- Instructor Therapists(IT)
- Senior Therapists(ST)
- Clinical Supervisor(IT)
Our IT’s have a university or college degree or diploma in psychology, behaviour science, or related field.
All IT’s receive ongoing training in the principles of ABA and effective teaching strategies. In addition, the IT’s attend regular clinical team meetings where they participate and lead discussions relating to ongoing professional development and client case reviews.
Senior Therapists(ST):
The Senior Therapists complete behavioural and curriculum assessments which are then used to develop individualized programming to meet the needs of the child. Our STs also provide ongoing evaluation and training for the Instructor Therapists.
Our STs have their Master's Degree (or are Masters Candidates) in a relevant field of study and have extensive IBI experience.
Laura Strachan, MADS, BCBA is a Senior Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Program Manager at AlphaBee Center. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an
Honours BSc in Psychology and Classic Civilizations. Laura began her career in ABA working
as an Instructor Therapist running IBI programs for children with Autism. During that time,
she completed post-graduate courses in ABA at Humber College. Laura now has a Masters
Degree in Applied Disability Studies with a Specialist in ABA from Brock University and is a
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Laura has worked with individuals with Developmental Exceptionalities and Autism, utilizing the principles of ABA with a particular focus on Verbal Behaviour. Laura has extensive experience with the assessment, development, and implementation of behaviour reduction and skill building programs resulting in the development of functional skills and a better quality of life for her clients.
Through her attendance at workshops and conferences, Laura has received ongoing training in ABA by various professionals in the field. In addition, Laura was a guest lecturer at George Brown College for the College Connect Training in IBI for Instructor Therapists and has presented at several ABA and Special Education conferences. Part of her work at AlphaBee includes developing training workshops for parents, therapists, and community members.
Nicola MacDonald, MADS, BCBA is a Senior Therapist at AlphaBee Center. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelors Degree in English Language and Literature. She then went on to achieve a Developmental Service Worker Postgraduate Diploma from Humber College.
Nicola has also completed Postgraduate courses in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Humber College. She
began her career working as an Instructor Therapist running IBI programs for children with Autism.
During this time she also worked as an assistant to a Speech and Language Pathologist. Nicola also has
educational experience working for the school boards. Moreover, Nicola is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and she has completed her Masters Degree in Applied Disability Studies with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University. Nicola has worked with individuals with Autism for many years in a variety of settings including therapeutic, recreational, social, and educational. Through her vast work experience, education, and attendance to various workshops/conferences Nicola has acquired the knowledge to be an excellent clinician in the field.
Ling Ly Tan is a Senior Therapist at AlphaBee Centre. Ling has worked
with children and adults with autism, dual diagnoses, and
developmental delays for over 10 years. During the past 6 years, she
has specialized in working in the field of autism utilizing the
principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis with a strong emphasis in
Verbal Behaviour in Intensive Behavioural Interventions.Ling holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Brock University. She is qualified to write the exam to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She specializes on drawing from evidence-based methods to assess, create, and design interventions that match individual needs and abilities; with the overall goal of enabling, with the motivation to learn and adapt, communicate effectively and make positive choices that improve one's quality of life.
Lisa Kota is a Senior Therapist at AlphaBee Centre. She graduated Cum Laude on the Dean’s Honour
Roll from York University with an Honours BA in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Masters in
Applied Disabilities Studies from Brock University and is on track to become a Board Certified Behaviour
Analyst in the near future. Lisa has worked with children from 2 years old to 16 years old with a wide
range of skill sets and problem behaviours. She began her career in ABA in 2005 as an Instructor Therapist
implementing IBI with a Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) approach. In July 2008 she joined AlphaBee with a
desire to emphasize a Verbal Behaviour approach in utilizing the principals of ABA. Lisa completed the provincial ministry training for IBI. Additionally, Lisa continues to receive supervision from several Board Certified Behaviour Analysts and Psychologists and she continues her professional development through attending workshops and conferences.
Lisa has a special interest in parent training as well as the development of specialized learning materials to facilitate learning. She is also passionate about increasing language development and reducing problem behaviours. She is a dedicated professional determined to improve the lives of children with special needs.
Clinical Supervisor:
The clinical supervisor is responsible for the direction of all programming, and for providing ongoing training and evaluation for Senior Therapists.
The clinical supervisor has a PhD and is a registered Psychologist.
Pam Lawrynowycz is a Consulting Clinical Supervisor at AlphaBee Centre. Pam has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Psychology. She is a Board Certified behaviour Analyst, with extensive training in ABA and Verbal Behaviour. Pam has worked within the Intensive Behavioral Intervention program with children with Autism for over 10 years, eight of which was as a Senior Therapist with Trillium Health Centre. Previous experience also includes working with adults with acquired brain injuries, adults and youth with developmental delays, autism and dual diagnoses, including those with severe behaviour challenges.
Pam has extensive experience providing behaviour and curriculum assessments, staff/parent training, as well as consultation and developing behaviour programs. She believes all children have the potential to develop skills beyond their current level, with a particular focus on increasing language skills. Pam is a motivated professional dedicated to bettering the lives of children with special needs.