Meet The VBS Team

Peggy (aka Margaret) has always had a passion for helping children succeed and offers over 14 years of experience in the autism field. She has 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).

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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. 

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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.

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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). 

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.

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Paige Bowers collectively has over 10 years of experience working with children and youth of exceptionalities and is currently working towards a Masters Degree in Special Education (Applied Behaviour Analysis), with additional education in Psychology, and Early Childhood Education.

 

Paige has a creative mind, and continuously finds unique ways to utilize her skill strengths. She is a chameleon of sorts and has a unique ability to adapt to any individual's demeanour and personality while demonstrating easy, natural ways of communicating with clients. Paige believes that using the principles of ABA can go beyond children and autism, and utilizes these principles in more diverse settings. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and guides clients to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease challenging behaviours, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. With additional training in sleep intervention, she is able to help guide others out of what seems to be impossible situations, while providing a safe and strategic approach to work through sleep difficulties. Paige focuses on a collaborative, strengths-based approach; assisting and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives.

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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.

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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 enrolling with advanced standing at the University of California Santa Barbara to finalize coursework for her BCBA licensure. 

 

Svetlana is also in pursuit of finalizing her Doctorate in Education from the University of Windsor. Prior to this, she has obtained a Master's in Education, 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.

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Haven has 2 years of experience in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis and early intervention. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, graduating with honours from Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (virtually) through Capilano University in Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Beyond her work as an ECE and Behaviour Therapist, Haven has also gained experience working in Australia as an Au Pair. She loved her experience and hopes to continue to travel the world! When she isn’t working, Haven can be found outside on the field playing Australian Rules Football for Ottawa Swans (most similarly compared to rugby!), or volunteering in her community!

 

Haven is also Miss Canada East Role Model 2022, and has been competing in pageants since she was 13 years old! Being on stage and playing sports has really helped her gain confidence and helped her gain the tools to be the best behaviour therapist that she can be!

 

A fun fact about Haven is that she absolutely LOVES Disney! She has been to Disney World and would happily go again!

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.

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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.

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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.

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Oz Alpas has an outgoing personality with a passion for teaching, supporting and advocating for children. 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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With over 6 years of experience in the field of ABA, Oz has worked in centre, home and community-based settings. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages but particularly loves teaching the younger preschool age group. Oz teaches using a mixture of creativity, motivation and play. She is a dedicated and hardworking therapist who finds genuine happiness in watching her clients grow and learn.

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Tim has an energetic personality; he brings creativity and fun to his sessions, and has an immense passion to work with kids. He graduated from Bangalore University with a double major in Speech-language pathology and Audiology in 2019. He then went on to finish his graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science at St. Clair College in 2020. 

Tim has experience in providing effective intervention in both clinical-based and home-based
settings. He has worked in various clinical centres in Canada as well as abroad. He is a team player and a hardworking individual who is dedicated to bring positive changes in children’s lives.

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Kaity is a proud mom to 2 sons, a bonus mom to 2 stepsons, and a dog mom. She is fluent in both English and French and we're excited to bring bilingual service to our families in 2022!

 

On weekends you can find Kaity cheering on her sons at the arena, or relaxing at home cleaning, organizing or binge-watching Netflix!

She says, "I am so excited to begin my career with VBS", and we couldn't be more excited to have her!

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Charlene has an energetic and bubbly personality. She uses these traits to provide a fun and creative environment during sessions.

 

She has a degree in Psychology from The King’s University in Alberta, and, has worked with children with developmental disabilities for a few years. In the last year she has worked predominantly in providing ABA therapy in clinical and home-based settings. 

 

She aims to make a positive impact, whether big or small, within this community. 

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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. 

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Vanessa Tolley is an enthusiastic and empathetic Behaviour Therapist and a Mom with a passion for music, autumn, the holidays, Autism advocacy, and the scientific approaches that revolve around teaching and raising children.

 

After graduating from the University of Windsor, with a Bachelors's degree in Psychology, she obtained a certificate from the Autism and Behavioural Science program from St. Clair College. Vanessa enjoys working with preschool-aged children best because that is where she has gained the most experience.

 

However, she enjoys learning and growing with her clients of all ages. Vanessa has over 6 years of experience in the field of ABA/IBI, and teaches lessons that are silly, creative and fun to keep her learners engaged.

 

A fun fact about Vanessa is she dislikes pineapples immensely and loves colouring and solving

Sudoku puzzles.

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 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! 

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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. " 

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.

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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.