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Meet Our Team

Meet ABI’s Founder and Clinical Director Lisa Israel, Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Lisa, a Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, has been passionate about working with children and youth, and adults for over 30 years. Believing that all therapy begins at the place where the values of joy, engagement and mutual respect meet, Lisa has built ABI’s student and professional culture with this vision in mind.  As the Founder of the oldest in-home and community provider of ABA in the province of Ontario, she takes pride in ABI being recognised as an industry Leader in providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Lisa has had the privilege of helping to create the Inclusion Program at the Schwartz Reisman Center.  This unique program has helped to provide recreational programs for children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders all across the GTA. Additionally, Lisa has taught at the college level and authored a manual for coaching and training parents using the principles of ABA. Lisa continues to enjoy providing consultation on school advocacy, human rights for persons with disabilities and front-line care at ABI.  

“I’m proud of what we have created at ABI. Therapists with decades of experience working with joy, students who are happy to see us and families who love us.  Our greatest compliment is that many of the families and students we have served, continue to keep us in their lives long after therapy ends.  This is testament to the meaningful connections we have established. There is a difference at ABI”. Lisa Israel, Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, and Founder and CEO, Applied Behavioural Interventions.

Our Team

Anastasiya Potapovych, MADS, BCBA

MADS, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Yael Stern, MA BCBA

MA, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Nicky Praseuth, RBT

Senior Therapist


Ashley Cohen, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist


Ashley Lecce, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist

Sarah Gopie, MADS, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist

Karen Yoffee, RBT

Lead Therapist

Courtney Baker

Lead Therapist

Precious Joy Caro

Lead Therapist


Shubatha Devamanoharan, RBT

Instructor Therapist

Gillian Athaide, MADS

Lead Therapist

Wan-yun Chang

Lead Therapist

LeiLei Yan

Senior Therapist

Anna Tikhonova, MADS

Instructor Therapist

Aida Abbasi

Instructor Therapist

Our Team

Click on each team members card to dive deeper into their expertise, background, and dedication to providing exceptional ABA therapy services.

Anastasiya Potapovych, MADS, BCBA

Master Clinical Consultant

Yael Stern Gelman, BA, MA, RBA (ONT.) BCBA

Master Clinical Consultant

Nicky Praseuth, ECE, BCD, RBT (f.)

Master Clinical Consultant.

Ashley Cohen, BA, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress)

Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Ashley Lecce, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress)

Lead Intervention Specialist

Sarah Gopie, MADS

Lead Intervention Specialist

Courtney Baker, M.A. (ASD)

Lead Intervention Specialist

Precious Joy Caro, MSc., (ABA in progress)

Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Gillian Athaide, MADS

Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Wan(-yun) Chang, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist

Lead Intervention Specialist

Xiaoli (LeiLei) Yan, BSc., BS (dip), MS (ABA)

Senior Lead intervention Specialist

Karen Yoffe, BA, SSW (dip), RBT (f.)

Senior Lead Intervention Specialist

Anna Tikhonova, MADS, BCBA

Lead Therapist

Aida Abbasi, BSc (Hons)

Instructor Therapist

Alessia Zappia, B.A., Therapeutic Respite Worker,

Instructor Therapist

Caileigh Macdonald, MPEd (ABA), BA Hons. (Speech and Language Sciences), DECE

Senior Lead Intervention Specialist

Liz / Elizabete B.A. CHYS, UCSB (cert.), BCaBA (f.)

Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Sheri Benayon, Fitness Coach & Personal Trainer, Life Coach, ECE

ABI's Fitness Coach and Personal trainer

Sahar Omed, BBS (Bachelor of Behaviour Science)

Lead Intervention Specialist

Katie Kadonoff, BFA, B.Ed, OCT

ABI Tutor & ABI Art Therapist

Callie Routbard, B.A. (Honours), RBT (f.),

Lead Intervention Specialist

Contact Us Today

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Anastasiya Potapovych

MADS, BCBA, Master Clinical Consultant

Ana has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 13 years.

Ana is a skilled clinician specializing in supporting children and families through practical, evidence-based strategies. Her expertise spans toilet training, parent coaching and training, program design, and therapist coaching. She also provides mediator training and focuses on enhancing executive functioning and teaching emotional regulation using Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). 

With a compassionate and collaborative approach, Ana empowers families, therapists, and educators to build effective programs, foster independence, and create meaningful, lasting change. Ana has been a valued member of the ABI family for 15 years. 

Education: Ana has her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto as well as her Masters of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. Ana attained her BCBA certification in 2018.

Interests: Ana enjoys training, hiking, travelling, reading and doing anything active!

Personal Quote:
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Yael Stern Gelman

BA, MA, RBA (ONT.) BCBA, Master Clinical Consultant

Yael has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 23 years.

Yael is an expert clinician with a wide range of specialties, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Training (ACTr), sex education, and the treatment of severe problem behaviours across the lifespan. She provides parent coaching and training, consults with schools, and supports young children in key developmental areas such as toilet training, early communication, and the use of augmentative communication. 

Yael has a particular focus on children under 2.5 years and is renowned for her work successfully treating severe problem behaviours that have previously been considered ‘untreatable.’ She brings extensive experience working with children and young adults with diverse diagnoses and unique needs, combining compassion, innovation, and evidence-based practices to achieve meaningful outcomes. Yael has been a valued member of the ABI family for 23 years. 

Education: Yael has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in psychology and has a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst in 2012. Additionally, Yael is a Registered Behaviour Analyst.

Interests: Yael is interested in mindfulness and meditation, animals, nature, and her family.

Personal Quote:
“I look at each client as an individual and offer them dignity, respect and the highest level of care. My clients mean the world to me, and I am honoured when I am given the task of helping someone reach their highest potential.”

Nicky Praseuth

ECE, BCD, RBT (f.), Master Clinical Consultant

Nicky has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 14 years.

Nicky is a highly skilled clinician specializing in social skills development and severe problem behaviour intervention. She is a PEERS®-accredited facilitator for Applied Behavioural Interventions (ABI) with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Training (ACTr). Her areas of focus additionally includes parent coaching and training, food selectivity, cooperation and tolerance training, executive functioning skills, mindfulness, school readiness, daily living skills, trichotillomania, sexually-based problem behaviour and self-management strategies. Nicky has been a valued member of the ABI family for 14 years. 

Education: Nicky has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Child Development and is a former Registered Behaviour Technician. She continues to expand on her knowledge and skills through professional development conferences. Nicky is a certified PEERS® instructor, teaching social skills for adolescents. Her technique is to teach skills that are ecologically valid using a hands-on, interactive, and collaborative approach.

Interests: Nicky’s interests include baking, cooking, hiking, and traveling.

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to lead with empathy and compassion and to integrate each student’s strengths to set them up for success.”

Ashley Cohen,

BA, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress), Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Ashley has been with ABI for 12 years.

Ashley is a dedicated clinician specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Training (ACTr) and comprehensive support for children and adolescents. Her expertise spans toilet training, social skills (both individual and group settings), academic readiness, language and communication development, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and the treatment of interfering behaviours. She also provides support for food selectivity, and helps children prepare for everyday activities such as haircuts, dental visits, and similar routines. Ashley has been a valued member of the ABI family for 12 years. 

Education: Ashley has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters’ in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Ashley has attained her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Interests: Yoga, Singing, Nature, Art

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to partner with my students gently and with compassion and care for their whole being.”

Ashley Lecce

Ashley Lecce, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress). Lead Intervention Specialist 

Ashley has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 10 years.

Ashley specializes in teaching self-regulation, language and communication, functional communication, self-care skills, and parent coaching and training. Ana has been a valued member of the ABI family for 15 years. 

Ashley combines her strong academic foundation with years of hands-on experience to help children and families build essential life skills, increase independence, and strengthen communication and connection. Ashley has been a valued member of the ABI family for 10 years. 

Education: Ashley has her Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber. She has completed a Post-Graduate Certificate Program specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis & Positive Behaviour Supports from Humber College and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University. Ashley has obtained her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Interests: In Ashley’s spare time she enjoys listening to music, hiking, painting, and being with family and friends.

Personal Quote:
“I approach each client as a unique individual, understanding their strengths, embracing their challenges, and creating an environment that fosters acceptance, patience, and tailored support. Through adaptability and empathy, we can unlock potential and pave the way for meaningful progress.”

Sarah Gopie

MADS, Lead Intervention Specialist

Sarah has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 7 years.

Sarah is a dedicated clinician with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr) and early childhood development. Her specialties include toilet training, social skills instruction (both 1:1 and in group settings), academic readiness, and the treatment of interfering behaviours. She is skilled in teaching language and communication, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), as well as supporting children with food selectivity and preparation for everyday experiences such as haircuts and dental visits. 

Sarah combines evidence-based practice with warmth and creativity, helping children and families build independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Sarah has been a valued member of the ABI family for 8 years. 

Education: Sarah has completed her Masters of Applied Disability Studies specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University.

Interests: Sarah’s interests include reading, arts and crafts, balloon décor, fishing, and camping.

Personal Quote:
“Sessions should be run with patience and compassion. My goal is to ensure that my students don’t want me to leave and then I know I have made my mark.”

Courtney Baker

BA. Psych, Ma. ASD, Lead Intervention Specialist

Courtney has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 4 years.

Courtney is a compassionate and creative clinician with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Her specialties include toilet training, CANVAS ABA–Art Therapy, social and emotional learning and regulation, social skills development, and community safety training. She has extensive experience supporting school integration, teaching AAC communication, implementing skill-based treatment (SBT), and addressing severe challenging behaviours. 

Courtney combines evidence-based practice with empathy and artistry, helping individuals build confidence, self-regulation, and meaningful connections across home, school, and community environments. Courtney has been a valued member of the ABI family for 6 years. 

Education: Courtney has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has also completed training in Mental Health and Autism and Dr. Hanley’s Skill-Based Training.

Interests: Courtney enjoys travelling, reading, watching the Blue Jays, spending time with friends and family, coffee! And Cats!

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to establish a strong relationship and connection with students. I believe that if we have a strong rapport, our working relationship will yield better results. By establishing measured and attainable goals with parents and students, I believe we can work to achieve those as a team and provide the best possible learning environment.”

Precious Joy Caro

MSc., (in ABA in progress), Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Precious Joy Caro, Senior Therapist, has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 4 years.

Precious is a highly skilled and compassionate clinician with extensive experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Her areas of expertise include communication and language development, self-regulation, school and high school readiness, executive functioning, and academic skill building and school integration. She has a proven track record of success in the treatment of severe and complex behaviours, including behaviours of a sexual nature, as well as the implementation of skill-based treatment approaches. 

Precious also provides parent training and coaching, empowering families with practical tools and strategies to support meaningful progress at home and in the community. She brings professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to helping each learner achieve lasting growth and independence. Precious has been a valued member of the ABI family for 5 years. 

Education: Precious has her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis from St. Cloud State University.

Interests: Precious is extremely fond of dogs, loves to play piano, read, paint, play tennis and is passionate about animal rescue.

Personal Quote:
“To me, it’s really important to make sure that each student feels safe and supported. That means focusing on their physical and emotional well-being, helping them build their skills and confidence, and creating a space where they feel comfortable participating without fear of judgment. I truly believe that starting with positivity and joy can set the tone for a successful and peaceful learning experience.”

Gillian Athaide

MADS, Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Gillian has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 7 years.

Gillian is a dedicated clinician who combines Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr) with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support children and their families. She specializes in teaching augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, providing parent coaching, and guiding caregivers in navigating internal thoughts to take meaningful, goal-aligned actions. 

Gillian excels at setting up collaborative systems that empower parents to confidently teach and support their children. She provides instruction in daily living skills such as brushing teeth, dressing, and toilet training, and has extensive experience addressing severe challenging behaviours. Gillian also designs individualized IEP goals and works directly in schools to teach these skills, ensuring successful transfer to teachers and staff. Through strong collaboration with families and schools, she helps children build independence, resilience, and confidence. Gillian has been a valued member of the ABI family for 7 years. 

Education: Gillian has attained her Master’s Degree in Applied Disability Studies specializing in Applied Behavioural Analysis and is working toward her RBA (Ont.) and BCBA certification.

Interests: Gillian’s interests include trying new recipes, experimenting with art, and carrying out a healthy lifestyle through sports and exercise.

Personal Quote:
“I believe in empowering my students and parents by individualizing teaching using strategies that are in line with each learning style so that all can execute decisions confidently and reach their full potential.”

Wan(-yun) Chang

Registered Psychotherapist, MACP (in progress), Lead Intervention Specialist

Wan-yun has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for nearly 4 years.

 
Wan-yun is a skilled and innovative clinician who integrates CANVAS ABA–Art Therapy with evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and psychotherapeutic practices. Her expertise includes developing independent activity schedules, self-management training, and designing creative ABA programs that engage learners while promoting skill acquisition.  

She is proficient in teaching generalization skills to ensure that children can apply what they learn across home, school, and community settings. Fluent in Mandarin, Wan-yun is also able to provide culturally responsive support to Mandarin-speaking families. She brings creativity, collaboration, and a thoughtful approach to helping children build independence, confidence, and meaningful skills. Wan-yun has been a valued member of the ABI family for 4 years. 

Education: Wan has a Bachelor of Arts form the University of Waterloo with a minor in Fine Arts, she has completed Behavioural Sciences coursework at Seneca College and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University.

Interests: Wan-yun’s interests include cooking visual arts (drawing, modelling and painting), dancing, movie enthusiast and loves dogs and cats.

Personal Quote:
“My approach focuses on empathetic, mindful interventions; I believe in harnessing each individual’s unique strengths and interests, empowering and guiding clients and their family on their journey of growth and discovery.”

Xiaoli (LeiLei) Yan

Yan, BSc, BS(dip), MS (ABA), Senior Lead intervention Specialist

Lei Lei has been with Applied Behavior Interventions for two years.

LeiLei is a compassionate and skilled clinician with experience supporting children and adolescents with a range of exceptionalities, including Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Dual Diagnosis (DD). Her expertise includes treating interfering behaviours, implementing skill-based treatment (SBT), and teaching activities of daily living such as independent living skills and addressing food selectivity. 

LeiLei also focuses on executive functioning, high school support, and promoting independence across home, school, and community settings. She brings a thoughtful, individualized approach, helping children and teens build confidence, practical skills, and the foundations for meaningful participation in daily life. LeiLei has been a valued member of the ABI family for 4 years. 

Education: LeiLei has a Master of Science in Psychology degree specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Purdue Global University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Behaviorual Science Diploma from St. Lawrence College.

Interests: LeiLei is an animal lover and enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling, reading, and going the gym in her spare time.

Personal Quote:
“Everything we have been in the habit of calling an ‘instinct’ today is a result largely of training—belonging to man’s learned behaviour” by John B.Watson

Karen Yoffe

BA, SSW (dip), RBT (f.), Senior Lead Intervention Specialist

Karen has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 10 years.

Karen is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Her areas of focus include toilet training, teaching essential activities of daily living, and supporting the development of executive functioning skills. She is also skilled in promoting high school readiness and support, safety skills, and sex education in a developmentally appropriate and evidence-based manner. 

Karen is deeply committed to client advocacy and works collaboratively with families to create supportive, goal-driven environments where each learner can thrive. She brings warmth, professionalism, and a strong belief in empowering individuals to build independence, self-awareness, and confidence across all areas of life. Karen has been a valued member of the ABI family for 10 years. 

Education: Karen has her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University and a diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca College. She has also attained her Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification.

Interests: Karen loves to read, crochet, and do puzzles.

Personal Quote:
“My goal is to help children build meaningful relationships through communication, empathy, and connection with others.”

Anna Tikhonova

MADS, BCBA, Lead Therapist

Ana has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 3 year and has been an ABA therapist for 7 years.

Anna’s specialties include: direct skill assessments using ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, and AFLS protocols, designing systems for promoting teaching, teaching functional communication and utilizing verbal speech and alternative/augmentative methods such as picture-based systems and speech-generating devices, ACT, discrete trial teaching and naturalist teaching, teaching self-help and adaptive skills within home and community environments, creating highly personalised teaching goals for complex daily living activities, and teaching social skills.

Education: Ana has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in psychology and has her Masters of Applied Disability Studies, with an ABA specialization and has a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.

Interests: Ana’s interests include camping, yoga, sight-seeing, dancing, reading, theatre, and dogs.

Personal Quote:
“I strive to learn more about my students’ strengths, so that I can align my teaching objectives and strategies with their preferences in learning and maximize their experience, knowledge, and skill development. My favourite ABA quote and my motto is: “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.” – O. Ivar Lovaas”

Aida Abbasi

BSc (Hons), Instructor Therapist

Aida has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 3 years.

Aida’s specialties include: teaching functional communication, supporting independence in various environments not limited to home, and working with medically fragile individuals.

Education: Aida has completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Toronto in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Psychology from the from Adler Graduate Professional School.

Interests: Aida’s interests include creating content on social media, existential philosophy, and stand-up comedy.

Personal Quote:
“Life is far too short to live with fear and insecurity. Life is too precious to be lived without love and creativity.”

Alessia Zappia

BA, RBT, Instructor Therapist & Respite Worker

Alessia has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for one year.

Alessia’s specialties include: supporting students in schools and facilitating integration, teaching executive functioning, teaching social skills within natural environments and in groups, teaching self-regulation and self-management systems and promoting recreational programs that bring joy to her students.

Education: Alessia has her Bachelor of Arts with an Honours Specialization in Psychology from The University of Western Ontario. Alessia has completed the RBT coursework from The Autism Partnership Foundation. Alessia is also working toward completing her MA and PhD in Clinical Child and School Psychology.

Interests: Alessia is interested in pursuing research on social skills and support for children and teens with developmental disorders. Alessia is also interested in art, yoga, and baking.

Personal Quote:
“It truly is a passion of mine to provide care and support for families within my community. It is an honour and a privilege to be where I am today, and I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Caileigh Macdonald

Cand. MPEd (ABA), BA Hons. (Speech and Language Sciences), DECE. Senior Lead Intervention Specialist

Caileigh has been with ABI for 4 years.

Caileigh is a dedicated and compassionate clinician who integrates Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr) with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support meaningful learning and growth. Her areas of expertise include early communication and language development, social skills instruction, executive functioning, and school and high school readiness. 

Caileigh also focuses on teaching safety skills and developmentally appropriate sex education to promote independence, confidence, and self-advocacy. She is known for her warm and engaging approach, helping each learner build essential life skills and supporting families in fostering lasting progress across home, school, and community settings. Caileigh has been a valued member of the ABI family for 4 years. 

Education: Caileigh has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Speech and Language Sciences, and is pursuing a Master of Professional Education with a focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is currently in supervised practice towards qualifying to write her exams in order to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst/Registered Behaviour Analyst. 

Interests: Caileigh is interested in reading, mindfulness, nature, music, and her family.

Personal Quote:
“Empowering growth, one small step at a time. Together, we achieve milestones that pave the path to success.”

Liz / Elizabete Tigeris

B.A. CHYS, UCSB (cert.), BCaBA (f.), Senior Lead Clinical Specialist

Liz has been with ABI for 2 years.

Liz is a compassionate and experienced clinician with expertise in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr). Her specialties include toilet training and food selectivity, social skills instruction in both group and 1:1 settings, emotional learning and regulation, executive functioning, and various language and communication training programs. She has extensive experience in treating severe challenging behaviours and providing parent coaching and training to support meaningful progress across environments. 

Liz holds additional certifications in special education for adolescents and adults with ASD who have aged out of school, and in Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions (NDBI). She is particularly skilled in supporting high school readiness and bridging the gap between structured learning and home life through targeted interventions for morning and evening routines. 

Known for her collaborative and practical approach, Liz helps families build consistency, independence, and confidence while fostering success across home, school, and community settings. Liz has been a valued member of the ABI family for over 1 year. 

Education: Liz/Elizabete has her Bachelors Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. Liz/Elizabete has also previously obtained her RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) and continued her education at the University of California, Santa Barbara to obtain a certificate in Assistant Behaviour Analysis. Liz/Elizabete completed her BCaBA (Board Certified assistant Behaviour Analyst) and is a former BCaBA. 

Interests: Being outdoors and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Liz/Elizabete is also huge sports fan as well as enjoys playing various sports. 

Personal Quote: 

“We are all different, but we all have that same spark that makes us light up.”

Sheri Benayon

Fitness Coach & Personal Trainer, Life Coach, ECE

Sheri has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 10 years.

Sheri brings over 25 years of experience working with children and youth as an educator and therapist, combining her background in early childhood education, personal training, and life coaching to create engaging and empowering fitness experiences. As part of ABI’s Fitness Program—an approved service through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)—Sheri blends fitness, movement, and functional skill development to support neurodivergent individuals of all ages in reaching their fullest potential. 

Sheri believes that fitness should be fun, motivating, and accessible for everyone. She customizes every plan to match each student’s interests and strengths, whether through personalized workout videos, creative in-person sessions, or gradual skill-building activities that help students participate in sports and recreational activities with confidence. 

Her infectious energy, creativity, and compassion make every session enjoyable and rewarding. Sheri loves watching her students discover their own strength, both physically and emotionally, as they build coordination, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. 

Sahar Omed

BBS (Bachelor of Behaviour Science), Lead Intervention Specialist

Sahar has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 1 year.

Sahar is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with experience supporting children, teens, and adults. Her specialties include life skills development, social and communication training, and community integration, and reducing challenging behaviours. Sahar is also PEERS® trained and is an active facilitator in ABI’s socials skills programs. 

She is skilled in both 1:1 and group-based instruction, and has experience supporting workplace readiness and transitional goals for adolescents and adults. Sahar is also proficient in conducting sessions for students to increase psychological flexibility through the use of ACT

Known for her patient and energetic approach, Sahar builds trusting relationships with families and clients alike. She brings warmth, collaboration, and creativity to every session, helping individuals achieve their goals and thrive across home, school, and community settings. Sahar began with the ABI family since 2025. 

Education: Sahar has a Bachelor of Behaviour Science. 

Personal Quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Katie Kadonoff

BFA, B.Ed, OCT

Katie has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 1 year.

Katie is a passionate and highly experienced educator and art therapist who brings over two decades of teaching experience to her work with neurodivergent children and youth. A member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the British Columbia College of Teachers, Katie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from York University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. She has continued her professional development through extensive training, including Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), IB PYP and MYP certifications, and specialized courses in the RULER Approach, YogaFit, and Group Fitness Instruction. As an ABI Tutor and ABI Art Therapist, Katie combines her deep background in education and the arts to design engaging, individualized programs that inspire creativity, connection, and confidence. She is known for her warm and encouraging presence, her ability to foster emotional regulation through art and movement, and her commitment to meeting each learner exactly where they are. 

Katie’s sessions blend evidence-based teaching strategies with creative expression, supporting students in developing communication, executive functioning, and self-regulation skills in ways that feel meaningful and fun. Whether she is helping a child explore emotions through art, supporting academic readiness, or building the bridge between learning and real-life experiences, Katie brings artistry, patience, and joy to every interaction.

Callie Routbard

B.A. (Honours), RBT (f.), Lead Intervention Specialist

Callie has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 1 year.

Callie is a compassionate and skilled clinician providing direct behavioural therapy to children and youth. Her specialties include skills-based treatment (SBT-HRE) both 1:1 and in classroom environments, early intervention, social and emotional skill development, functional behaviour assessment, and individualized behaviour intervention planning. 

She has extensive experience implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies across home, school, and clinical environments, using approaches such as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and play-based learning. Callie is also experienced with assessment tools including the PEAK, VB-MAPP, ABLLS, AFLS, and ESDM, and has worked with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) programs such as Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and GoTalk NOW. 

Known for her patient and collaborative approach, Callie is passionate about helping each child build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections across all areas of life. Callie has been a part of the ABI family for 1 year. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Honours in psychology

Personal Quote:
“With every small step, progress begins”