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Meet the SPARK Windsor-Essex Team:
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COURTNEY

Academic Services Coordinator

Courtney is a qualified educator who obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winchester, one of the highest-ranking universities in the UK for teacher training. Throughout her career, she has completed further training in Behavior Management, Autism Awareness, and Special Education Coordination.
 
While Courtney specializes in Special Education teaching, she has over a decade of work experience around the world (including England, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, and now Canada) with children of different ages and abilities. Her global work experience has equipped her with an in-depth understanding of effective engagement and empowerment strategies in various settings and communities. In the classroom, Courtney uses various educational pedagogies and tools tailored to each individual learner's needs. This approach fosters an inclusive and captivating learning environment, ensuring that every child receives the education they rightfully deserve and are supported in reaching their full potential. Courtney is passionate about creating a safe and fun learning space to cultivate a lifelong love for learning in children!
 
In her free time, Courtney enjoys traveling to new places with her son, listening to music, and visiting theme parks.

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CAITLIN

Director of Programs

Caitlin is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Social Work through McMaster University.  She also has completed additional coursework in Autism and Behavioural Science at Seneca College and graduate-level courses through the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto.

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Caitlin has extensive experience working with children and their families in various community contexts, including autism programming, special needs resourcing, education, and child welfare. She continually seeks growth through professional development opportunities, and strives to practice from an anti-oppressive perspective and a strengths-based approach.

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In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her son and daughters, swimming, and playing piano and guitar.

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SARA 

Director of Operations / Occupational Therapist 

Sara, a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario, graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2012.

 

Since then, Sara has worked extensively with children of various ages, with a wide array of abilities, in several different settings (including home, community, school, hospital, and daycare). She has delivered occupational therapy services at children's treatment centres in the preschool, sensory integration, and school health/early learning programs. Sara also has experience working as a Care Coordinator at a world-renowned pediatric hospital. She has completed several workshops and continuing education courses over the course of her career. Sara enjoys working collaboratively with clients and their families, while supporting them in achieving their goals. 

 

On a personal level, Sara is the proud parent of three daughters, including a set of energetic twins! 

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JENNA

Occupational Therapist 

Jenna is a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario and Michigan. She graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in 2012.  


Jenna was born and raised in the Windsor area. Her passion for helping children began at a young age, since her family was dedicated to numerous charities and fundraisers locally supporting children with disabilities. Jenna has worked extensively with children of various ages at Beaumont Health Pediatric Services in Michigan. She has experience in evaluating a child's strengths, as well as difficulties, in critical development of skills needed for success in daily activities, including evaluating the environment, sensory processing, positioning, coordination, and fine motor skills. She has experience with newborns, toddlers, and school aged children, working in collaboration with the child’s family, teachers, and any other health professionals, as needed. She has completed several continuing education courses (oral motor/feeding, handwriting, and sensory processing, amongst others) over the course of her career. She is very motivated and eager to collaborate and work with all families to support the individual needs of each child. 


Outside of Pediatric Therapy, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She plays many sports such as hockey, golf, and volleyball. Fun Fact about Jenna: She is a Triplet! 

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RUBINA

Occupational Therapist 

Rubina has been a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario and Michigan since 2009. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in 2008. She also earned a degree in Psychology from The University of Windsor.  


Rubina has worked in a variety of settings with children, including clinics, hospitals and in the community. Her scope of practice includes assessment and treatment of children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, autism, developmental delays and physical disabilities. Rubina specializes in feeding therapy such as latching, sensory components, oral motor deficits, and weaning of children from peg tubes. She is also experienced in providing families intensive sensory diet home programming. She is certified in the Handwriting Without Tears Program, Kay Toomey’s feeding protocol, Vital Stim certification and Beckman oral motor certification. 


In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. 

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SHANNON

Occupational Therapist 

Shannon is a registered Occupational Therapist in Ontario. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in 2012. She also earned a degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor, and a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Wollongong, Australia.   

 

Shannon’s love of working with children began in her teens as a lifeguard and swim instructor. She earned her Teaching Certificate before deciding to return to school for Occupational Therapy, where she completed several fieldwork and volunteer placements working with children, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the Kaufmann Centre. Shannon has experience working with adults and children in the hospital, community and clinic settings; working with people of all ages.

 

In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends, exploring long trails and conservation areas.

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CINDY

Occupational Therapist 

Cindy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of Western Ontario in 1994. She is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Most of Cindy’s OT career has been in the Windsor/Essex County area which she calls “home”. She also had the incredible opportunity to practice OT for about 4 years in Richmond, Virginia, at their large teaching hospital and as adjunct faculty.


Professionally, Cindy has had OT experiences across all ages and in a variety of settings - from hospital to homecare. As she reflects on her years of practice, Cindy has recognized a recurring theme: the brain! It is her favourite organ! And, as she continues on in both her OT career and her continuing education endeavours, Cindy has chosen to concentrate her focus on the pediatric population and their families/caregivers.  Cindy is equipped professionally with a plethora of tools geared towards helping to develop, regain, and accommodate skills in one’s occupations (at home, school, and play). She practices in an attachment-aware, trauma-informed, sensory significant and relationally-focused way. Cindy became a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner® (TBRI® Practitioner) in 2021, adding to her intervention tools. Cindy is passionate about providing OT services to our Windsor/Essex County area with a continued focus on neurodivergent experiences. She has extensive familiarity with servicing individuals with both Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, as well as with persons joining a family through adoption and/or fostering. Cindy considers it an honour to join her client’s team and to work collaboratively with them.   
When not spending time with her family, she can be found jogging, learning or reading. 

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REBECCA

Speech-Language Pathologist

Rebecca is a registered Speech Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Clinical Science in Speech and Language Pathology. Before completing her Masters, Rebecca graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology. She has always had a strong interest in helping children express themselves and enjoys helping parents and children feel successful on their journey to learn to communicate better!  


Rebecca has experience working with adults and children in the hospital, community and clinic settings. She has enjoyed working with diverse populations of children and has experience in working in the areas of expressive and receptive language, articulation, fluency, voice and early literacy. Rebecca has taken the Hanen workshop “It Takes Two to Talk” which helps parents learn to encourage language abilities in children who are late talkers. 


In Rebecca’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her French Bulldog/Boston Terrier puppy Blue, and trying new recipes. 

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EMILY

Speech-Language Pathologist

Emily is a Speech-Language Pathologist that graduated from McGill University with a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Emily is originally from Windsor, Ontario, and also has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor.


Emily has experience providing virtual speech-language therapy and loves coming up with creative, effective, and evidence-based ways to engage with her clients. She has further experience working with children with speech sound disorders and cleft lip and palate. Emily is a planner and organizer at heart, and loves incorporating this into sessions with her clients.


In her free time, Emily enjoys practicing calligraphy, playing board games, staying active, and learning new languages – she was able to practice her French while attending graduate school in Montréal and is beginning to learn Russian as well! Emily looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your speech and language goals!

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SHANNON

Speech-Language Pathologist

Shannon is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. She graduated from Western University with a Master of Clinical Science in Speech and Language Pathology. Before completing her Masters, Shannon graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology. She has always had a strong passion for working with children and helping them to communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas.
 
Shannon has clinical experience working with diverse pediatric populations in clinic and community settings, as well as through teletherapy. Shannon has experience working in the areas of expressive and receptive language, articulation, social communication, and fluency. She is certified in the Hanen “More Than Words” program which aims to provide interaction and communication strategies to parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or social communication difficulties. Shannon recognizes the value of family-centered care and strives to involve parents in intervention wherever possible.
 
In Shannon’s free time, she enjoys going for walks on forest trails, baking treats, and spending time with family and friends. 

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VERONICA

Speech-Language Pathologist

Veronica is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario. She graduated with a Master of Clinical Science in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Western Ontario in 2001.


Veronica has clinical experience working with children and students of all ages on understanding and using language, social communication, articulating sounds, early literacy skills, fluency difficulties, including those with significant oral motor planning and sequencing difficulties. Veronica considers building a therapeutic relationship with children and their families vital to the process of setting and achieving goals. 


Veronica enjoys poetry, plays, and adventurous cooking along with building her garden. Even when it’s virtual, staying connected with close family and friends is crucial for her. Nature walks and swimming in her sister’s (heated) pool until the snow flies also helps Veronica stay healthy and balanced

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SABRINA

Speech-Language Pathologist

Sabrina is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from Western University and holds a Master of Clinical Science in Speech and Language Pathology. Sabrina is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario. She is originally from Tecumseh, Ontario and also holds a Bachelor of Developmental Psychology and a minor in Disability studies.

 

Sabrina has always held an interest in working with children since first volunteering at a family-run daycare. Her experience include acting as a family respite provider to families in the community and an active rhythmic gymnastics coach for Special Olympics. Sabrina has experience working with young children with social communication delays and providing strategies to help develop early language and communication strategies. Sabrina is a hard-working individual who enjoys having fun and making the most of every therapy session she provides for children and their families.


In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys cooking with her Nonna, reading a good book, or busting out a few dance moves from her 15 years as a dancer. Sabrina is enthusiastic about providing speech and language services to help you and your child achieve their goals!

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ADRIJANA

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio coming soon!

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ERIN

Communicative Disorders Assistant

Erin is a Communicative Disorders Assistant who graduated with a diploma as Developmental Services Worker from St. Lawrence College in Brockville as well as a diploma as a Communicative Disorders Assistant from Georgian College in Orillia. Erin has been working in the developmental sector providing ABA therapy to children with Autism, speech and language services under the auspices of a Speech and Language Pathologist and respite supports for almost 24 years. Erin enjoys taking different courses whenever possible to broaden her understanding and share her therapeutic skills with others.


Erin has a variety of work experiences with children, adolescents and adults across many different service settings such as in group living accommodations, schools, private clinics, as well as in-home. Erin is a highly energetic and compassionate clinician who is always thinking of new and creative ways to best support the individuals and families she supports. She is bilingual and can provide therapy in both the English and French languages. 


When Erin isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her children, Charlie & Ellie, playing board games and cards, walking her dog, cooking, traveling and visiting with friends and family.

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NADIA

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Bio coming soon!

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REBECCA

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Rebecca graduated from Western Kentucky University where she received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She is currently navigating registration with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario. Before completing her Masters, Rebecca graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics majoring in Movement Science. 

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Throughout Rebecca’s education she has gained experience in working in a variety of settings working with both adults and children. Rebecca has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as, children with cognitive impairments. Rebecca has worked within special education programs to provide services to children in the school setting. She also has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. 

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In Rebecca’s free time she enjoys getting outdoors and walking her dogs. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading books, and gardening. 

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KENNEDY

Behaviour Analyst

Kennedy is a registered Behaviour Analyst. She graduated from Brock University with a Master of Applied Disability Studies Specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Before completing her Masters, Kennedy received a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Psychology from Western University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science received from St. Clair College. 

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Kennedy entered the field of ABA because of her desire to help better the lives and support participation in all areas of life for children with developmental challenges and their families. She has always had a strong passion for working with children and helping them reach their full potential using the learning styles that suit their needs best. She has worked with a variety of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Witnessing their progress and growth in various areas, including communication, daily living, academic, and social skills, have cemented her passion for this field of work. 

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In Kennedy’s spare time she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, going for walks with her dogs, and trying new foods. 

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RACHEL

Behaviour Analyst

Rachel is a registered Behaviour Analyst and a graduate from Wayne State University with a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Before completing her Masters, Rachel received a Bachelor of Science in the Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program from the University of Windsor, where she completed her Honours thesis in the department of Biochemistry.

 

Rachel entered the field of ABA with the desire to make a positive impact on those within the autism community. She has experience working with a wide range of children on the autism spectrum with various abilities and learning styles. Rachel’s love for working with children has flourished over the years, while being involved in numerous leadership roles throughout the community. Rachel finds joy in seeing the progress of the children she works with, no matter the size. She looks forward to continuing to support children and families in need and providing well-rounded services and programming in various areas, such as communication, play, engagement, daily living skills, and social skills.

 

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, family and her dog, and being outdoors.

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KYLIE

Social Worker

Kylie is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed a double major in Social Work and Disability Studies at the University of Windsor and decided to pursue a Masters of Social Work shortly thereafter. 

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Kylie has a lot of experience working with children, youth and adolescents in several clinical settings. She is proficient with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Strengths Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Play Therapy. Kylie is able to provide inclusive communication styles to meet the varying needs of clients and is passionate about child welfare. She maintains an anti-oppressive approach and is committed to providing a safe space for all participants. 

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In her free time, Kylie enjoys all things outdoors (i.e. camping, walking and hanging out at the beach). In addition, she loves baseball and is a huge bookworm.

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JESSICA C.

Social Worker

Jessica is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Windsor. Jessica also completed a double major in Social Work and Disability Studies from the University of Windsor prior to earning her Masters. 

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Jessica’s dedication and passion for working with children and adolescents have allotted her several opportunities and years of experience working with this demographic. She is well versed in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy. She is passionate and committed to providing support to children and youth to allow them to strive and reach their full potential. Jessica is dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and fostering a safe and inclusive environment. 

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In Jessica’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her dog, and doing physical activity, especially dance. 

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OLIVIA

Social Worker

Olivia is a Registered Social Worker with a B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor. 

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Olivia has experience in supporting children and their families in the areas of problem solving, motivation building, and anxiety management. Her therapeutic approach draws from modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Olivia is passionate about framing sessions with trauma-informed principles, and creating spaces where her clients feel safe to explore and achieve their goals. 

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Olivia loves spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys being out in nature, reading, and connecting with friends. 

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JESSICA F.

Social Worker

Jessica is a Registered Social Worker who holds her  Masters in Social Work, with specialization in Family Systems from Wayne State University.  Jessica also obtained her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Psychology and Disability Studies from the University of Windsor. 
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Jessica has years of clinical experience in children's mental health and has worked with diverse populations  including foster and adoptive families.  Jessica has experience working with trauma, separation/divorce, anxiety, depression, stress, attachment, and difficulties within the parent-child or family relationships, and with ADHD/ODD diagnosis.  Jessica's approach to therapy is trauma informed, and attachment focused. Jessica utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Conscious Discipline based parenting strategies in her work with families.

 

In her spare time, Jessica can be found out for a walk in the woods, or reading in her comfy chair. 

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CHELSIE

Social Worker

Bio coming soon!

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JACOB

Social Worker

Jacob is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He finished a double major in Social Work and Disability Studies from the University of Windsor. Afterwards, he went on to complete a Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from St. Clair College, in which he had the opportunity to complete an internship at SPARK. Jacob also holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor, and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Education to finish off his academic journey.

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Jacob has dedicated a number of years to working with children, youth, and adolescents within clinical, school, and community settings. Much of his work has consisted of providing advocacy, education, behavioural intervention, and relevant programming for both children and families. In particular, Jacob is well-versed in therapeutic modalities such as solution-focused therapy, play therapy, and strength-based therapy. He strives on using an anti-oppressive approach and ensures that his clients feel safe and heard during sessions. 

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When he is not working or studying, Jacob loves to play video games, travel, exercise, and spend quality time with his friends and family. He is also a musician and plays the flute during additional spare time.

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MEGHAN

Social Worker

Bio coming soon!

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ANNA

Social Worker

Anna is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Anna received her diploma in Child and Youth Care at St. Clair College where she played varsity basketball during her studies. She then went to the University of Windsor where she received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work.


Anna has years of experience working with children, youth, adolescence, and their families experiencing a wide range of complex social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges. Employing a diverse range of modalities to empower clients to achieve their goals and thrive in their endeavors, she integrates various methods tailored to individual needs to create a comprehensive, supportive environment. Through counselling, mindfulness practices, and cognitive behavioural techniques, each modality is carefully selected and applied to ensure maximum effectiveness and sustainability. 


Anna is a very strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing and enjoys exercising, reading books, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her miniature golden doodle, Murphy.

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KIANA

Social Worker

Bio coming soon!

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