MEET THE TEAM
OUR TEAM
Leigh Shortill, MS, R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Leigh has worked in the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) since 2007. Leigh has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Sir Wilfrid Laurier University), Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science (George Brown College), and Master of Science in ABA (St. Cloud State University). Leigh is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). Leigh not only values her own continued educational growth, but is passionate about teaching others as well. She taught at a local college for 5 years, and is qualified to supervise individuals pursuing their BCBA.
Leigh is dedicated to providing an individualized learning plan for each client that is put together using evidence-based strategies and goals set by both the treatment team and the client’s family. Leigh is the mother of two amazing boys, and learned the importance of advocating for them early on. She currently resides in the Durham Region with her husband, two boys, and their dog.
Adina Yankov, MPEd., R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Adina has worked with children on the spectrum and with varying diagnosis since 2013! She has worked exclusively in the field of ABA for 8 years, and has focused the last 5 year specializing in naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions and parent-coaching. She understands how challenging this journey can sometimes feel to navigate, and is passionate about supporting you and your child's development every step of the way, as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a Masters in Professional Education.
Her therapy and supervision style uses principles of ABA in a natural setting, incorporating learning opportunities in daily routines, play skills, music/dance, functional living skills and preacademic skills! Using principles guided by the Early Start Denver Model and ACT. She supports families and caregivers in becoming play and learning partners for their young learners to attain skills they need to be successful throughout their daily lives, effortlessly.
Outside of her practice, she lives in Oshawa with her husband, and adorable "Pomsky" pupply, Chabsie. She loves to explore the vast hiking trails in Durham Region, cooking and travelling (pre-pandemic of course, but hoping to get back soon!).
Sarah Unterlander, MA., R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Sarah has been in the field of behaviour analysis since 2014 and is very excited to be working with you!
She started her journey at Brock University, where she received her Bachelor of Honours in Speech and Language Sciences. After volunteering with a Speech Therapist in early intervention procedures for families with children recently diagnosed with ASD, she knew her future was going to be in helping families with children with autism.
She received her post graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences at George Brown College in 2014, and she has worked in various settings as a Behaviour Analyst. In 2022, she finished her Master of Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Arizona State University and became a BCBA soon after.
She enjoys working with families to select individualized goals for their children to create socially significant gains for them. She believes in the value of family coaching, and integrating multiple professionals to create a treatment plan that is specific and beneficial for everyone.
She enjoys travelling, cooking, and obsessing over her dog, Charlie. She was very fortunate to live in different countries growing up (Scotland, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Indonesia), and she loves learning about different cultures!
Andrea Stuart, M.ADS, R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Andrea is a compassionate and multifaceted professional, embodying a journey shaped by a love for helping others.
From teaching dance in her early years to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master's in Applied Disability Studies, she blends diverse expertise. Andrea's educational path, including an undergraduate degree in Applied Linguistics and a postgraduate certificate as a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA), reflects her commitment to understanding and assisting others, resulting in a unique approach to ABA.
Beyond her professional role, she finds joy in mindfulness, yoga, exploring new places, and cherishing time with friends, family, and her beloved dog.
Andrea's philosophy revolves around providing compassionate, trauma-informed care with a high level of integrity, family-directed decision-making, and infusing both work and life with fun and quality of care.
In every aspect of her life, Andrea seeks to make a positive and meaningful impact, excited about the boundless possibilities ahead.
Tiffany Knautz, M.H.Sc. SLP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist
Tiffany received her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Tiffany has clinical experience working in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics, to treat a variety of communication disorders including: language delay, motor speech, articulation, social communication, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing. Tiffany provides enjoyable, individualized therapy by creating meaningful goals and involving clients’ personal interests in treatment. Tiffany is a passionate therapist who brings creativity to her therapy activities and is highly enthusiastic toward client progress!
Tiffany provides intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, expressive and receptive language delay, as well as adults with acquired speech, language, and swallowing disorders. She also has experience in the assessment and implementation of alternative and augmentative tools for communication (AAC). As a previous one-to-one support counsellor for children with special needs, she has experience successfully implementing behavioural management strategies to sustain client engagement.
Tiffany participates in continued professional development including the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children with motor speech disorders, and Kasper: Progressive and Systematic Speech and Language Training for Children on the Autism Spectrum. She also received training on LAMP: Words for Life to support language development through AAC on children with Autism. Additionally, she holds certification in the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) for assessing adults with swallowing disorders.
Jessica Fabian, M.ADS, R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Jessica has worked with neurodiverse children and youth since 2013. She holds an undergraduate degree in Arts and Contemporary Studies (minor in Psychology and Music) from Toronto Metropolitan University, a post-graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences from George Brown College, and a Master of Applied Disability Studies - Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University. Jessica has been a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst since 2019, and is also a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ontario).
Jessica is passionate about instilling confidence in her clients and their loved ones. She has a wide range of clinical experience, working with children and youth from ages 2 to 18. Jessica uses a compassionate and inquisitive approach to support her families. Each client and family is unique, and deserves an individualized approach to therapy that incorporates client and family preferences and cultural values. Jessica understands the importance of trust in a therapeutic relationship, and places value in the relationships built with her clients. She truly believes that families are the experts in their children, and that a collaborative approach is the key to success!
Jessica resides in Clarington with her young family and pup. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys outdoor time with her family, Crossfit, and cooking.
Adrian Spence, M.ADS, R.B.A. (ONT.), BCBA
ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Adrian graduated with a BA with honours in Psychology from York University in 2002. Adrian has an extensive background working with children, youth and adults with a mental health diagnosis, developmental delay, learning disability or a diagnosis of ASD. In order to develop his skills in applied behaviour analysis (ABA), he returned to school and received an advanced diploma in Behavioral Science Technology in 2010 at George Brown College and then completed a Masters of Applied Disability Studies at Brock University in 2020. Adrian is a Board Certified Analyst (BCBA).
His interests include college football, fishing, bbqing and being with family and friends.
Rebecca Davis
Supervised Behaviour Clinician
Rebecca Davis has worked as a Behaviour Therapist since 2022. Rebecca completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a Health and Well-Being specialization at Trent University. She has always had hopes to help others and assist with the use of her education and love for children. She would like to continue her education in the future by obtaining her Masters degree.
Rebecca has a love for animals, enjoys the company of her dog and horse, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Tori Belcher
Supervised Behaviour Clinician
Tori Belcher has graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She loves helping others and always strives to do her best in any situation. After volunteering in early intervention procedures for families with children recently diagnosed with ASD, she knew that would be her career path. Tori will be applying for her Masters in the year 2024 to further her education.
Parul Joshi
Supervised Behaviour Clinician
Parul Joshi has been working with children on the spectrum since October 2023. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from York University and has aspirations to pursue a Master's degree in Child Psychology. Before becoming a Behaviour Clinician, Parul worked as an Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) at a daycare center, caring for children aged 0-5, and also gained experience working with school-age children at a summer camp.
Parul is deeply committed to advocating for children's mental health and supporting their development. She collaborates closely with families and other professionals to ensure each child's well-being and growth.
In her personal life, Parul enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her dog, Lillo. She loves traveling, exploring Toronto's vibrant culinary scene, and getting lost in a good book.
Alamerefa Davian
Communicative Disorders Assistant
A graduate of the University of Calabar with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Communication Studies, Alamerefa is a certified Special Needs Therapist (SNT) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in collaboration with Patrick Speech Training Academy, Nigeria.
With over 4 years of experience, Alamerefa has dedicated herself to working with individuals facing neurodivergent disorders, such as Autism and Down Syndrome. She is not just a professional but a passionate advocate for improving the quality of lives for those with developmental and speech/communication delays. In addition, she actively promotes inclusion within the community. Alamerefa is currently enrolled in the Communicative Disorders Assistant Program at Durham College. Her commitment lies in assisting clients to communicate more effectively, using all forms of communication, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).