Dragonfly Family & Learning Services Inc’s mission is to provide evidence-based services, programs, and resources to empower a thriving neurodivergent population here in Renfrew County.

Dragonfly’s team doesn’t just help autistic children and youth, they are also skilled in supporting children with ADHD, ODD, OCD, Anxiety, and Depression. We are focused on addressing the barriers neurodivergent individuals face accessing services while living in Renfrew County. Our mission is to bring the highest quality Services, Programs, Resources to the Ottawa Valley and beyond!

We value qualified professionals who are passionate about providing evidence-based services to neurodivergent individuals. We value the hard work of those conducting research in the field of psychology, behaviour analysis, and education and as such only provide services that are informed by scientific evidence and theories. We value collaboration with other professionals, families, advocates, and the community.

As a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s (formerly Ryerson University) Bachelor’s of Child and Youth Care program, Erin has always been passionate about supporting individuals with a variety of needs. Experience early in Erin’s career in ABA programs helped to shape her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals to enhance their dynamic functioning.

When Erin relocated to the Ottawa Valley with her family in 2018 she quickly realized the need for services tailored to neurodivergent individuals and Dragonfly Family and Learning Services was born! Since January 2019, Erin has focused her time on curating a service model that is family-focused and curating a team of professionals passionate about bringing that service to your family!

While creating Dragonfly’s unique service model, Erin noted the importance of including Caregivers in more of the intervention process so, Erin completed coursework to become a Certified ABA Parent Trainer (CAPT)! At Dragonfly, Caregivers are a central part of our service model and have dedicated weekly appointments just for them! Erin is passionate about co-creating Caregiver Support Plans that are person-centered and recognize each individual's unique skills, life experience, and goals so you get the most out of your time with her.

Additionally, Erin loves building and leading her team of incredibly multi-talented professionals as they serve their clients. When she isn’t working you can find Erin spending time with her family either outside in the garden or the forest OR making something yummy in the kitchen!

Kassandra ensures that Clinical Oversight of ABA Therapy programs at Dragonfly Family and Learning Services go beyond the base requirements! Every family receives the highest quality experience from assessment through to discharge.

Your family can feel confident knowing your child is part of Kassandra’s caseload!

Kassandra has her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Throughout her career, Kassandra has specialized in providing clinical services to individuals with some of the most complex and challenging therapeutic and behavioural needs. Kassandra is energetic and driven to provide those she supports, as well as their caregivers, with the highest quality, evidence-based services possible.  

Her largest professional passion is finding creative and evidence-based interventions for anyone with unique and complex needs that do not fit into any “standard” clinical approaches or categories. Out of this passion, she created an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – based therapeutic support group for a subpopulation of the forensic inpatients at Canada’s leading mental health hospital. These patients are considered treatment resistant and have no access to any of the standard or modified therapeutic offerings. The patients from this group saw clinically significant and objective improvements which have been presented at professional conferences. 

 Now co-leading Dragonfly’s team as their Clinical Supervisor, Kassandra is excited and passionate about offering her education and clinical experience to the families of Renfrew County. 

 It is not all work and no play! When Kassandra is off the clock, she is out exploring nature with her family and taking part in a variety of aerial fitness classes. 

Meckenzie brings to the Dragonfly ABA Therapy team the perspective of being the sibling of an individual with complex needs. Meckenzie looks at each child with the same attention to detail she would want for her beloved sibling. You can be confident your child’s wellbeing is the top of her priority list!

Meckenzie is a graduate of the Masters of Applied Disability Studies (M.ADS) program with specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Brock University. Prior to completing her Masters, Meckenzie received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Honours Specialization in Kinesiology at Western University with a Major in Disability Studies at Kings University College.

Her desire to work with individuals with disabilities grew from the identification of how underserved this population is in many Northern communities, including her hometown of Sudbury, Ontario. Growing up volunteering with the Special Olympics, Meckenzie was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with athletes of all abilities. This is where Meckenzie first began learning from and supporting neurodivergent individuals, among a range of other (dis)abilities.

Meckenzie has developed her skills as an Instructor Therapist and now, a Senior Therapist, through her Masters at Brock University, professional roles at multiple agencies in the Sudbury region, and continued to do so throughout her time at Dragonfly Family and Learning Services. Client advocacy, through a Critical Disability Studies Lens, is always at the forefront of the work Meckenzie does with each of her clients to ensure societal barriers are considered when clinical decisions are made. 

Sadie brings not only top-quality clinical expertise to each of her ABA Therapy cases but she also brings the fun! You’ll love watching your child go through an assessment with Sadie full of smiles and laughter. Sadie truly believes learning should always be fun!

Sadie is currently in her final year of the Master’s of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in ABA through Brock University and has completed a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Nipissing University. 

Sadie first started working with neurodivergent youth through a volunteer role during her time at Nipissing University before working as both a child and youth worker and developmental service worker prior to starting her role at Dragonfly.

Before taking on the role of Senior Therapist , Sadie worked directly with clients as an Instructor Therapist at Dragonfly for two years! Sadie’s favourite part about working at Dragonfly is the relationships she gets to build with her clients and celebrating their achievements with them! 

If she’s not working or in class, you can probably find Sadie exploring the outdoors with her dog or baking some goodies in the kitchen!  

Our Instructor Therapists are the heart and soul of the Dragonfly ABA Therapy Team!

Instructor Therapists spend the majority of Dragonfly’s time with ABA Therapy clients right in their homes getting to know the whole family and what is important to each of them.

Each of our Instructor Therapists have a long history of supporting neurodivergent individuals and combine this lived experience with their post-secondary education to arrive to your home prepared to curate a session of fun and learning for your child focused on goals that are the most meaningful for your entire family.

Mikhaela graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. During this time, she developed a curiosity for supporting neurodivergent individuals which then prompted her to returned to school and obtain an Autism and Behavioural Sciences Certificate from Algonquin College. 

Mikhaela started her journey in the field working with older individuals with intellectual disabilities and wanted to grow her knowledge and experience with the younger generation. She was primarily raised in Renfrew County and has seen the growth in available local services and wants to continue to play a part in supporting the community through these agencies, like Dragonfly.

During Mikhaela’s spare time, she can be found out on the water or hanging out with her dogs & chickens, husband, family and friends!

Brianna graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelors of Art with a major in Social Welfare and Development before completing the Autism and Behavioural Sciences Certificate from Algonquin College in 2022. In Fall 2023 Brianna began Brock University’s Master’s of Applied Disability Studies program! 

Brianna first started working with neurodivergent youth as a resource support staff at a daycare, and later worked as an educational assistant prior to her role at Dragonfly. Brianna’s growth during her time with Dragonfly Family and Learning Services Inc has resulting in her be promoted to Lead Instructor Therapist, where she provides assistance to the clinical team during assessments as well as working directly with clients. 

In her free time, you can find Brianna spending time with her friends and family – especially her cats!

Madison is a graduate of the University of Buffalo’s Bachelor of Arts Psychology program. During her studies, Madison also obtained a minor in Counseling. While completing her undergraduate studies, Madison discovered her passion for psychology and working with children. This was also where Madison uncovered her interest in youth development and learning. 

Madison has previously worked with older adults with intellectual/physical disabilities. It was there that furthered Madison’s passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals. It also strengthened Madison’s belief that every individual is unique and one of a kind.  

In Madison’s free time, you can find her reading, spending time with her cat, or watering her plants!

Selina is dedicated to continuing education, after completing a diploma in social service work, she has completed multiple Child Development courses and is working towards completing her Childhood Mental Health Certification. 

Selina joins the Dragonfly family with over 10 years of experience in working with children with exceptional needs. Selina started her journey with children with multiple medical and concurrent disorders and over the past 10 years she has worked with the County of Renfrew as Support Staff in child care settings as well as within the school system as an Education Assistant.

In her spare time, you can find Selina spending time with her children and husband out on the water in the summer and at ski hills over the winter. Selina loves working with her husband to help rescue and rehabilitate rescue dogs and give them a chance to find a FURever home. 

Brandon graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University which helped to develop his passion for helping neurodivergent individuals, and finding creative solutions to help them achieve their goals. In the Fall of 2023, Brandon started Athabasca University’s Master's in Counselling program and is very eager to apply what he learns in his courses to his professional career. 

Brandon started his career at Community Living in Barry's Bay where he gained invaluable experience with the disability community. Through this experience, Brandon found his passion for improving life skills and achieving important milestones alongside the individuals he supports. Brandon especially loves working and thriving in the chaotic environments that comes with this line of work, and finding inspiration for problem solving in new places. 

Brandon is very excited to learn and grow with the team at Dragonfly, and can't wait to develop new skills surrounded by great people.

In his free time, you can find Brandon hanging out with his puppy or [headbanging?] at heavy metal concerts.

Paige graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Developmental Services Work, but Paige first discovered her passion and drive to support neurodivergent individuals while in high school. Paige gained valuable experience working with neurodivergent individuals while completing a co op in school settings and confirmed her career plan.

After graduating college, Paige began her career providing recreational programming at both Miramichi Lodge and Community Living- Pembroke. Paige prioritizes dignity and fun in her work and with everyone she meets while out in the community.

Paige is excited to join the team here at Dragonfly Family and Learning Services and to grow as an Instructor Therapist!

In her free time, you can find Paige reading sappy romance novels or listening to Taylor Swift.

Kayla graduated with Honours from Willis College receiving a Diploma in Addictions and Community Service Work and brings to Dragonfly her passion for advocacy work and disability rights; a passion born from both professional and personal experiences.

Kayla has experience working in community service organizations prior to joining the Dragonfly Team and is eager to bring her administrative skills to the team to help us to serve our amazing clients.

In Kayla’s free time, you might find them scouring antique stores for a new treasure or curled up with a good book!