Therapist (PRT)

Rose

Behaviour Therapist (RBT)

Rose graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies.

With over six years of experience in the field of early childhood education, she has gained important skills while working with a broad range of children in different age groups.

Rose entered the field of ABA with the desire to make positive impacts on all children and their families.
She is pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Wayne State University.

With her ongoing education in the ABA program, she looks forward to continuing to support children
and families in need.

Rose is an outgoing, optimistic, and creative person who loves to keep sessions fun for children to be
engaged.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and hanging out with
my husky pup KG (named after the basketball player – Kevin Garnett!).

Mira graduated from the University of Windsor and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology in 2020. From a young age, she knew I wanted to work alongside children. She is currently pursuing a Child Life Specialist Certificate program with American Public University (virtually). With her ongoing education in the Child Life Specialist Certificate, she's eager to learn more and be able to continue her education to help children of all ages cope with stress and uncertainty through developmentally appropriate interventions.

She looks forward to furthering her education at VBS and making a positive difference in the lives of both the children that she works with and their families.

For the past year, I have been providing ABA therapy in a centre for preschool-aged children. Outside of work, you can find me with my two dogs, at the gym, or spending time with my fiancée and our family.

Mira

Behaviour Therapist

Jenna

Behaviour Therapist

Jenna has worked in the field of developmental services for 12 years. She has worked in various settings including education, community , treatment foster homes, and was a supervisor for Autism Services Inc. for many years.

She studied Developmental Service Work in college before going on to do her Bachelors in Disability Studies and Psychology. Currently, she is continuing to expand her knowledge in the Autism and ABA world, taking the Autism and Behaviour Science Program.

She has is a very caring, fun, and patient individual who brings so much experience to her new role as an ABA therapist. In her spare time, Jenna loves nothing more than long walks with her adorable dogs and a good snuggle session afterwards!

Halley is energetic, goofy and loves using her creativity to problem-solve. She has been working with individuals with Autism for more than 5 years. She has proudly achieved a certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science and a Bachelor's degree in disability studies and psychology.

She is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Outside of work, Halley loves DIY projects that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Halley

Behaviour Therapist

Tatum

Behaviour Therapist

Tatum graduated from the University of Windsor and earned a degree in Honours Psychology in 2023. With a background in Psychology, all she knew was that she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and with her positive attitude and bubbly personality, she knew she wanted to do so while working with children.

Tatum is excited about her journey with VBS and ready to continue learning and gaining experience.

During her free time, Tatum enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing baseball, cooking new recipes, travelling, and watching her all-time favourite show
F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Thomas has been dedicated to supporting individuals in various capacities since 2001, with a particular focus on working with children with autism. His journey began in the healthcare field, where he discovered his passion for working 1-on-1 with clients and their families. Thomas finds immense fulfillment in witnessing his clients achieve their goals and takes joy in celebrating their successes alongside them.

Known for his compassionate and warm demeanour, Thomas is deeply committed to recognizing the potential within each person he encounters. He excels in helping individuals identify and embrace their unique strengths.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Thomas finds enjoyment working on his car, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with his beloved dog, Cocoa.

Thomas