About Ascent

Sylvia is a BCBA Clinical Supervisor that has been board certified since October 2020 and is an OAP provider since June 2023. She works with neurodivergent and neurotypical children and adults, as well as individuals with developmental disabilities. Sylvia uses a trauma-assumed approach in her applied behaviour analytic treatments and is passionate in creating a positive learning experience for her clients. She is trained in function-based intervention, Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment, Precision Teaching, TAG Teach, and Natural Environment Teaching. Sylvia completed her Masters in Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.

In her free time Sylvia is a novice sewer and thrifting-enthusiast. She is also well-informed of the newest bakeries in the GTA that offer the most delicious pastries.

Gayathri is a Senior Therapist who has worked with learning disabilities throughout her career with the aim of improving their quality of life. Her passion is to co-create life-giving possibilities to clients, supervisees and trainees. She finds it meaningful to support fellow professionals by collaborating in an interdisciplinary approach, furthering clients in their journey. Gayathri approaches clients using a trauma-informed lens because her experiences have taught her that clients equally face challenges and traumas, therefore considering their needs and personalising their growth is key. Gayathri has completed her Masters in Education specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University, Australia. She's highly benefitted applying the theoretical knowledge and research she has gained over the years, in her clinical practice. 

Gayathri is an ardent music and nature-lover. Her motto in life is to win people over with kindness and her favorite quote is "The highest goal of music is to connect one's soul with the divine nature, not entertainment".

Lyka has 5 years of experience working as a senior therapist for exceptional individuals with developmental disabilities. She worked with youth and adults on the spectrum 1 on 1 in centers, clinics, group homes and in home settings. She is a Registered Behaviour Therapist and holds certificates from CPI(Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) and University of California (Early Start Denver Model Practitioner). She is dedicated and compassionate about working with children implementing client specific ABA programming and supporting instructor therapists with assessments and reports. She has also been supervising social group and adult day programs to reach their individual goals. 

Panny is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® and a Registered Behavior Analyst in Ontario with a strong academic foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, equipping her with expertise in behavior assessment, intervention planning, and caregiver training.

With over eight years of hands-on experience, Panny has worked across homes, schools, clinics, and community programs, supporting individuals of all ages with autism and developmental disabilities. She is skilled in various evidence-based teaching methodologies, including Discrete Trial Training, Natural Environment Teaching, Precision teaching and Direct Instruction, and is proficient in assessment tools such as ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, PEAK, and AFLS. Panny’s approach is rooted in compassion, adaptability, and collaboration, ensuring that each intervention is tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients and their families. She is committed to empowering individuals by fostering independence and meaningful skill development.

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sabah possesses a deep understanding of human behavior and cognition. Her academic journey is equipped with valuable insights into the mind, fostering a keen interest in exploring the complexity to apply their psychological expertise with empathy and analytical prowess. A compassionate individual dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of autistic children. Sabah is a  Registered Behavior Technician . For the past two years ,  Sabah has served as a Behavior Therapist , fostering growth and development in kids on the autism spectrum. Through patient and caring interactions, Sobhia strives to help these children express their needs and achieve greater independence, celebrating each milestone in their unique journey. 

Sydney has passion for working with learners with special needs, specifically autism spectrum disorder, to help them reach different goals which promote their independence. She has experience working with children aged 4-17 with multiple diagnoses in the school and clinical setting using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Sydney has received CPI (Nonviolent Crime Intervention) and holds a discrete trial training certification(DTT). She is eager to continue her journey in the field of ABA as she continues her academic journey to build upon her knowledge. 

Having earned a Bachelor degree of Child Development from Seneca College and certified Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), she has accumulated over a year of practical experience implementing ABA interventions to foster positive behavioral changes in children. Driven by a profound passion for the field, she has also completed a certificate program in Infant and Young Child Mental Health. As a committed Instructor Therapist working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), her goal is to empower these children to achieve their full potential. She specializes in one-on-one training tailored to meet each child’s unique needs, fostering a nurturing environment that supports learning and development. Outside of work,  find fulfillment in practicing yoga, aiming to integrate it into her therapeutic approach to assist clients in relaxation as necessary. 

Chloe holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work. Her journey began in 2017 when she started supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental challenges. Her teaching methodology is client-centered and strength-based approaches.  

With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Needs, Wanika brings a strong background in child development and inclusive teaching. She has experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, hearing impairments, and various developmental disabilities. As an Instructor Therapist, Wanika is dedicated to helping children build skills and independence through individualized, evidence-based interventions. She has completed the RBT 40-hour training and holds Standard First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Wanika values open communication with families and a collaborative approach to each child’s progress. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new educational approaches and resources to continually enhance her practice. 

Hitanshi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Diploma in Behavioural Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health. She has worked with children with autism and is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. She is truly grateful to be part of the amazing team at Ascent and looks forward to growing, learning, and contributing. Outside of work, Hitanshi enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time drawing. These creative outlets help her stay balanced and inspired both personally and professionally.

Tik Yan (Dion) Ng is a dedicated master’s level Speech-Language Pathologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). With a specialization in autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, and language disorders, Dion brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. 

She works with Cantonese, English, and Mandarin-speaking

populations, providing personalized, evidence-based therapy to help individuals improve their communication skills.

Her practice spans across various age groups, helping children and adults alike achieve their full potential in both personal and social communication settings.

With a master’s degree in Speech Therapy, Helen has worked as an enthusiastic Speech Therapist in Hong Kong. Helen has extensive knowledge and training in providing evidence-based practice to pre-school and school-aged children with speech, language and communication needs. Helen has received various professional training such as DIRFloortime®, Estill Voice Training® and Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention©. Helen is also a full-member of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists (HKAST) and the Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists (HKIST).

She is a trilingual clinician, providing services in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

 With master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Psychology, Maize has extensive experience in both clinical and educational settings. She has worked as a speech therapist in non-profit organizations in Hong Kong, supporting children with diverse speech, language, and communication needs.

After relocating to Ontario, she expanded her expertise as an assistant teacher in a childcare centre, further honing her skills in early language development, classroom support, and inclusive practices.

Fluent in English and Cantonese, Maize is dedicated to providing culturally responsive, evidence-based support to children and families. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive and is eager to bring both compassion and creativity to her role.

Rhoda hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a postgraduate certificate as a Communicative Disorders Assistant from Durham College. As a CDA student, she gained hands-on experience in a preschool setting supporting children with diverse developmental needs, including non-verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, through play-based and routine-centred activities. She also has experience working with verbal and non-verbal school-aged children across a range of communication needs, including articulation and AAC. These experiences reinforced her passion for helping children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, communicate effectively and build the confidence to advocate for themselves. She strongly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate their needs in a fun, nurturing, and engaging environment. She is also eager to expand my knowledge in the field of ABA to further enhance her skills in supporting learners with ASD.

Amanda has worked more than 6 years in the childcare industry. She received her Bachelor of Education degree from York University in 2023 after continuing her education from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) and George Brown College. Where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. During her time at Toronto Metropolitan University, Amanda developed an interest in working with students that have exceptional needs and wanted to gain a better understanding on how to connect to them. Amanda is passionate in working closely with students and creating an inclusive classroom. In Amanda’s free time, she can be found baking in the kitchen trying out a new recipe.  

Nadia is a teacher with over 15 years of classroom teaching experience. She has had extensive experience working as a  Special Education Teacher and is skilled at differentiating the curriculum so that special needs students can be successful in school . Nadia received her Masters of Education through Medaille College in New York. She also has a Bachelor in Social Work . Nadia has specialist Qualifications in Special Education and is also a qualified French Teacher.  

Isabel is an Ontario Certified Teacher who graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in primary/junior education. Prior to her BEd, she earned a Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, where her research focused on behavioural and cognitive neuropsychology. With a dedication to supporting neurodiverse individuals, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum, Isabel has cultivated valuable experience in fostering inclusive learning environments. She has also gained hands-on experience observing and implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques in educational settings, providing individualized support to students with autism. Her holistic teaching approach integrates various aspects of students' development to create well-rounded educational experiences. Committed to promoting equity and inclusion within education, Isabel looks forward to leveraging her skills and experience to make a positive impact in the field as she continues her professional journey. 

 Mary Rizk is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a strong passion for supporting children in their learning and development. She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in 2022 and a Bachelor of Education in 2024, in the Junior/Senior division, both from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Mary’s background in both health and education has deepened her interest in areas such as speech and language development, individualized learning strategies, and inclusive education. She enjoys finding creative and effective ways to support students with diverse needs and help them build confidence in their abilities.

She is especially interested in child development, speech and language acquisition, and using differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of every learner.

Mary is passionate about creating a supportive, engaging learning environment where students feel confident, capable, and encouraged to grow. Building strong, positive relationships with students and their families is something she truly values.

For Mary, teaching is all about connection, growth, and creating a space where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success.