Developmental Paediatrician

Peggy Kirkpatrick, MD, FRCPC

Peggy holds over 40 years of medical experience and enjoys ISAND’s comprehensive team approach.
Peggy specializes in paediatrics with a school-age population. In addition to her work at ISAND, Peggy has also held positions as the Emergency Department Staff Physician at the Hospital for Sick Kids, Developmental Paediatrician at the Child Development Clinic, Hospital for Sick Children and has a Private Practice in Ajax and Uxbridge.

Affiliations

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

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)

Developmental Paediatrician

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)

Developmental Paediatrician

Dana Frisch, MD, FRCPC

With a speciality in developmental paediatrics, Dana was excited for the opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse and experienced multidisciplinary team.
Dana enjoys working with children and their families in different clinical environments to support their needs – one of her proudest achievements is watching her patients grow, develop and thrive!
When she’s not in the office, Dana enjoys being outdoors (regardless of the weather!) and spending time exploring the city with family and friends.

Affiliations

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

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)

Developmental Paediatrician

Cynthia Goldfarb, MD, FRCPC

With almost 30 years of experience, Cynthia is one of the founding clinicians of ISAND and loves the ability to work with like-minded individuals to provide holistic support to clients with autism and their families.
Cynthia Goldfarb is a developmental paediatrician with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She works at the Autism Research Centre at Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Centre and is a Lead Autism Specialist with the Autism Treatment Network. Cynthia’s approach involves understanding each child and family’s unique strengths with a view to supporting optimal developmental health outcomes. Cynthia was the Medical Director of the Child Development Team at North York General and the Head of the Community Section of Developmental Paediatrics, in the Division of Developmental Paediatrics, at the University of Toronto and has sat on the Postgraduate Medical Education Committee for Developmental Paediatrics for many years., winning the Division of Developmental Paediatrics Faculty Teaching Award in 2010.

Affiliations

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

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 and was attracted to ISAND for the opportunity to collaborate with a group of multi-disciplinary professionals with diverse specializations to support individuals and their families.
Danielle specializes in the areas of early intervention, learner readiness skills for education and academic programming and intervention. She has previously held roles at Geneva Centre for Autism and Under the Umbrella Tree Educational Services, where she implemented behaviour interventions and educational programming.
Beyond ISAND, Danielle enjoys long distance walking and hiking, reading, trying new food and restaurants and is an avid traveler who loves to explore new places.

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 Consultant

Sheila Condon, M.A., BCBA

Sheila Condon will join the ISAND family in February as well providing behavioural therapy to individuals and groups. Sheila will also be looking to provide training, coaching and other supports to families and other ISAND Clinicians.
With more than eighteen years’ experience working in Ireland, Toronto and Edmonton, Sheila has many skills and great expertise that will benefit us all. She has received training in SCERTS (Social Communication Emotional Regulation, Transactional Supports) and obtained her BCBA in 2010. Sheila is a member in good standing of Ontario Association for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA).
Sheila specializes in Family Centred programming, Parent coaching, Teaching skills in a natural environment, and Functional Behavioural Assessments.
In her spare time, Sheila enjoys travelling, running, reading and watching movies.

Early Intervention Therapist

Anne Corcoran, B.A. (Psych), Graduate Cert. in Autism and Behavioural Science

For the past five years, Anne has worked as a childcare provider, respite worker and recreation instructor to children with ASD, ADHD, ODD and cerebral palsy. In addition to her work with children with special needs, Anne has volunteered at a long term care facility, a camp for children living with cancer, and at a school focussed on Indigenous teaching.

Affiliations

• Ryerson University
• George Brown College

Early Intervention Therapist

Kelly D’Souza, B.A. (Psych), Graduate Cert. in Autism

Kelly’s passion for naturalistic techniques and positive behaviour supports within therapy for children diagnosed on the spectrum is what led her to ISAND. She feels that ISAND is definitely ‘home’ to clinicians who value the importance of naturalistic intervention and as part of our Early Intervention Program, Kelly wanted to serve this population using an approach that is deeply rooted in a relationship focused model.
Kelly specializes in Early Intervention and is trained in Early Start Denver Model (EDSM). She values the level of devotion that goes into collaborating with families to work towards identified goals for any individual child. One of Kelly’s proudest accomplishments has involved listening to a 4 year old child independently articulate his thoughts and feelings at the end of his program to express gratitude for the support provided to him!
Outside of ISAND, you’ll find Kelly exploring the great outdoors.

Behaviour Consultant

Kelsey Ferguson, M.ADS, BCBA

Kelsey holds over 18 years of experience with autism and developmental services. She is responsible for creating the Behaviour Program at ISAND and was drawn to working with

Kelsey Ferguson joined the ISAND team in 2017 with 15 years of hands-on experience
in teaching, training, and supporting school aged individuals with autism and other
neurodevelopmental disorders. She is currently the Clinical Team Lead (Behaviour), for
ISAND.
Kelsey completed her Masters of Applied Disabilities Studies (MADS) and certification
as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2017. She has also identified an
interest in treating mental health concerns in neurodiverse individuals. Because of this
keen interest, Kelsey is currently completing her Masters of Counselling Psychology
(MACP).
With her extensive academic and therapy backgrounds, Kelsey brings strong analytical
and treatment skills to her client’s wide variety of programs. With her outgoing sense of
humour, Kelsey ensures her clients enjoy a feeling of success and respect in their
therapy programs.

Affiliations

• Certified by the Behaviour Analysts Certification Board

Behaviour Consultant

Bawan Gosal, BSc., MPEd, BCBA

Bawan joined the ISAND team in August 2021, bringing more than five years’ experience as a behaviour consultant working in a variety of settings including clinics, homes, day care, and schools. Bawan has utilized her ESDM and PEAK training to provide naturalistic therapy to pre-school and school aged children.
The multidisciplinary approach drew Bawan to ISAND as she enjoys working collaboratively with clinicians from various backgrounds to provide integrated therapy to clients.
In her time away from work, Bawan enjoys to travel, trying new foods and spending time with family.

Affiliations:

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

Behaviour Consultant

Ksenia Kotova

Early Intervention Therapist

Stefanie Marin, Graduate Behav. Science

Stefanie Marin worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for 5 years and began volunteering with organizations such as Project Autism. Stefanie Marin grew a passion for the field and began working as a Group Services worker where she worked in the respite department and did respite with individuals of all ages.

Affiliations

• Seneca College
• George Brown College

Behaviour Consultant

Brooke Myers, MA, BCBA

Brooke brings over 16 years of experience in the field of autism and joined the ISAND team because of its progressive and multidisciplinary approach, which incorporates elements of positive behaviour support (something that she feels other services in Ontario are lacking).
Brook specializes in serving youth and adults with autism that have severe behaviour challenges and fostering self-determination and self-advocacy skills. She has worked in a variety of settings (home, schools, centre, community, group homes) in both British Columbia and Ontario, in the capacity of a behaviour analyst. Some of her career highlights include the development of a self-determination curriculum for adolescents with ASD, working as a job coach in customized employment experiences for adults with disabilities and being an invited presenter/trainer for the Geneva Centre for Autism.
Outside of the office, Brooke enjoys watching home reno shows, eating her way through Toronto one restaurant at a time, and doing Olympic weightlifting.

Affiliations

• Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)
• Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
• Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS)

Behaviour Therapist, Social Peers Facilitator

Kiron Rodrick, BA., MA., BEd., MEd.,

Kiron joined the ISAND team in August 2021 and has more than twelve years’ experience working with children with ASD working as a counselor, teacher and therapist. She has also worked as a coordinator and supervisor for special education in several schools. Kiron’s experience as a lecturer in a local College’s Educational Assistant program has also helped hone her group facilitation skills.
The integrated approach in supporting children with ASD and their families and the opportunity to learn from other disciplines are the main factors that led to Kiron applying to ISAND.
Away from work, Kiron loves to spend time with family and travelling where she can meet people from other cultures.

Affiliations:

• Certified by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board
• Canadian Psychological Association

Behaviour Consultant

Sahila Sandhu, BA Psych., Med Developmental Psychology & Education, BCBA

Sahila joined ISAND in August 2021, bringing more than four years’ experience as a therapist, senior therapist, and classroom teacher working in a variety of settings including clinics, homes, day care, and schools. Most recently, Sahila was responsible for assessing, goal setting and teaching a class of eight students with ASD. In addition to teaching, Sahila coordinated the collaboration of clinicians from multiple disciplines, and oversaw the work of ABA Therapists and Educational Assistants.
Sahila is looking forward to working more closely with clinicians from several disciplines allowing her to learn and provide the best possible therapy to ISAND clients.
In her time away from work, Sahila enjoys travelling, spending time with family, friends and her dog.
Sahila likes to stay physically active and enjoys cycling, swimming and playing tennis.

Affiliations:

• Certified by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board

Behaviour Consultant

Orly Silberstein, M.Ed., BCBA

Orly holds over 10 years of clinical experience and feels that the naturalistic approach used in ISAND’s Early Intervention Program, aligns with what she feels is the best approach in working with children with autism.
Orly specializes in providing behaviour supports to children diagnosed with autism, and started her career as a behaviour interventionist, before becoming a behaviour consultant. In addition to her work at ISAND, Orly’s research has been published in the psychology journal, Emotion.
Outside of ISAND, Orly enjoys spending time with her husband and their baby, as well as cooking, baking, running and travelling.

Affiliations

• Certified by the Behaviour Analysts 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

Speech-Language Pathologist

Sami Cohen, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Sami brings over 7 years of clinical experience working with children with autism to ISAND. She was drawn to our integrated care team and the opportunity to work with a diverse population of clients.
Sami has extensive experience working in early intervention, helping children and their families reach their individualized communication goals. In addition to speech and language services, Sami has previously worked as an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) clinician and behaviour therapist. Sami also provides parent coaching and support sessions. She holds certificates in Hanen and ESDM (Early Start Denver Model), and is PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) trained.
Outside of ISAND, you can find Sami hanging with her niece and nephew, doing a group workout class, or travelling whenever possible.

Affiliations

• Registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (CASLPO)
• The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA)

Speech and Language Pathologist

Carolyn Spavor, M.H.Sc., S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO

Carolyn brings more than 16 years of clinical experience to ISAND and loves working with an interdisciplinary team.
Carolyn has extensive experience working with motor speech disorders and intercultural practice. Carolyn began her career in the beautiful complexity of Yukon Territory with a transdisciplinary preschool initiative serving remote rural and Indigenous communities. At the Speech & Stuttering Institute, she developed an individualized therapy program for children with autism who also had motor speech disorders and most recently has contributed to the development of Speech and Language Pathology in Ethiopia as a volunteer instructor, teaching two courses over four weeks in the country’s first-ever Speech and Language Therapy undergraduate program at Addis Ababa University last year!
When Carolyn is not at work, you might find her exploring the waterfront trails, teaching herself to play the guitar, making something for her friends out of yarn or fabric or food, or hanging out with her family as they plot their next adventure.

Affiliations

• Member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
• Member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC-OAC)

Speech and Language Pathologist

Lauren Strub, B.Sc., M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Lauren brings over 6 years of experience, and loves the team atmosphere of ISAND.
Lauren has extensive experience in the areas of coaching, motor speech intervention and early language intervention, and has helped numerous kids reach their speech goals. Along Lauren’s career highlights, she has served as a presenting lecturer at Western University’s Speech Language Pathology program.
Beyond ISAND, Lauren is a mom of two and enjoys outdoor activities, swimming, hiking and snowboarding.

Affiliations

• Member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
• Member of Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)

Speech and Language Pathologist

Joanna Ticker, M.S.Ed., SLP Reg. CASLPO

Joanna Ticker, M.S.Ed., SLP Reg. CASLPO, joined ISAND in February providing both group and individual Speech and Language services. Joanna brings more than seven years’ experience to ISAND, with extensive experience working with children and adolescents with a variety of abilities. Joanna is passionate working with the pediatric population and their families to support diverse communication needs including: language, motor speech, social communication, fluency, and voice.

Joanna has received training and/or certification in a number of speciality areas including: Early Start Denver Model (Advanced training); Talkability and More Than Words (Hanen Centre); and introductory for PROMPT. Joanna has experience running social skills groups using aspects of the social thinking model as well as designing and implementing training seminars for clinicians and providing parent coaching for families in service.

Joanna is looking forward to collaborating with other professionals within ISAND’s multidisciplinary environment to provide therapy that leads to the best outcomes for clients and their families. When not providing Speech and Language therapy, Joanna loves to travel, enjoys concerts and live theatre and spending time with her golden retriever and family.

Affiliations

• Registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists Ontario (CASLPO)

Occupational Therapist

Jignasha Bhatt, BSc. O.T., MSc. Yoga, OTR, O.T. Reg (Ont.

Jigna brings over 20 years of Occupational Therapy experience across various health care facilities, in Canada and India. She is passionate about working with a team like the one in ISAND, who are instrumental in bringing about a positive change in an individual’s life.
She predominantly works with children and young people with autism spectrum disorder and complex neurodevelopmental disorder to maximize their development and independence. She has extensive experience working with sensory processing issues. Jigna is highly skilled in providing therapy and rehabilitative programs that help build and restore daily living skills, purposeful occupations as well as general independence, to persons with challenges and developmental delays. She is committed to providing a client-centered and therapeutic approach, working closely with children and families on functional and meaningful goals.

She has certifications in ESDM, iLS, Sensory Integration, HWT, Pediatric Assessments and also has a Master’s degree in Yoga to complement her therapy practice. This gives her the unique ability to embrace a holistic approach in her day to day therapy.

In free time, you will find her spending time with family, volunteering, skiing, swimming, doing yoga and meditation.

Affiliations:

• All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA)
• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT – USA)

Occupational Therapist

Alyssa Johnston, B.Sc., MSc. OT., OT Reg. (Ont.)

Alyssa has over 8 years of experience working with children and youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and enjoys the inter-professional structure of the clinic and the continuity of care, expertise, and learning opportunities that this type of dynamic brings.
Alyssa is most experienced in the areas of sensory processing and self-regulation and recently had the opportunity to redesign a sensory room at a local high school to assist in better supporting the regulatory needs of students in the special education program. Alyssa has been a primary research in a number of studies, including a study carried out by the Developmental Disabilities Consulting Program at the Ogwanada Resource Centre in Kingston aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a take-home Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) manual that was developed by the program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Outside of the office, Alyssa enjoy dancing, yoga, and painting. Also, hailing from a small Northern Ontario town, she loves the outdoors and am always looking for her next hiking adventure!

Affiliations:

• CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists)
• COTO (College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario)

Occupational Therapist

Barri Trager, B.Sc., MSc. OT., OT Reg. (Ont.)

Barri holds over 10 years of experience and joined the ISAND team for the opportunity to work in close collaboration with clinicians of varying disciplines, and to help clients learn new skills and reach their potential.
Throughout Barri’s career, she has provided training to Ontario educators in the areas of sensory processing, self-regulation, physical education accommodations, technology and adaptive equipment. She has collaborated with school teams, community agencies, and families; and led social skills and self-regulation groups for clients across multiple age ranges with various needs. She has experience with the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Zones of Regulation, the ALERT program, and Social Thinking©.
In her spare time, Barri enjoys spending time with my husband and young children, traveling, baking and cheering on Toronto sports teams like the Leafs and the Raptors.
Affiliations

• College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario-Registered Social Worker (RSW)
• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (USA)

Dietician

Ahuva Magder, BASc (HONS), MAN, RD

Ahuva brings over 5 years of clinical experience and joined the ISAND team for the opportunity to collaborate with other amazing practitioners. She recognizes that it is nearly impossible to completely separate every issue facing a client with autism into silos and ISAND provides support in all facets of a client’s development.
Ahuva specializes in decreasing the stress of difficult mealtimes and expanding restrictive eating, common to clients with autism. She has been involved in developing department- wide protocols for the department of Allergy and Immunology at the Hospital for Sick Children, presenting at Grand Rounds at the Hospital for Sick Children, becoming a published author in a medical journal and being featured on Global News and in Today’s Parent magazine.
Outside of the office, Ahuva enjoys spending time in the kitchen developing new and exciting recipes. She is an avid runner and spends lots of time running after her toddler twins!

Affiliations

• Members of the College of Dietitians of Ontario
• Member of the Dietitians of Canada

Certified Yoga Instructor

Tatjana Smrekar, RYT, TYM, CYW

Tatjana brings over 20 years of experience in developmental services and was excited to join a team of professionals who are as passionate and dedicated to supporting persons to reach their highest potential, as much as she is!
Tatjana became an entrepreneur in 2012 to merge her skills and knowledge in supporting persons with autism and the therapeutic application of yoga and Thai yoga massage. Her overall goal is to cultivate a sense of calm and wellbeing, in the physical, emotional and mental body, where each persons’ greatest potential can be achieved. Tatjana specializes in integrating a variety of yoga techniques (movement, breath, mantra, meditation, relaxation) including rhythmic movement training (imitating developmental movements to help with reflex integration).
Outside of ISAND, Tatjana likes to explore different wellness activities and how they support physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. She has also participated in somatic movement, interpretive dance, drumming circles, contemplative and mindfulness exercises, meditation groups, kirtan and sound baths. Finally, Tatjana has been singing with a Slovenian Women’s Choral Group – Plamen for the past 29 years. The group has performed both locally and internationally (Slovenia, Austria, USA, Australia) and has been featured on Slovenian local television (RTV).

Affiliations

• NHPC – Natural Health Practitioners of Canada
• YA – Yoga Alliance

Executive Director

Bob Butella, B. Commerce

Bob holds over 30 years of experience in developmental services and joined the ISAND team for the opportunity to support their mission and work with an energetic and reputable group of clinicians.
Bob was a Founding Board member of Guelph Giants (Special Ice Hockey International), Founding Member of Facilitation Wellington Dufferin, Co-Chair of the Developmental Services Human Resources Strategy, Treasurer of Great Lakes Society, Vice Chair of the Developmental Services (DSO) Network and Co-Chair of the OASIS Pay equity Committee. He has also taught in DSW and DSW apprenticeship programs at Fanshawe, Conestoga and Sheridan Colleges.
When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Bob enjoying the outdoors – especially hiking, biking, camping and fishing.

Coordinator, Clinical Services and Intake

Beth Goswell, RGN, RM

Beth brings over 13 years of experience in the field of autism to the ISAND team, and was drawn to the integrated and team philosophy.
In addition to Beth’s autism experience, she has also worked as an ABA therapist, an Educational Assistant, a nurse and a midwife. She is proud to have been part of the stories of many families when they have had babies – she has been a part of approximately 350 deliveries!
Beyond ISAND, Beth is the mom of 2 boys, one of which is on the spectrum. She loves spending time with her family and although her boys are older now, she and her husband are still very involved in their activities. She loves music, reading, travel, movies and cooking to name a few.

Manager, Finance and Administration

Umma Habiba, CPA, CGA

Umma holds over 10 years of experience in accounting in the areas of foreign mission, public, private and not for profit organizations.
Umma specializes in meeting tight deadlines and has a commitment to delivering results, continuous process improvement and professional excellence. She was excited to join the ISAND for our value of embracing uniqueness and our friendly and inviting team.
In her spare time, Umma enjoys reading books and playing the guitar.

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!

Clinical Front Desk Assistant

Nastassia Meyer, Dip. (Health Office Administration)

With over 5 years of health administration experience, Nastassia was excited for the opportunity to learn and grow within a company that makes such a difference in the autism community.
Nastassia has worked in a wide range of health care clinics including rehabilitation, endocrinology, and fertility and has been a top employee in a past position.
Outside of ISAND, Nastassia is a homebody: if she’s not in bed watching Netflix, she’s at the gym. She loves to cook and eat as well.

Clinical Front Desk Assistant

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!

Coordinator, Clinical Programs

June Weekes, B.Sc. (HONS)

June brings over 10 years of experience in the field of autism to the ISAND team and was excited to see the growth of clients, first-hand, and to be a part of a team that provides renowned service.
June specializes in project management and implementation, program coordination, technical communication and training, quality assurance, data and systems management, and is currently working towards her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. She has been previously involved in the redevelopment of parent-friendly autism workshops and user-friendly technical guides. She was also instrumental in the success of several key projects including the redesign and relaunch of Geneva Centre for Autism’s Client Feedback network.
When she’s not in the office, you can find June testing out a new hiking trail, travelling, learning something or embracing a new adventure!