Hi, I’m Rachel.
I’m a clinician and parent with 30+ years of experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), autism, and early intervention. Alongside my formal training, I bring lived experience—my son is 18 and has ASD, ADHD, and an intellectual delay—so my approach is holistic, compassionate, and rooted in real life.
I’ve worked within the system, including at Kinark, and the Geneva centre for Autism and I know how challenging it can be to wait for services, feel stuck on lists, or worry your child is losing valuable time. You don’t have to wait anymore—the help is available now.
I support the whole family, including siblings, in navigating care, schooling, and changing developmental and educational needs. I’m trained in VB-MAPP, PEAK, and ABLLS-R, and can guide you through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), funding options, treatment choices, and what’s actually necessary (and what isn’t) so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
I’ve worked closely with York/Durham and Tri-County school boards and can assist with IEPs, rights, and advocacy to ensure your child is supported both at home and at school.
I understand ASD from the inside out, and my goal is to support your family in a way that honours mental health, family dynamics, and your child’s unique strengths and development.
Driven by my passion for helping people recovery from addiction, I am a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor (CCAC) working at an addiction treatment centre. In my role, I have the opportunity to counsel clients who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as mental health issues.
With over 18 years living in recovery, my lived-experience and membership within a 12-step fellowship, are strengths which allow me to connect knowledgably and empathically with others. In addition to my personal insight, my experience with mental health challenges extends to my immediate family and friends.
I bring personal and professional knowledge, enthusiasm, and compassion to my work. I am a strong advocate for fostering awareness, addressing stigma, and challenging preconceptions, all with a solutions-focused approach to the challenges individuals and communities face regarding addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to a life of service, I currently have service commitments in my personal and professional life.
