Not sure what program is right for you or your child? Fill out our inquiry form or contact intake@tipes.ca.
Not sure what program is right for you or your child? Fill out our inquiry form or contact intake@tipes.ca.
Not sure what program is right for you or your child? Fill out our inquiry form or contact intake@tipes.ca.
TIPES remains operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about our procedures here.
Board of Directors
Peggy Brown
Chairperson
Peggy is a professional life coach, helping her clients through stressful circumstances in their lives. She has been coaching since 2011. Previously, she was an elementary school teacher for the Upper Canada School Board, teaching special education and primary grades.
PePeggy is a graduate of Queen’s University, with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, 1980; University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Education, 1982; and Integral Coaching Canada, Master Integral Coach™, 2011. She is an active volunteer, presently at CHEO, and previously throughout the autism and international adoption community. She is a past coordinator of Camp Leo, for children with autism.
Peggy and her husband Gerry are the proud parents of three young adults, including a son with autism spectrum disorder.
Peggy is a professional life coach, helping her clients through stressful circumstances in their lives. She has been coaching since 2011. Previously, she was an elementary school teacher for the Upper Canada School Board, teaching special education and primary grades.
PePeggy is a graduate of Queen’s University, with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, 1980; University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Education, 1982; and Integral Coaching Canada, Master Integral Coach™, 2011. She is an active volunteer, presently at CHEO, and previously throughout the autism and international adoption community. She is a past coordinator of Camp Leo, for children with autism.
Peggy and her husband Gerry are the proud parents of three young adults, including a son with autism spectrum disorder.
Steven Mariasine
Treasurer
Steven is a chartered professional accountant with over 15 years of working experience. He has worked as an accountant with diverse clients in various industries including real estate, manufacturing, sports, and entertainment. Currently, Steven works as a financial controller at an engineering consulting firm in Ottawa.
Steven is a graduate of the John Molson School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce and Graduate Diploma in accounting.
When he’s not balancing debits and credits, Steven can be found spending time with his wife Jennifer and his two children, including a son with autism spectrum disorder.
Steven is a chartered professional accountant with over 15 years of working experience. He has worked as an accountant with diverse clients in various industries including real estate, manufacturing, sports, and entertainment. Currently, Steven works as a financial controller at an engineering consulting firm in Ottawa.
Steven is a graduate of the John Molson School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce and Graduate Diploma in accounting.
When he’s not balancing debits and credits, Steven can be found spending time with his wife Jennifer and his two children, including a son with autism spectrum disorder.
Heather Wyatt
Secretary
Heather is an experienced educator with over 40 years in the field of education. She has extensive experience working with children with various learning, behavioural, and social-emotional needs. Heather has taught elementary school in Calgary and Ottawa and is presently the principal of Edelweiss Private Academy.
Heather received her B.A. in psychology and English from Carleton University and her B.Ed. from Queen’s University. She also holds specialist certificates in primary education and special education from Ottawa University. She has experience teaching grades JK to Grade 6, in a variety of subjects, including special education, core French, vocal music, and English as a second language.
Heather has been a member of the Board of Directors since TIPES began.
Heather is an experienced educator with over 40 years in the field of education. She has extensive experience working with children with various learning, behavioural, and social-emotional needs. Heather has taught elementary school in Calgary and Ottawa and is presently the principal of Edelweiss Private Academy.
Heather received her B.A. in psychology and English from Carleton University and her B.Ed. from Queen’s University. She also holds specialist certificates in primary education and special education from Ottawa University. She has experience teaching grades JK to Grade 6, in a variety of subjects, including special education, core French, vocal music, and English as a second language.
Heather has been a member of the Board of Directors since TIPES began.
Gaye E. Moffett
Director at Large
Gaye received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Education in administration from the University of Ottawa.
She founded GEM Health Care Services in 1994 in Ottawa and expanded into the GTA in 2009. GEM specializes in all types of private health care services like private duty nursing, home care services, personal and home support services, institutional supplemental staffing, and health and wellness services, like annual flu shot and mask fit test clinics. GEM received an ISO 9001 Certificate of Registration for Quality Management System in 2012.
Gaye volunteers in the community by being a Rotarian, the co-chair of the Employer Council of Champions of Hire Immigrants of Ottawa, a member of the executive committee of the Home Care Ontario board of directors, president of the Ottawa Bach Choir’s board of directors, a board member of TIPES, and by singing in the tenor section of her church choir.
Gaye received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Education in administration from the University of Ottawa.
She founded GEM Health Care Services in 1994 in Ottawa and expanded into the GTA in 2009. GEM specializes in all types of private health care services like private duty nursing, home care services, personal and home support services, institutional supplemental staffing, and health and wellness services, like annual flu shot and mask fit test clinics. GEM received an ISO 9001 Certificate of Registration for Quality Management System in 2012.
Gaye volunteers in the community by being a Rotarian, the co-chair of the Employer Council of Champions of Hire Immigrants of Ottawa, a member of the executive committee of the Home Care Ontario board of directors, president of the Ottawa Bach Choir’s board of directors, a board member of TIPES, and by singing in the tenor section of her church choir.
TIPES Team
Jennifer Wyatt
CEO & Co-Founder
As TIPES’ executive director and co-founder, Jennifer takes a lead role in community relations and corporate sponsorship development. She also specializes in assessing individuals with autism and additional exceptionalities, as well as developing individualized programming.
Jennifer received an honours degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa, focusing on neuroscience and rehabilitation, with a minor in psychology. She also received a master’s degree in psychology and counseling from Yorkville University. She has completed post-graduate work in Applied Behavior Analysis at Pennsylvania State University and Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer was supervised by Cherish Twigg, BCBA, of Establishing Operations and works closely with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jeff Sherman.
Jennifer’s charitable work within the Ottawa community has been recognized in the form of multiple awards and nominations. In 2010 and 2011, she was a finalist for the Citizen of the Year and the Community Support/Non-Profit Organization Business Choice Awards. In 2012, she was awarded the number one spot in the Top 25 People in the Capital issue of Ottawa Life Magazine. In 2018, she was recognized by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa for outstanding service to families and communities. In 2019, she was nominated for a Canadian Enablement Award which celebrates individuals who strive to innovate and advance the Canadian social services sector.
As TIPES’ executive director and co-founder, Jennifer takes a lead role in community relations and corporate sponsorship development. She also specializes in assessing individuals with autism and additional exceptionalities, as well as developing individualized programming.
Jennifer received an honours degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa, focusing on neuroscience and rehabilitation, with a minor in psychology. She also received a master’s degree in psychology and counseling from Yorkville University. She has completed post-graduate work in Applied Behavior Analysis at Pennsylvania State University and Nova Southeastern University. Jennifer was supervised by Cherish Twigg, BCBA, of Establishing Operations and works closely with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jeff Sherman.
Jennifer’s charitable work within the Ottawa community has been recognized in the form of multiple awards and nominations. In 2010 and 2011, she was a finalist for the Citizen of the Year and the Community Support/Non-Profit Organization Business Choice Awards. In 2012, she was awarded the number one spot in the Top 25 People in the Capital issue of Ottawa Life Magazine. In 2018, she was recognized by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa for outstanding service to families and communities. In 2019, she was nominated for a Canadian Enablement Award which celebrates individuals who strive to innovate and advance the Canadian social services sector.
Dr. Jeff Sherman
Associate Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sherman is a practicing psychologist and a pioneer in the field of autism studies, with over 30 years of experience. He currently resides in Ottawa where he provides a full range of services such as diagnostic assessments, supervision, consultation, treatment planning, and workshops.
Dr. Sherman is a member of multiple organizations including The Ontario Psychological Association, The Association for the Advancement of Behaviour Therapy, and The Association for Direct Instruction.
Dr. Sherman received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from McGill University, followed by a master’s degree in psychology and a PhD in clinical psychology from York University. He has several years of experience as a professor at the University of Toronto, Faculties of Medicine and Education, and at York University.
Dr. Sherman worked as a psychologist in the autism unit at Thistletown Regional Centre in Toronto, and developed the TRE ADD program, which was one of the first comprehensive treatment programs for children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. He also has experience working with clients affected by oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, and depression. Specific to clients affected by autism, Dr. Sherman provides diagnostic assessments, consultations, and supervision of Intensive Behavioural Instruction programs using Applied Behaviour Analysis approaches. As the regional clinical supervisor for the South Eastern Regional Autism Program, Dr. Sherman supervises learners across the Ottawa region and beyond, including at TIPES.
Dr. Sherman is a practicing psychologist and a pioneer in the field of autism studies, with over 30 years of experience. He currently resides in Ottawa where he provides a full range of services such as diagnostic assessments, supervision, consultation, treatment planning, and workshops.
Dr. Sherman is a member of multiple organizations including The Ontario Psychological Association, The Association for the Advancement of Behaviour Therapy, and The Association for Direct Instruction.
Dr. Sherman received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from McGill University, followed by a master’s degree in psychology and a PhD in clinical psychology from York University. He has several years of experience as a professor at the University of Toronto, Faculties of Medicine and Education, and at York University.
Dr. Sherman worked as a psychologist in the autism unit at Thistletown Regional Centre in Toronto, and developed the TRE ADD program, which was one of the first comprehensive treatment programs for children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. He also has experience working with clients affected by oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, and depression. Specific to clients affected by autism, Dr. Sherman provides diagnostic assessments, consultations, and supervision of Intensive Behavioural Instruction programs using Applied Behaviour Analysis approaches. As the regional clinical supervisor for the South Eastern Regional Autism Program, Dr. Sherman supervises learners across the Ottawa region and beyond, including at TIPES.
Christine Konarski
Manager of Administration
Christine has been working with children and youth with autism since 2003. She first began her career with TIPES in 2012 working as a senior therapist and more recently as the manager of administration.
Christine works closely with the clinical and operation departments to ensure TIPES continues to provide the best experience for families and employees. She believes our role is to provide resources and tools for our clients and families to reach their full potential.
Christine holds a post-graduate diploma in Applied Behavior Analysis from Humber College.
Christine has been working with children and youth with autism since 2003. She first began her career with TIPES in 2012 working as a senior therapist and more recently as the manager of administration.
Christine works closely with the clinical and operation departments to ensure TIPES continues to provide the best experience for families and employees. She believes our role is to provide resources and tools for our clients and families to reach their full potential.
Christine holds a post-graduate diploma in Applied Behavior Analysis from Humber College.
Derek Marulanda
Manger of Operations
Derek has over 25 years’ combined experience in health care, hospitality, community recreation, and occupational health and safety. He joined the TIPES team in 2018 as our manager of operations.
Derek’s positive work ethic reflects a professional and positive relationship with our clients providing a healthy and effective learning environment for their personal development.
Derek is a certified instructor for WHMIS, Standard First Aid with CPR & AED, and Crisis Prevention Intervention.
Derek has over 25 years’ combined experience in health care, hospitality, community recreation, and occupational health and safety. He joined the TIPES team in 2018 as our manager of operations.
Derek’s positive work ethic reflects a professional and positive relationship with our clients providing a healthy and effective learning environment for their personal development.
Derek is a certified instructor for WHMIS, Standard First Aid with CPR & AED, and Crisis Prevention Intervention.
Marnie Potter
Manager of Mental Health and Community Supports
Marnie has over 20 years of experience working with diverse communities in the Ottawa area. Her focus is on individuals of all-ages that are affected by chronic illness, LGBTQ* issues, autism, and other exceptionalities. She works from a strength-based, problem-solving perspective that recognizes issues of intersectionality and other barriers often faced by vulnerable clients and communities. At TIPES, she runs workshops, group facilitation, and counselling.
Marnie has extensive experience as a community developer, wraparound facilitator, event coordinator, workshop facilitator, and project manager. She received a Master of Social Work from Carleton University, and a management certificate from the Sprott School of Business.
Marnie has over 20 years of experience working with diverse communities in the Ottawa area. Her focus is on individuals of all-ages that are affected by chronic illness, LGBTQ* issues, autism, and other exceptionalities. She works from a strength-based, problem-solving perspective that recognizes issues of intersectionality and other barriers often faced by vulnerable clients and communities. At TIPES, she runs workshops, group facilitation, and counselling.
Marnie has extensive experience as a community developer, wraparound facilitator, event coordinator, workshop facilitator, and project manager. She received a Master of Social Work from Carleton University, and a management certificate from the Sprott School of Business.
Lauren McKercher
BCBA, Clinical Supervisor
Lauren has worked with children and youth with exceptionalities since 2012. Practicing from a person-centred and trauma informed approach, she aims to support clients and their families in reaching their full potential, increasing their autonomy and quality of life.
Lauren has had experience working in a variety of settings including home, public and private schools, as well as public and private organizations. Over the years, she has honed her skills in delivering, creating, monitoring, and analyzing individualized behaviour analytic programming to her clients. Lauren emphasizes the importance of involving caregivers in the development of their child’s goals to ensure meaningful and long-lasting behaviour change that is socially significant to the individual and those around them.
In addition to a passion for supporting children and their families, Lauren has increasingly become invested in fostering a positive work environment for her supervisees. She seeks to provide ongoing training opportunities for staff, highlighting the importance of self and professional development. Lauren has completed her specialist certificate in Organizational Behavior Management through Florida Tech University, and as such has begun incorporating elements of ABA into her supervision and management practices.
Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Guelph, a Master of Education in psychological counseling from the University of Ottawa, and a Graduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. Most recently, she obtained her BCBA certification in February of 2020.
Lauren has worked with children and youth with exceptionalities since 2012. Practicing from a person-centred and trauma informed approach, she aims to support clients and their families in reaching their full potential, increasing their autonomy and quality of life.
Lauren has had experience working in a variety of settings including home, public and private schools, as well as public and private organizations. Over the years, she has honed her skills in delivering, creating, monitoring, and analyzing individualized behaviour analytic programming to her clients. Lauren emphasizes the importance of involving caregivers in the development of their child’s goals to ensure meaningful and long-lasting behaviour change that is socially significant to the individual and those around them.
In addition to a passion for supporting children and their families, Lauren has increasingly become invested in fostering a positive work environment for her supervisees. She seeks to provide ongoing training opportunities for staff, highlighting the importance of self and professional development. Lauren has completed her specialist certificate in Organizational Behavior Management through Florida Tech University, and as such has begun incorporating elements of ABA into her supervision and management practices.
Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Guelph, a Master of Education in psychological counseling from the University of Ottawa, and a Graduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. Most recently, she obtained her BCBA certification in February of 2020.
Marie-Elaine Vincent
BCBA, Supervising Senior Therapist
Marie-Elaine has been working with children with special needs for over 15 years. She obtained her master’s degree in applied disability studies from Brock University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has supported individuals with autism and their families from early childhood to the end of adolescence. Marie-Elaine has worked in both clinical and school environments and is thrilled to be part of the senior therapist team. She will be supporting students at both EPA and TIPES.
Marie-Elaine has been working with children with special needs for over 15 years. She obtained her master’s degree in applied disability studies from Brock University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has supported individuals with autism and their families from early childhood to the end of adolescence. Marie-Elaine has worked in both clinical and school environments and is thrilled to be part of the senior therapist team. She will be supporting students at both EPA and TIPES.
Sydney Chasty
BCBA, Senior Therapist
Stephanie Thornburgh
BCBA, Senior Therapist
Isabelle Allard
BCaBA, Senior Therapist
Isabelle has worked with children with exceptionalities for over 10 years in summer camps, coaching trampoline, and in a daycare environment. Isabelle started her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with TIPES as an instructor therapist and has worked her way up to the position of senior therapist. Isabelle holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa with a double minor in biology and anthropology. She obtained a post-graduate certificate from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Her experience at TIPES includes conducting initial assessments, developing individualized programs, running IBI programming, and training staff members in the field. Isabelle has a passion for working with children, and watching them flourish keeps her motivated to continue growing in the field.
Isabelle has worked with children with exceptionalities for over 10 years in summer camps, coaching trampoline, and in a daycare environment. Isabelle started her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with TIPES as an instructor therapist and has worked her way up to the position of senior therapist. Isabelle holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa with a double minor in biology and anthropology. She obtained a post-graduate certificate from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Her experience at TIPES includes conducting initial assessments, developing individualized programs, running IBI programming, and training staff members in the field. Isabelle has a passion for working with children, and watching them flourish keeps her motivated to continue growing in the field.
Christina Costello
Senior Therapist
Christina advocates for children with exceptionalities and provides quality services to both learners and families. At TIPES, she aims to help each child reach their full potential and believes in working closely with families and caregivers to ensure skills taught in-centre are functional across school and home settings. Christina is responsible for conducting a variety of assessments, providing behavioral management strategies, creating and implementing programming, and providing staff training. Her experience includes ABA/IBI therapy, working with vulnerable populations and at-risk youth.
Christina is currently working towards her master’s in special education with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Christina advocates for children with exceptionalities and provides quality services to both learners and families. At TIPES, she aims to help each child reach their full potential and believes in working closely with families and caregivers to ensure skills taught in-centre are functional across school and home settings. Christina is responsible for conducting a variety of assessments, providing behavioral management strategies, creating and implementing programming, and providing staff training. Her experience includes ABA/IBI therapy, working with vulnerable populations and at-risk youth.
Christina is currently working towards her master’s in special education with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Veronica Gordanier
Senior Therapist
Kirsten MacAdam
Senior Therapist
Kirsten has worked with children in a variety of settings for over 10 years, and has worked with children with autism and other exceptionalities since 2017. Kirsten has worked in school, camp, and daycare settings, drawing from each unique environment to inform her practice today. Kirsten strives to foster a safe, enriching, and fun environment for her clients to gain valuable skills that are meaningful to the learners and their families.
Kirsten began working at TIPES in August 2020 as a behaviour technician, and has since held the roles of lead behaviour technician and senior therapist. As such, Kirsten has a wealth of experience in rapport building with clients, conducting IBI programming, conducting initial and ongoing assessments, training team members and disseminating the science of ABA, and developing individualized programs relating to learner goals.
Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Arts in development studies from Saint Francis Xavier University and a post graduate certificate in autism and behavioural sciences from George Brown College. Currently, Kirsten is pursuing her Master of Arts in behavior analysis practice from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Kirsten has worked with children in a variety of settings for over 10 years, and has worked with children with autism and other exceptionalities since 2017. Kirsten has worked in school, camp, and daycare settings, drawing from each unique environment to inform her practice today. Kirsten strives to foster a safe, enriching, and fun environment for her clients to gain valuable skills that are meaningful to the learners and their families.
Kirsten began working at TIPES in August 2020 as a behaviour technician, and has since held the roles of lead behaviour technician and senior therapist. As such, Kirsten has a wealth of experience in rapport building with clients, conducting IBI programming, conducting initial and ongoing assessments, training team members and disseminating the science of ABA, and developing individualized programs relating to learner goals.
Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Arts in development studies from Saint Francis Xavier University and a post graduate certificate in autism and behavioural sciences from George Brown College. Currently, Kirsten is pursuing her Master of Arts in behavior analysis practice from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Katrina Abourisk
BCaBA, Satellite Clinic Supervisor
Katrina has six years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different settings, including group homes, private schools, and centres. She specializes in working with children with autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviours.
Katrina is currently working off-site at the Ottawa Montessori School (OMS). As a senior therapist, Katrina oversees implementation of evidence-based ABA services, provides parent coaching, and works in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers.
Katrina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capilano University. Additionally, she has obtained an advanced diploma in behavioural science technology from George Brown College.
Katrina has six years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different settings, including group homes, private schools, and centres. She specializes in working with children with autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviours.
Katrina is currently working off-site at the Ottawa Montessori School (OMS). As a senior therapist, Katrina oversees implementation of evidence-based ABA services, provides parent coaching, and works in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers.
Katrina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capilano University. Additionally, she has obtained an advanced diploma in behavioural science technology from George Brown College.
Angela Gogolin
Satellite Clinic Supervisor
Since 2008, Angela has worked with individuals with exceptionalities and is dedicated to helping children develop to their full potential. She believes that each person deserves and benefits the most from individualized teaching that is tailored to their unique strengths, abilities, and needs. She also believes that working collaboratively with the child’s family is key to not only providing their child with the necessary skills but also ensures the families have the tools and skills required to support their child. Angela truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child. At TIPES, she provides ABA intervention, design, and implements social integration programs.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in child studies from Carleton University. Additionally, she has obtained a diploma in early childhood education and a graduate certificate in autism and behavioral science from Algonquin College.
Since 2008, Angela has worked with individuals with exceptionalities and is dedicated to helping children develop to their full potential. She believes that each person deserves and benefits the most from individualized teaching that is tailored to their unique strengths, abilities, and needs. She also believes that working collaboratively with the child’s family is key to not only providing their child with the necessary skills but also ensures the families have the tools and skills required to support their child. Angela truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child. At TIPES, she provides ABA intervention, design, and implements social integration programs.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in child studies from Carleton University. Additionally, she has obtained a diploma in early childhood education and a graduate certificate in autism and behavioral science from Algonquin College.
Michelle Huxtable
Resource Coordinator
Michelle has been working with children with exceptionalities for nearly 15 years. She started at TIPES in 2009 and has advanced through several roles at the centre, including instructor therapist, lead therapist, direct instruction supervising therapist before taking on her most recent role as the resource coordinator.
Michelle provides direct instruction training to all instructor therapists and is responsible for the creation, organization, and distribution of materials to support each learner’s program objectives.
She holds a diploma in child and youth care from St. Lawrence College, Kingston Ontario.
Michelle has been working with children with exceptionalities for nearly 15 years. She started at TIPES in 2009 and has advanced through several roles at the centre, including instructor therapist, lead therapist, direct instruction supervising therapist before taking on her most recent role as the resource coordinator.
Michelle provides direct instruction training to all instructor therapists and is responsible for the creation, organization, and distribution of materials to support each learner’s program objectives.
She holds a diploma in child and youth care from St. Lawrence College, Kingston Ontario.