Our Team

Sydney Maynard

Sydney is a registered Early Childhood educator. Before and after receiving her diploma, she continued to work with children for a total of 13 years in a daycare setting. Throughout her career, Sydney has enjoyed working with families on a more personal care level as a nanny. Continuing in her passion for working with children and their families, Sydney works at Nurturing Behaviours as an Instructor Therapist, encouraging quality care and instruction in her position.

McKenna Clark

Mckenna is an instructor therapist at Nurturing Behaviours. She has a diploma in child and youth as well as Autism and Behavioural Sciences. Mckenna is very passionate towards making an impact and using her education to the fullest. She is committed to ensuring a safe environment for kids to develop and reach their goals. 

Vanessa has extensive experience working with children, including over six years of teaching swimming lessons and additional experience in 1:1 ABA therapy. Her undergraduate degree in psychology enhances her ability to understand and address each child’s unique needs. Vanessa is very passionate about helping children reach their full potential, and focuses on fostering meaningful connections with both children and their families. She is committed to creating personalized methods for learning and growth, ensuring that each child is supported in reaching their full potential. Her dedication and compassionate approach make her a trusted partner for families striving to support their children’s growth and success.

Kaitlyn is an Instructor Therapist with Nurturing Behaviours Inc. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and has been working with children and young adults in various settings since 2016. Kaitlyn has worked in the field of ABA since 2019. Throughout this time, she has enjoyed working towards purposeful objectives with the children and families she supports, and recognizes the importance of identifying meaningful goals. She enjoys a challenge and loves finding new and creative ways to help her clients succeed.

Blayke has a broad range of experience working with children and young adults. She began working with children at the before and after school programs. She has worked in recreational as well as support based environments. Blayke completed an Honors Specialization in Family Studies and Psychology from Brescia University, and has experience working with individuals with diverse needs in both family support and day program environments. She has a passion for inclusivity and is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the Nurturing Behaviours team, and to motivate children to reach their goals and grow to their full potential.

Louisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Gender Studies from Queen’s University and is further trained in Crisis Intervention and strength-based therapy. Her experiences working at summer camp from an early age within the Inclusion Program inspired her to pursue psychology, with a special interest in developmental psychology and disability studies. Louisa has worked in various settings providing support to children, including at a youth shelter, as a care coordinator, and in home settings. She seeks to provide children with a safe and inclusive space to grow and play in, and believes that every child deserves empathetic care and advocacy for their diverse needs. She is excited to be furthering her knowledge of ABA therapy through NBI and looks forward to making meaningful connections with clients and their families!

Ana holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Waterloo. Throughout her education, she conducted research on face recognition in children with ASD and took courses such as educational psychology and developmental studies. For hands-on experience, Ana has taught ESL to children, coordinated and delivered recreational activities for young children, and worked as an ABA Instructor Therapist for young adolescents. As an education enthusiast, Ana looks forward to working in ABA therapy, where she can implement creative strategies and play to support the holistic development of children.

Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science. Since 2016, she has worked with children and young adults in a variety of settings, including schools, community programs, and family homes. She is passionate about collaborating with families and caregivers, ensuring that each child’s unique strengths and goals are at the centre of treatment. Her work is guided by patience, compassion, and a commitment to helping children reach their full potential.

Carly has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a degree in Social Service Work. Carly has over 10 years of experience supporting children, youth and families across a range of environments. She has experience working as an educational assistant and working as a child and youth counsellor, where she supported children and families in residential/clinical care. Carly has a passion for social work and supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and mental health through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. Carly specializes in creating inclusive environments that honour each individual’s strengths while fostering meaningful relationships. She is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children and youth, and strives to empower every client she supports to reach their fullest potential!

Keirsten MacKay is an Instructor Therapist at Nurturing Behaviours. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a diploma in Social Service Work. With over five years of experience, Keirsten has supported children and youth across various settings, including school programs, community organizations, and one-on-one support roles. She’s passionate about creating inclusive and positive spaces where every child feels valued, supported, and free to be themselves. Keirsten loves building meaningful connections and helping each child grow and reach their goals.

Maria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Massachusetts, Boston and is a recent graduate from Fanshawe College’s Autism and Behavioural Science program. She has been working with children across various settings for the past twenty years. Maria started out as an early childhood educator and then worked as a childcare provider, before making a career change to work with children and youth on the ASD spectrum. For the past 2.5 years, Maria has worked as a child and youth worker, providing care and support through the trauma based, compassionate approach to children with autism and dual diagnoses in a residential care environment. Maria is passionate about ABA and working with  children and youth to develop skills and reach new goals. She is a caring, kind individual committed  to building friendships and rapport with clients. 

Ghaida Hamdun holds a Bachelor of Child Health with a minor in Sociology and Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science. With a strong background in community outreach and leadership in inclusivity & accessibility, Ghaida brings both professional expertise and deep personal connection to the neurodivergent community. She is passionate above providing caring, evidence-based support to children and their families, and is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential through a collaborative, multidisciplinary and humanitarian approach.

Arta is an Instructor Therapist at Nurturing Behaviours with a specialization in Psychology. She is passionate about supporting children and families through evidence-based, compassionate care. Arta is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can build skills, confidence, and reach their individual goals. She values collaboration, empathy, and applying psychological knowledge in meaningful, real-world ways to support development and well-being.