MEET THE TEAM

OUR TEAM

Leigh Shortill, MSc., BCBA

ABA Therapy Clinical Supervisor

Leigh has worked in the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) since 2007. Her career started working as an instructor therapist for families with children with autism, but her interest in this field sparked in elementary school volunteering as a reading buddy with a peer with Down Syndrome and continued to grow in high school working as a swimming instructor teaching private lessons to children with physical and developmental disabilities.

Since then, 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®), and is currently working towards her Ph.D. in ABA. Leigh not only values her own continued educational growth, but is passionate about teaching others as well. She taught at George Brown College for 5 years, and is qualified to supervise individuals pursuing their BCBA and BCaBA certification and to provide regular supervision to RBTs and BCaBAs.

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 an amazing 2-year-old son, and learned the importance of advocating for him early on. She currently resides in Whitby with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Adrian Spence, M.ADS, 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.

Charla-Maye Cooper, M.H.Sc. SLP, Reg. CASLPO

Speech-Language Pathologist

Charla-Maye is a registered speech-language pathologist with more than 4.5 years of clinical experience. She completed her Master's degree at the University of Toronto in 2016 and began her professional career in British Columbia in 2017. Her clinical experience includes working with both adults and children and in a broad range of areas including: language facilitation, fluency, speech sound disorders, swallowing, acquired language disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), social skills development, apraxia of speech, and accent reduction.

She has received additional training in Lidcombe through the Montreal Fluency Centre for children 6 and under with fluency disorders and in the Comprehensive Stuttering Program through the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research(ISTAR) for school - aged to adult clients. She is also trained in PROMPT level 1 to support clients with motor speech disorders and is certified by Hanen for "More Than Words" and "It Takes Two To Talk."

Her interests include theatre, dance (ballet), travelling, and family!

Adina Yankov, MPEd., 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!).

Tracy Sturley

Behaviour Therapist

Tracy Sturley graduated from McMaster University with a B.A. in Psychology and soon after kick-started her career in the printing industry, which influenced a solid business acumen and highly transferable skillset. While Tracy's academic background was not directly aligned with her career path, she was able to leverage the knowledge acquired from her B.A. to advocate for her own children later in life. Having two teenage boys who were diagnosed with Autism at an early age, Tracy learned quickly that she would be the primary advocate and support for her boys. She made the the difficult decision to leave her corporate career when her youngest son was two in order to start a private home daycare. This provided Tracy with the flexibility to focus on advocating for her boys and ensuring they were receiving the support they needed.

At her private home daycare, Tracy created a structured learning environment one would get from a childcare centre, but with the love, care, and attention kids would receive at home. She cared for children from 9 months to 12 years of age, at various developmental stages and some with varying special special needs. After running this successful business for 10+ years, Tracy decided to pursue her passion for working with children with special needs as an ABA Therapist. She is currently working towards her RBT certification and is truly excited to be an integral member of the Together for Better Therapy team.

Haley Brown

Behaviour Therapist

Haley Brown has worked as an Behaviour Therapist since 2020. Haley began working within the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) during her undergraduate degree in Human behaviour with an Autism and Behavioural Sciences specialization at McMaster University. She is currently completing her Masters in Education and Teaching at the University of Toronto with hopes of strengthening inclusion-based curriculum in elementary schools.

Haley enjoys camping and hiking at provincial parks with her fiancé, as well as spending time with her family at their cottage.

Courtney Knaggs

Behaviour Therapist

Courtney's dream of working with children with special needs began when she was young. As soon as she was old enough to get a job, she started volunteering at a Montessori School working with a little girl with Down Syndrome; that was it. She knew she HAD to make this her career! Fast forward a couple decades, a degree in Development Psychology, a post graduate certificate in Neurorehabilitation and Brain Injuries, and a ton of incredible experiences, and here she is! She is lucky enough to have made her dream of and passion for working with children with special needs her reality. She is very excited to work with and support children and families