Our Team

Kavita is a Behaviour Analyst and the Clinical Director of Laurel Behaviour Support Services. Prior to joining Laurel, Kavita worked as a preschool teacher in an integrated state-run program in Atlanta, Georgia, where her primary focus was to create an inclusive learning environment. Kavita holds a master’s degree in social work from India (1993) and a master’s in special education from the University of British Columbia (2010). Since beginning with Laurel in 2004, she has supported families with children who have autism and other disabilities in home, school and community settings. Since 2012, she has been providing clinical supervision to team members and currently oversees the clinical development of the program and training across different regions. She is also a Certified Triple P® (Stepping Stones) Provider. Kavita is fluent in English and Hindi and has extensive experience working with children and adults from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in home settings and other residential facilities.

Anita is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Assistant Clinical Manager at Laurel Behaviour Support Services. She has worked closely with individuals who have autism and other intellectual disabilities since 1995. Anita earned her Bachelor of Science degree (psychology major, linguistics minor) from the University of British Columbia and holds a Master of Science degree (counselling with a concentration in advanced behaviour analysis) from Nova Southeastern University. During her years with Laurel, Anita has supported both children and adults in the community. Anita knows American Sign Language and has worked with the deaf and hard of hearing community. She is also a Certified Triple P^® (Stepping Stones) Provider.

Ateeq is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and currently works at Laurel as a behaviour consultant. Ateeq’s educational background includes a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto and an M.A. in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Brock University. Over the years, Ateeq has worked with children and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, etc.). Ateeq has extensive experience supporting individuals with complex behavioural challenges and providing ABA-based training to families, behaviour interventionists, and residential care teams. Ateeq’s aim is to promote ethical practices while making a socially significant impact in the lives of persons with special needs

Alysha has been a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services since 2015. She is originally from Ontario and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Alysha went on to complete an advanced certificate in Behaviour Science Technology (BST) from George Brown College in Toronto. She has worked in a staffed residence for adults with congenital deaf blindness and at an Intense Behavioural Intervention (IBI) centre for children and teens with autism. She completed a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Autism from The Sage Colleges in May 2016 and completed her board certification in February 2019. Alysha works in the North and South Okanagan regions, providing behaviour support to adults with intellectual disabilities. She is regularly involved in delivering workshops and training to parents and other service providers. Alysha is also a certified trainer for PEERS for Young Adults and facilitates groups focussing on teaching social skills in the region.

Sherry has been a Behaviour Consultant at Laurel since 2013 and has been working in the field of autism since 2011. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and a clinical supervisor at Laurel. Sherry has her Master of Special Education with a concentration in autism and developmental delays from the University of British Columbia. In 2014, she graduated with a post-baccalaureate diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis-autism from Capilano University. In 2010, she graduated with a degree in honours psychology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. She is fluent in both English and Farsi, and can provide services in Farsi upon request.

Srishti is a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. Srishti then pursued her post-baccalaureate in Applied Behaviour Analysis through Capilano University and also attained her qualification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). She has the training to implement PECS® (picture exchange communication system). She is passionate about early intervention and using applied behaviour analysis in a collaborative approach to help the families gain the skills to help their children develop functional communication, play, and life skills that will create a positive long-term outcome for the family as a whole. Srishti is fluent in both English and Hindi and can provide services in Hindi upon request.

Saddiqua is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) for Laurel Behaviour Support Services (LBSS), approaching 20 years of experience supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Saddiqua has experience supporting both adults and children with varying degrees of complexity and needs. She appreciates that continuous learning, skill development, and peer consultation with colleagues are important aspects in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Keeping up to date on current developments in the field, including implementing evidence-based practices, and maintaining her certification is paramount to producing and recommending effective programs for families and individuals. As a member of the LBSS team, Saddiqua accesses many opportunities to maintain and build new skill sets, as well as explore unique opportunities in the field of ABA through encouragement from her team. Saddiqua is proud and appreciative of her role as part of the Laurel team!

Brandon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working with a variety of adolescent and adult individuals who have been diagnosed with a wide range of disabilities since 2012. This includes but is not limited to autism, schizophrenia, cerebral palsy, Williams Syndrome, and mild to severe cognitive impairment. His work has focused on helping them achieve and maintain employment while also providing life skills training in the community. He currently delivers capacity building sessions in both the North and South Okanagan, but consults primarily in the North Okanagan. Brandon holds a Masters of Professional Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis from the University of Western Ontario.

Joanne has been working as a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services since moving to Vancouver from Montreal in 2000. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology at Mount Allison University in 1986, and a Master of Education in counselling at McGill University in 1993. Joanne has been working with individuals who have disabilities since 1986. She began working with children and adults in residential, recreational and educational settings, before moving on to consulting with families.

Shabnam has her Master in Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Teaching and Learning) with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Autism Spectrum through Arizona State University. She earned an advanced certification in disability and applied behaviour analysis in 2014 from Douglas College. Shabnam is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She is a “Category B” Behaviour Consultant on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). Shabnam has been a Behaviour Consultant at Laurel Behaviour Support Services since January 2017. Prior to joining Laurel, Shabnam had worked with children under the age of six and school-age children as a Behaviour Interventionist since 2011. She also worked as a Special Needs Educational Assistant in a school district and as a Senior Behaviour Interventionist conducting and implementing Behaviour Support Plans for over two years. Shabnam is passionate about early intervention and providing parent training to address and support the unique needs of each child and family. She is fluent in both English and Farsi, and can provide services in Farsi upon request.

Donna has her Bachelor of Psychology degree from Simon Fraser University and Master of Counselling: Art Therapy program from Adler University. Since 2007, she has worked with children with autism in home settings, group settings, and school settings. Donna hopes she can combine art therapy and counselling knowledge to support special needs children and their families. Donna is fluent in both English and Mandarin. She can provide services in Mandarin upon request.

Reanna is a behaviour consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services, who has worked in the area of autism, mental health and disability services since 2011. In recent years, Reanna has supported children and adults in community, clinic and residential settings. Reanna has received a Master of Science degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Queen’s University Belfast, an advanced certificate in Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis from Douglas College, and is currently pursuing BACB certification.

Holly is a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services. She is originally from Ontario where she completed her Bachelor of Arts with a dual specialization in Psychology and Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo. Holly went on to complete a graduate certificate focusing on Mental Health and Disability Management from Mohawk College. She has worked as a support worker in group homes, and at an Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) centre for children with autism. Since 2017 Holly has worked with and supported differently abled individuals of various ages and backgrounds. Holly has also completed a professional development course focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from Wilfred Laurier University. Holly is working towards achieving her Masters and certification.

Angela completed her Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies (BCR) at the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine. She also holds a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and a Special Education Teaching Assistant certificate. She has been working in the field since 2003, with extensive experience supporting families in homes, community and school-based settings. She has experience working with adults and children, as a behaviour interventionist, special education assistant, and behaviour consultant.

Luan holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science and a Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Over the years, Luan worked as a behaviour interventionist and education assistant, supporting children, youth and adults with autism and other disabilities in home, school and community settings. Luan enjoys helping individuals with special needs and their families navigate and implement their goals. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin and can provide services in Mandarin upon request.

Amanda earned her Bachelor of Psychology from Simon Fraser University in 1999. She began working as a Behaviour Interventionist in an EIBI program (Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention) with children with autism under the age of six. She became a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services in 2007, and currently supports families with school-age children who have ASD and other intellectual disabilities. Amanda is also a Certified Triple P® (Stepping Stones) Provider.

Marni has her undergraduate degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduating she completed a post graduate diploma in Autism and Behavioural Science before completing her Masters in Special Education specializing in ABA through Arizona State University. She is a BCBA and has experience working with children, adolescents, youth, and adults in home settings, community settings, school, and within the forensic system. When Marni is not working she enjoys spending time with her dog, curling, and trying out new restaurants!

Nadia is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who works in the North and South Okanagan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Major in Educational Psychology in Mexico and holds a Master of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis and a Diploma in Child Psychology. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and social justice and has been working in the field of education in Mexico and Canada for the last 11 years. Nadia is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Annie is a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services in the South Vancouver Island region. She is originally from Ontario, where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Child, Youth, and Family studies at the University of Guelph. Upon completing her degree, Annie worked as an ABA senior facilitator for three years in a home-based setting. During that time, she supported various clients with many strengths and needs. Annie relocated to Victoria in July 2023 to join the LBSS team! She is excited to transfer the knowledge and skills she has developed to the clientele in B.C.

Phoebe is a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services. She holds a Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counselling from Simon Fraser University. Prior to joining posAbilities, she has worked directly in the ABA field as a Senior Behaviour Interventionist and as a Program Manager on home teams and social skills groups throughout the Lower Mainland. However, her experiences in providing care and support to children and families span closer to 10 years, and extend into different school, community and hospital settings. These experiences include working with individuals ages 2-19, with a wide range of disabilities and disorders, including ASD, ADHD, ODD, anxiety and Down Syndrome. Phoebe is very excited to be part of the Laurel team. She also has working fluency in both Mandarin and French.

Emily works as a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services in the Okanagan region. She is originally from Lancaster, England. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Leeds, and a Master of Science in Developmental Disorders from Lancaster University. Since 2012 Emily has gained a broad range of experience working with individuals with a range of abilities and challenges, including as an Academic Personal Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, Residential Care Worker, Educational Assistant, and Behaviour Therapist. She relocated to Canada in 2017 where she worked as a Behaviour Therapist, Lead Behaviour Therapist, Co-Director and Behaviour Support for Community Living Services for Adults, and presently Behaviour Consultant. Emily supports adults with diverse abilities in the North and South Okanagan regions and is working towards certification.

Alan is a BCBA who has been working in the field of Positive Behavior Support since 2015. Alan trained in Ireland and moved to British Columbia in 2020. He has an undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Alan’s scope of expertise extends across diverse settings, including homes, schools, and staffed residence environments, where he actively engages with both children and adults. He believes in a multi-disciplinary approach that caters to the needs of the individual as well as their wider support team.

Julie began volunteering with individuals with intellectual disabilities when she was in high school. Upon completing a B.A. in psychology, she began working with individuals with autism at a residential treatment centre. She has been a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel since 1992. This opportunity has equipped her with extensive training and experience working with families and individuals with challenging behaviours.

Since 2006, Joyce has worked with children with autism and other intellectual disabilities, and has experience working with children aged 2 to 18 in both group and one-on-one settings. She has a Bachelor of Arts (psychology) from Simon Fraser University. Joyce also completed the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Douglas College and is currently working toward her certification. She is fluent in both English and Cantonese, and can provide services in Cantonese upon request.

Jesse graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in honours psychology. He also completed the diploma program in special education at UBC in 2015 and the master’s program in special education with a concentration in autism and developmental disabilities at UBC in 2017. Jesse has worked with children and youth who have autism and other disabilities in home and school settings since 2012. He has experience supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. He is fluent in English and Cantonese, and can provide services in Cantonese and Mandarin upon request.

Kara brings over a decade of experience to the human services field, specializing in supporting individuals of all ages and abilities. She has dedicated herself to enriching the lives of children, youth and adults in both recreation and education settings. After earning her diploma in Recreation Leadership, Kara’s passion for learning and inclusion propelled her to pursue further education. She obtained a Diploma in Classroom and Community Support, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care. Continuing her educational journey, she completed a Bachelor of Education, subsequently stepping into the role of a kindergarten teacher in the public school sector. Currently immersed in pursuing her Masters in Special Education – Applied Behaviour Analysis, Kara is simultaneously gaining hands-on fieldwork experience to prepare her certification. Kara is committed to supporting children, youth and adults of diverse abilities using a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to individualized care. Joining the LBSS team is an exciting new chapter for Kara. She is thrilled to contribute her unique blend of expertise, empathy, and innovation to the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland regions.

Janet has worked in the field of developmental disabilities since 1997 with individuals of all ages. She has been employed as a Behaviour Consultant at Laurel Behaviour Support Services since 2011. Janet completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (first class honours), and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology at Simon Fraser University. She has been listed on the Registry for Autism Service Providers (RASP) since December 2010 and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2014. Janet is especially interested in supporting teams to teach persons served life enhancing skills such as functional communication, social and self-help skills.

Patricia is a Behaviour Consultant supporting individuals living in Central Vancouver Island. She holds a Bachelor in Clinical Psychology and is a Registered Behaviour Technician. Patricia has supported individuals with diverse abilities in many roles and is passionate about learning. She is currently completing her graduate program and working towards certification.

Lisa is one of our Behaviour Consultants on Vancouver Island. She has a Master of Education with a concentration in autism and developmental disabilities from the University of British Columbia. In 2014, she became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). In addition to growing up with a brother who has severe mental and physical challenges, Lisa has been professionally involved in the field of autism and intellectual disabilities since 2004. Her work has focused on ABA therapy with children and youth who have intellectual, emotional and behaviour disorders. She has utilized her skills in a variety of settings, including schools, private practices, clinics and homes.

Josh is a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services in the Okanagan region. His educational background includes a Bachelor in Social Science with a concentration in Leisure Studies from Ottawa University and a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Since 2013 Josh has worked in various settings and roles, including a Behaviour Therapist, Private Support Worker with children and adults and a Certified Teacher in Calgary, Alberta working with preschool-aged children with diverse learning needs.

Kelly is a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services. After earning a General Arts degree from Capilano University in 2006, Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. After completing his degree, he pursued a professional dance career with SOULdiers Dance Company and became interested in adaptive performing arts. He later became an at-home Behaviour Interventionist through Harmony House, where he was trained in the principles and application of ABA. While gaining experience in the field, he completed his post-baccalaureate diploma in applied behaviour analysis from Capilano University. He completed his practicum and BCaBA coursework hours in a multidisciplinary practice and became a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who was responsible for training interventionists. Kelly created an adaptive dance program as part of many clients’ ABA programs, and assisted BCBAs in developing and overseeing individual programs for children in the centre-based program over the course of five years. During this time, he earned his Master of Education degree in applied behaviour analysis from Arizona State University in May 2016, and completed his BCBA supervision. In 2017, Kelly began his new role as a Behaviour Consultant at posAbilities, and is hoping to write his BCBA board exam in the near future. Kelly has travelled down to UCLA to become certified in the science-based PEERS curriculum and currently runs PEERS programs both in person and virtually across the Lower Mainland. Kelly has had over nine years’ experience working with children who have autism and various intellectual disabilities, and is proud to be a part of the Laurel team!

Bianca received her B.A in Psychology and Sociology from Stony Brook University, NY in 2018, and her M.Ed. in Special Education with concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from the University of British Columbia in 2021 and is currently working towards receiving certification. She has worked with many toddlers and school-aged children from a variety of different backgrounds. She is keen on providing culturally sensitive positive behaviour support plans to clients and their families. Bianca is fluent in English and Hindi and is able to provide services in Hindi upon request.

Victoria is a Behaviour Consultant who works for the Parksville-Tofino program on Vancouver Island. She has a master’s degree in psychology and obtained her BCBA certification in 2018. Victoria has been working with children and adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities since 2009. Prior to joining the Laurel team, Victoria worked as an Educational Assistant at a school board and as a Behaviour Interventionist with a centre-based agency. She has supported adults with complex needs at an ABA-based program of Community Living in Ontario. She is fluent in both English and Russian.

Louise has been a Behaviour Consultant at Laurel Behaviour Support Services since early 2016, and has been working within the team as a sexual health educator since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Education in the primary/junior division from Queens University and went on to complete her Master of Social Work at York University, and completed the Sexual Health Education Certification (SHEC) program with Options for Sexual Health. Prior to joining Laurel, Louise worked for eight years in Canada and overseas with diverse groups of youth who had various abilities, developing and implementing intensive community-based educational programs. Louise also worked with posAbilities’ Shared Living program, where she coordinated community-based living arrangements for adults with intellectual disabilities. Louise currently supports families with school-age children, youth, and adults who have autism and/or an intellectual disability.

Danielle is Behaviour Consultant serving individuals with diverse needs in the Okanagan region. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) with a focus in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree and certification. She has supported individuals with various diagnoses in a wide variety of settings, including home, clinical, school, and in the community. This has given her a well-rounded view of programming across different areas, and the support that is required to assist individual’s, caregivers, and staff to affect meaningful change. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and providing training in behaviour analytic techniques so others can feel empowered and confident in the support they provide. Danielle strives to continually grow her knowledge and skills to provide quality services, and to stay current with the best practices in ABA.

Danielle works as a Behaviour Consultant for Laurel Behaviour Support Services in the Okanagan region. She received her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and her Master of Arts, Applied Behaviour Practice from the Florida Institute of Technology. She has worked in Autism centres, homes and the community with a variety of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Danielle supports adults with diverse abilities in the North and South Okanagan regions and is working towards certification.

Margaret is a Behaviour Consultant with Laurel Behaviour Support Services in the Central Vancouver Island region. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education and obtained her BCBA certification in 2018. Margaret has been working with families who have children with autism and other intellectual disabilities since 1998. Before joining the Laurel Team, Margaret worked within Ministry contracted behaviour support programs for over 11 years. She has also worked in agencies that provide autism services for children and youth in centres and homes. She strives to form collaborative relationships to help ensure goals are meaningful and that interventions are a fit, which works towards creating a rich quality of life.

Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013. She is fluent in English and can provide services in Cantonese upon request.

Allison completed a Master of Education in Special Education – Autism & Developmental Disabilities at UBC in 2017 and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She also has a Bachelor Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism and over ten years of experience working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Allison previously worked as a Special Education Assistant for several years in various elementary schools and also has experience providing supports to individuals in both vocational and recreational settings. She is certified to teach the PEERS curriculum and is proud to be a part of the Laurel team.