Navigating the Labyrinth: Mental Health, Neurodiversity, and the Power of Understanding

ABA Program Manager, Behaviour Consultant & CSup

I have over 30 years of experience working directly with children with special needs. I started my career in community recreation, and started a program to address physical activity for children with special needs. I began working as a Behaviour Interventionist (BI) in home intervention programs and decided to pursue Behaviour Consultation certification as I discovered my passion for teaching children who required specialized learning techniques.

I became a Behaviour Consultant in 2009, becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst in 2011. I then became a mom and went back to school, getting my Master’s Degree in Psychology with specialization in ABA, in 2018. I was soon supervising our team of behaviour analysts and consultants and became the Program Manager in 2020.

My primary area of experience is in working with children aged 3 to 12 years old, however I do also serve teen and adults. I use multiple ABA teaching methods to develop independence and promote positive behaviours. I use the Verbal Behaviour approach to language development, and Natural Environment Teaching to promote socialization and play and am experienced in teaching children to communicate using picture symbols, using visual supports and developing language based on motivation and enjoyment of activities.

So much learning happens outside of the therapy room and so I feel it is important to work with families to incorporate ABA at home in easy, everyday interactions. A personalized ABA program combines teaching techniques which are the most effective for your child and which are the most comfortable for your family. I look to research and experience to inform my advice and recommendations so we can have a discussion about which way to go and what you are comfortable with

I believe that respectful and genuine collaboration is an integral part of working with your child and your family. As the parent, you are the expert in your child and I see my role as one to work alongside of you as you help your child be the happiest they can be. Your child’ schools and community partners will also be invited to be a part of the collaborative team which helps ensure that everyone who has an important role in your child’s development can use their expertise and knowledge. Whether that is by learning to communicate, learning to be more social and flexible, or just learning how to make friends, and do better in school, my approach is one of patience, knowledge and understanding to help your child shine.

Mental Health Program Manager & Counsellor

I provide family and individual counselling services to youth, adults, and couples. With my clients, I strive to help improve their emotional and mental well being, develop self-awareness and build better relationships.

From my sessions, you can expect a client-centred approach where therapy is designed to suit your specific needs with the integration of empirically supported counselling theories and techniques. I do a blend of skills based training, solutions focused and depth therapy for a comprehensive counselling experience that not only addresses more acute needs, but also helps clients work through their past, present and future in order to create a plan for long-term change, proactive health maintenance and positive living.

Complex Care Program Manager

Throughout her career, Amber has worked closely with hundreds of families, primarily foster families, supporting children in their care. She has completed a BA in Psychology and MA in Leadership. Amber brings to Pivot Point 20+ years of hands on experience in addressing the complex behavior of children and youth who live with special needs, developmental disabilities, as well as learning, behavior and psychiatric challenges.

For the past 17 years Amber has been in leadership positions within the non-profit sector; she has experience building highly trained, motivated teams of support staff. Her style is one of collaboration while maintaining superior quality of care and ethical standards.

Challenging and complex behavior has always fascinated Amber and furthers her drive to support families & children with exceptional needs. Over the course of her career, Amber has received training in Trauma-Informed Practice, Positive Behavioral Support, Attachment, Brain-Based Disorders and more.

Amber is also a mother of two active children. She can be found at the hockey rink, baseball field and dance studio when she is not busy at work. Amber and her husband moved to Cloverdale in 2002 & enjoy the close knit community it provides.

Adult Services & Transition Planning Program Manager

Life later led Sandra to live in Alberta for several years where she worked with neuro-diverse groups, and home-school groups and also privately tutored neurodiverse and behaviourally challenged students, providing the extra support they required to achieve graduation.  Then, upon her return to BC, Sandra worked as an Executive Assistant for the Director of Health and the Director of the Early Childhood Department for a local First Nations Band.  She considers this one of her most valuable experiences as she not only learned so much about the intricate workings of healthcare and management, but was gifted the opportunity to witness and often even participate in the many cultural events and celebrations unique to this Band.  She cherishes the many memories and friendships she has from this time.

With a BA in English Literature and Early Childhood Education and many other Educational and Crisis Intervention certifications, Sandra is excited to lead her team of professionals to ensure the individuals and families they support find their dreams and goals. Encouraging the passions and celebrating the successes of staff and persons served alike.  She consciously works hard to remain accessible and approachable.

In her downtime, Sandra enjoys spending time with her husband and dog while camping, looking after their home and spending time with friends.  She is fiercely proud of her two daughters who are both attending university and are also pursuing careers in the Human Services sector.   Sandra is a bit of an animal nut and loves her coffee!

Educational Services Program Manager

Kate joined Pivot Point in July 2021 as the Before and After School Care Program Manager, as well as the Community Classroom Registrar. In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, Kate is a certified PEERS provider, a trained coach through Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), and a certified Sanity School for Parents and Teachers trainer through Impact ADHD. Kate also has experience in executive function coaching, Michelle Garcia-Winner’s Social Thinking curriculum and strategies, and The Zones of Regulation curriculum.

Educational Services Program Manager

Cheryl joined the Pivot Point team as Regional Manager for Chilliwack/Hope, in Feb 2010. Cheryl has a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of British Columbia. During her studies she specialized in adapted programs, behaviour management, and integration planning for children with high needs. After completing this degree Cheryl worked as a recreational therapist for 6 years, developing and implementing a variety of programs, therapy and experiences for children and adults with complex needs.

Cheryl has vast experience, knowledge, abilities and strategies for working with complex children, families, community resources and services. She has provided training, and workshops in positive behaviour management. She has been a mentor to co-workers, assessing, developing and implementing positive behaviour plans and programs specific to individual success plans for students and families.

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