The ISAND Team
Founders
Developmental Paediatrician
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
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
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
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 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
Physicians
Family Physician & Neurodevelopmental Specialist
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 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 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 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 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)
Psychologists
Psychologist
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 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 Therapy
Behaviour Consultant
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 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
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
Affiliations
- Ryerson University
- George Brown College
Early Intervention Therapist
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’s career in special needs started early, as she began volunteering with a special needs population at age 12, working in IBI at age 16 and teaching in special education for 6 years before coming to ISAND. She holds training in the Act. Identify. Move (AIM) Curriculum, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and American Sign Language (Level 1).
In her free time, Kelsey is an accomplished traveller, avid yogi, weekend bike enthusiast, and self-proclaimed foodie.
Affiliations
- Certified by the Behaviour Analysts Certification Board
Behaviour Consultant
Early Intervention Therapist
Affiliations
- Seneca College
- George Brown College
Behaviour Consultant
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 Consultant
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
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 and Language Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologist
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 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 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 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 Therapy
Occupational Therapist
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 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!
- CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists)
- COTO (College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario)
Occupational Therapist
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)
Other Allied Professionals
Dietician
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 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
Administration
Executive Director
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
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 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
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 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
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 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!