Angela Armstrong – BCBA, M.Ed

Founder & Owner

I am proud to say that I am the founder and owner at Grand River Autism Services Inc. and have been working in this field for over 9 years now. I started GRAS inc. in 2019, and I am fortunate to say I have such an amazing, passionate team alongside me. I know that collaboration and team unity is pivotal to our success each day! I work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) providing services to an array of individuals with a designation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have a Master in Education and Behaviour Analysis, an Honours degree in Sociology and a vast background in Psychology. I am an ongoing member of ONTABA and an active member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts in Ontario. I continue to find enjoyment in the active learning that this field presents and finding creative pathways to blend and build new skills. I am a strong believer in working with families to achieve the goals that are best suited for their child. I strive to have a reciprocal relationship between myself, my team, and the clients we are providing services for; together we can build progress and independence. If my journey has taught me anything, it is that growth is infinite, and action is the driving force of change! Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surround areas + North-Perth, Wellington-North and Dufferin

Carlina Longworth

Clinical Lead & HR Administration

Carlina has been working with Grand River Autism Services Inc. since it opened 6 years ago, but collectively worked privately with the Founder & Owner for over 8 years providing ABA services. She has been a leading hand in supporting new clients, team members and nurturing the growth of the company. She supports intakes, assessments, hiring, training, parent consultations and more at GRAS Inc. She has a Degree in Recreational Therapy and has been working with individuals of all ages and abilities for over 9 years now. Carlina has graduated with a Master of Arts in Special Education – her next steps are to sit for National Certification to obtain her BCBA certificate. Carlina has a strong passion for supporting individuals to reach their fullest potential and finds new opportunities and experiences rewarding. She enjoys optimizing different settings to teach creative and innovative approaches to learn; translating into community integration and social-skill development. Carlina enjoys running social groups, training, and onboarding new team members, providing parent training and consultations, along with client success-mapping and program planning. She continues to cultivate her knowledge in the field and apply it to all areas of her work. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas

Alexis Blakley

Clinical Assistant

Alexis has been apart of the GRAS Team since August 2021 - she is a driven, hands-on individual who works diligently with each client and team member. Alexis loves working with individuals of all ages and spent 6 years coaching and mentoring children within the ringette community. She has completed her BSc Psychology and Neuroscience with a Minor in Biology. Alexis obtained her RBT and is in the process of completing her Master of Arts in Special Education in order to pursue National Certification. Alexis is a firm believer in adaptation and using different routes to reach an individuals success through tailored approaches. She finds motivation from the clients she supports and the colleagues she works alongside. Her passion is to bring joy and help individuals in a fun and positive manner! Catchment Area: Oxford County & Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas

Maya Massina

Behaviour Therapist, Casual

Maya joined the GRAS Team in August 2023 with a strong ambition to support each client she works with. Maya has a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology & Kinesiology and is in the process of completing a Masters of Arts in Mental Health. Maya has years of experience working with diverse groups of individuals in a multitude of capacities; a swim instructor, camp counsellor and in an after-school youth program. With a unique background in Kinesiology and Psychology, Maya is eager to utilize the skills she obtained by working as a Physiotherapist Assistant and has completed the coursework for an RBT to better support her growing knowledge and experience in the field of ABA. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas

Megan Seaton

Senior Therapist

Megan joined the GRAS team in September 2023. Megan holds a B.A in Psychology and has a graduate certificate in the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Conestoga College. She plans to pursue her Masters in Special Education and with a focus on ABA. She has experience with working with individuals with autism, within a variety of settings. Megan is passionate about using her knowledge in psychology and ABA to help her clients build fundamental skills that they can apply in multiple capacities. She loves making connections with all clients and families and thrives from seeing each client reach their full potential! Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas

Kodylyn Tanner

Behaviour Therapist

Kodylyn joined the GRAS team in February 2024. Kodylyn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. She has spent the past year working in a group home setting, providing care to adults with developmental disabilities, who range in both age and abilities. She has also been working in classroom settings with young children, helping them stay focused and gain the most out of their educational experience. Kodylyn is excited to use her experience, and knowledge to help her clients reach their full potential. She strongly believes in the positive impact that an engaged support system, and working within a client's preferences can have on an individual's ability to thrive. In her free time you can find Kodylyn sitting by the lake or playing music with her family. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Samantha Ponton

Behaviour Therapist

Samantha joined the GRAS team in May 2024 while completing her Bachelor's degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. She has a diverse background in working with youth with specialized needs, in a variety of settings to help shape their learning pathway. Her past positions and volunteer work have equipped her with a sincere understanding of the unique challenges individuals face across different age groups and abilities. Samantha also works as a supply teacher for elementary aged children and has always had a passion for helping those in need. She is committed to creating inclusive environments and encouraging growth whenever possible. She is a flexible worker who is always adapting to her client's needs and is eager to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with! Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Jennifer Sallenback

Behaviour Therapist

Jennifer joined the GRAS team in May 2024 and is finishing up her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She has been working in the field of ABA for over 2 and half years, providing direct treatment for individuals with ASD and other dual-diagnosis. Jennifer is in the process of completing her RBT coursework and is looking to pursue a Masters to further her education in the field of Behavioural Analysis. In the past, Jennifer has provided tutoring and mentoring to individuals of varying ages, in a variety of settings. She believes in supporting her clients through floor-time therapy, interactive pairing and tailored programming. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Julia Baxter

Behaviour Therapist

Julia joined the GRAS Team in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling and has completed her RBT coursework. As the youngest of five siblings, she enjoys being an Aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, cherishing both large family gatherings and individual babysitting moments. Julia is deeply committed to her church community, where she has worked with children of all ages in various settings, from classrooms to summer camps. Additionally, she is a certified group and personal fitness trainer who integrates behaviour therapy into her practice, guiding clients toward their health and wellness goals. Her passion lies in helping individuals feel loved and valued, creating an environment where they can grow and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and writing poetry. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Jayden Simmonds

Behaviour Therapist

Jayden joined the GRAS team in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioural Science and is completing her RBT coursework.  Jayden will be working towards a Master's program to become a BCBA in the future! She is passionate and committed to helping individuals get the best quality of life that they can.  She has worked with many different populations over the past 3 years; applying a variety of different ABA and therapeutic techniques to support each individual.  Jayden is a firm believer in client quality and ethics and always ensures the clients needs are put first. ABA has brought Jayden a lot of joy throughout her life and she is looking to extend that onto others and help them grow. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Alia Fatma

Behaviour Therapist

Alia joined the GRAS team in July 2024. She has been in the field of education for 15 years, working as an RECE and providing 1:1 ABA supports to clients in home and virtually. Alia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Child Studies and has graduated with a Bachelor's of Education abroad. In addition, Alia also has obtained her diploma in the  Autism and Behavioural Science Program, where she has completed multiple psychometric testing assessments and has been working under various psychologist and counsellors abroad, in clinical settings. She currently works for the school board and provides support for children with special needs. Alia is working towards a Master's program to become a BCBA in the future! She has worked with many different populations over the past 15 years applying a variety of different cognitive behavioural interventions and therapeutic techniques to support each individual. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Cassidy Groen

Behaviour Therapist

Cassidy joined the GRAS team in August 2024. She has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a double minor in Human Relationships and History. Cassidy is now in the process of completing her Master of Arts in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Cassidy has experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. She spent time working in a youth group home, providing care, guidance, and support to vulnerable youth with various mental health and developmental disorders. Cassidy also has experience providing direct support and respite services to kids and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is passionate about the work she does and is dedicated to using techniques that are tailored to clients needs. Her knowledge and experience have prepared her to support clients and families in reaching their goals. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas

Juliette Elfar

Behaviour Therapist

Juliette joined the GRAS team in August 2024. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Juliette has experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. She worked in numerous youth camps, providing care, guidance, and support to youth with various developmental disorders. In previous roles, she tailored and delivered specific interventions to meet the individual needs of each child. Juliette has worked at a Paediatric Clinic specializing in ABA therapy which has allowed her to work one-on-one and in group settings with children with ASD. She has implemented ABA strategies under the supervision of a BCBA, and gave her invaluable insight into the needs and progress of each child she worked with. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas

Olivia Mason

Behaviour Therapist

Olivia joined the GRAS team in September 2024. She is currently completing her degree in Sociology with plans to go to teachers college with a designation in Special Education. Olivia brings over five years of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and various other developmental diagnosis. She has worked extensively in direct support roles, providing tailored interventions to children and adolescents in a variety of inclusive settings. Olivia is dedicated to fostering positive client relationships and delivering individualized programming based on the unique needs of each person. With a strong commitment to behaviour management and client growth, she continually strives to create supportive environments that promote skill development and success. Olivia is eager to continue expanding her expertise and positively impacting the lives of those she works with. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.