Social Worker

Barbara Muskat, B.S.W. M.S.W. Ph.D

With over 45 years of experience, Barb is one of the founding clinicians of ISAND and instrumental in developing the inter-professional approach it is known for.
Barb specializes in counselling youth and young adults with autism, helping them unlock their potential. She has held numerous positions in her career, including Director of Social Work at The Hospital for Sick Children, Director of Community Consultation at Integra, Practicum Director at University of Toronto, and social work positions at Dunellen School Board, West End Creche, and the Child Development Clinic.
As a mother of 4 and grandmother of 6, Barb loves to spend time with her family and enjoys long walks, reading, playing and dancing with her grandchildren.

Affiliations

• College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario-Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Clinical Advisor

Wendy Roberts, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Wendy Roberts brings more than 40 years’ experience as a Developmental Paediatrician, Researcher, Mentor, and Author to ISAND. Wendy has published more than 300 articles related to autism spectrum disorder which have been cited more than 20,000 times by other researchers, doctors and academics.
Prior to establishing the group that would form ISAND, Dr. Roberts was the Co-Director of the Autism Research Unit at Sick Kids in Toronto and a Professor Emerita at U of T.
In addition to winning numerous awards, Wendy was instrumental in bringing gold-standard autism assessment protocols to Canada. Awards she has won include: Colin R. Woolf Award for Teaching Excellence at U of T (2004); Hospital for Sick Children Foundation Claus Wirsig Humanitarian Award (2001); and Paediatric Education Resident Lecture Series Award (2003).

Affiliations

• College of Physicians of Ontario (CPSO)
• Fellow of Royal College of Physicians, Canada (FRCPC)

Psychologist

Vicki Rombough, Ph.D., C.Psych.

With over 15 years of clinical experience, Vicki is one of the founding clinicians of ISAND and specializes in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and learning disabilities, as well as mental health concerns.
She has previously held positions at the Hospital for Sick Children and North York General Hospital and Kinark Child and Family Services.

Affiliations

• Canadian Psychological Association
• College of Psychologists of Ontario

Education Consultant

Candace Yanchyshyn, BA, BEd., OCT.

With over 30 years of experience, Candace is one of the founding clinicians of ISAND and enjoys the collaborative and integrated approach the centre has fostered.
Candace recognizes that navigating the school system is tricky – even more so for clients with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She specializes in parent support and professional development in Ontario school systems. Candace has extensive experience in both clinical and educational settings where she has worked with a wide range of students from ages three to twenty-one. She has held several positions in Canada and the US, as well as consultant and coordinator positions within Toronto District School Board, where she was instrumental in alternative programs for students with Developmental Disabilities and Autism. She has a particular interest in developing functional life skills programming within schools and in helping students and their families navigate as they explore educational opportunities and community resources available to them transitioning into adulthood.
Outside of ISAND, Candace loves the arts – visual, music of all kinds, drama and dance. She also enjoys the outdoors, especially cycling, hiking and gardening.

Affiliations

• Ontario College of Teachers

Family Physician & Neurodevelopmental Specialist

Dara Abells, MD, CCFP

Dara brings 10 years of experience to ISAND, and with a special interest in developmental disabilities, Dara was excited to join a collaborative team of friendly, helpful, warm and kind staff and professionals!
Dara specializes in transition-aged care and medical education. Dara has multiple publications in the area of primary care of individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and has presented at the National Family Medicine Forum on transitions for individuals with IDD. In Family Medicine Training, she also held the position of Chief Resident.
Outside of ISAND, Dara is the mother of two young children, and likes to spend time with family and friends. She also enjoys cooking and baking, water-skiing, swimming and other sports and expanding on her medical education and embracing other teaching opportunities.

Affiliations

• Member of Canadian College of Family Physicians
• Member of Ontario Medical Association
• Member of Canadian Medical Association
• Member of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• Member of Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy (PONDA)

Family Physician & Neurodevelopmental Specialist

Graham Gaylord, MD.

With a speciality in the care of adults with developmental disabilities, Graham was keen to embrace ISAND’s innovative service delivery model that allows professionals to customize care provided to individual patients.
Graham has previous published items in the area of mental health and is a recipient of the University of Toronto’s MD Program Teaching Award for Excellence.

Affiliations

• College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
• Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL)

Paediatrician

Zina Levichek, MD, FRCPC

Zina has over 25 years of experience in medical care, and embraced the opportunity to join ISAND’s team of multidisciplinary professionals.
Zina has completed fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, at University of Toronto. Among her career accomplishments, Zina has been a lecturer at the University of Toronto, Regional Consulting Paediatrician at Grey-Bruce Health Services, Paediatrician at Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Paediatrician at North York General Hospital’s Child Development Clinic.
In her spare time, Zina enjoys gardening, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends.

Affiliations

• College of Physicians of Ontario (CPSO)
• Fellow of Royal College of Physicians, Canada (FRCPC)

Psychologist

Anna Matejka, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Anna brings over 10 years of clinical experience, and joined ISAND because of its multi-disciplinary approach.
Anna specializes in psychological and developmental assessments of young children with autism spectrum disorders. She is a published author and has conducted research in the areas of early detection of children with ASD. Anna also provides cognitive behaviour therapy for children and adolescents with significant anxiety, mood disorders and anger management concerns.

Affiliations

• Canadian Psychological Association
• College of Psychologists of Ontario

Psychologist

Danielle Ostfield, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Danielle holds over 20 years of clinical experience and has a longstanding interest in contributing to an organization dedicated to improving the outcome of children who have received a diagnosis of ASD and their families.
Danielle specializes in the areas of early intervention, and psychological and developmental assessments of young children with autism spectrum disorders. Through her clinical and research endeavours, Danielle has acquired a unique appreciation of how health care settings, community organizations, and school boards can work collaboratively to enhance the well-being of individuals with ASD and their families, and she is proud of her ability to empower children and families to recognize and embrace their unique strengths, and help them identify how to capitalize on those strengths within their school and community settings.
In her free time, Danielle loves music, yoga, cooking, eating, and long walks with her dog.

Affiliations

• College of Psychologists, Canadian Psychological Association

Behaviour Consultant

Danielle Abbatangelo, B.A., M.Ed.

Danielle holds over 8 years of clinical experience in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, teachers, and other caregivers. She has provided behaviour supports in a variety of homes, schools, and community settings. Danielle was attracted to ISAND for the opportunity to work with a group of professionals with diverse specializations, collaborating to support individuals and their families. She specializes in the areas of early behaviour intervention, learner readiness skills for education, and behaviour supports for individuals with various needs.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys walking and hiking, reading, trying new food and restaurants, and is an avid traveler who loves to explore new places.

Affiliations

• ONTABA – Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis

Behaviour Therapist, Social Peers Facilitator

Bea Bulosan, BSc.

Bea joined ISAND in April 2022 as a Social Peers Group Facilitator. In addition to her BSc., Bea comes to ISAND with an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Science Technology and over six years’ experience.

Bea has worked with a range of clients with ASD in clinics, schools and home settings. Bea has experience working with children who are developing foundational skills, learners who have high behavioural needs, and adolescents working on academic and social skills. Bea has taken special interest in social skills development and emotional regulation for children with ASD.

A presenter at both ABAJam – Staff Training Event (hosted by Surrey Place) and ONTABA (Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts) conferences, Bea has recently enrolled in her Masters of Professional Education in the field of Applied Behavioural Analysis. She has joined ISAND to help children expand their social skills in a naturalistic, child-led environment.

When not at work, Bea enjoys, live theatre and music as well as extended hiking and camping trips.

AFFILIATIONS: Member of ONTABA

Behaviour Consultant

Evan Carpenter, M. ADS, BCBA

Evan holds over 6 years of experience, and was drawn to ISAND’s more naturalistic approach to treatment.

Evan specializes in early intervention and naturalistic developmental behaviour interventions. With advanced training in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Evan has been pivotal in helping numerous clients reach their potential here at ISAND through the Early Intervention Program. Among her career highlights, Evan has worked at a specialized sleep away camp, Camp Towhee, where she was able to lead and supervise outdoor activities for children with various developmental disabilities. In her free time, Evan enjoys rock climbing, horseback riding and hiking.

Affiliations

• Certified by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board
• ONTABA – Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis

Behaviour Therapist, Social Peers Facilitator

Amy Voon, BA Psych, RBT

Amy joined the ISAND team in August 2021, bringing more than five years’ experience working with children with ASD in a variety of settings including clinics, homes, day care, and schools, in British Columbia and Ontario. Amy has utilized her PEAK and Relational Frame Theory for Intensive Behavioural
Intervention training to provide communication, emotional regulation, social and daily living skills to children between the ages of four and thirteen.
The multidisciplinary approach and the progressive nature of ISAND drew Amy to us.
In her time away from work, Amy enjoys exploring nature, cooking baking and photography.

Affiliations

• Certified by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board

BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST

Jean Phan, BSc., M.A.

Jean holds over 5 years of clinical experience and 3 years of research experience in developmental pediatrics, Autism, and mental health. She was drawn to ISAND’S for their multidisciplinary team and their naturalistic approach to treatment.

Jean specializes in areas of early intervention and learner’s readiness skills. She has had training in the Comprehensive Application of Behaviour Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). She has experience implementing behavioural interventions in school-based and clinic setting to help her learners develop socially significant skills. Jean is currently working towards becoming board certified as a Behaviour Analyst. During her time away from work, Jean enjoys hiking, trying new foods and spending time with loved ones.

Occupational Therapist

Samara Francia, BPHE, Bed, MSc. O.T.

Samara has received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2005 and has worked in the field of Occupational Therapy (Pediatrics) since graduating. Samara has worked in schools, private clinics, client homes, developmental screening clinics and hospital based treatment programs for infants and children.  Samara specializes in the areas of Sensory Integration and Fine Motor Skill development.

To compliment her Occupational Therapy expertise, Samara has taken training and developed skills in: Yoga instruction, Reiki Level 1; and Guided Imagery/meditation. Samara has also participated in a number of workshops including those focussed on: neurodevelopmental treatment for children with ASD, Therapeutic listening; and Sensory Integration

In her free time, you can find Samara enjoying nature, practicing yoga, walking, or cooking.

AFFILIATIONS: College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

Clinical Front Desk Assistant

Judy Knight, B.A., PGCSL

Judy brings over 30 years’ experience of administrative and business support to senior leaders and clients in a broad range of industries. She was inspired by her sister, who struggled with mental illness, to join a team which provides a wide range of integrated services and supports to children and youth in need.
Through her varied career, some of Judy’s professional accomplishments include targeted research towards the successful financing of emerging technologies, e.g., for medical devices, maritime surveillance and the clean energy sector; assistance with promoting the careers of internationally-renowned artists through exhibitions at Marlborough Fine Art in London, UK, and overseas; and managing a major component of a logistical project, Canada-wide, for Chapters bookstores, which led to an increase in sales by > $1M per annum.
In her spare time, Judy thrives on swimming, hiking as well as a passion for tennis. She also enjoys a variety of cultural experiences as well as being with friends, family and their highly charged border collie!

Administrative Support Coordinator

Erek Natsvlishvili

Erek (Erekle) Natsvlishvili, joined the Admin Team as a Clinical Front Desk Assistant filling in for Nastassia Meyer’s Maternity Leave. Erek completed an Internship with ISAND to complete his Business Administration diploma. Upon completion of his internship, Erek volunteered three days a week with ISAND.
During both his internship and his volunteer time with us, Erek has shown a strong work ethic, initiative and a respectful manner to everyone. We’re looking forward to working with him for the coming year!

Clinical Front Desk Associate

Beatriz Dela Vega

Beatriz, a recent psychology student graduate, has always gravitated towards health care institutions. She is passionate in providing service within the health care field through various administrative duties whilst gaining valuable clinical experience. Through ISAND, Beatriz aims to further immerse herself within the mental health care field and to make an impact whenever and wherever possible. 

In her spare time, Beatriz enjoys the spending time outdoors, reading, and being with her loved ones.