Supporting Neurodiverse Social Development: A Parent’s Guide

Ontario Regional Manager

Excited to be part of a rapidly expanding team in the Halton region, she is eagerly embracing the opportunity to contribute to the team’s growth and success. Kristin is devoted to ensuring the highest quality of support through a collaborative, inclusive approach that ensures every voice is heard and valued. Her enthusiasm for this new chapter is matched by her dedication to empowering both her colleagues and the individuals served, fostering an environment where everyone thrives together.

When she takes her professional hat off, Kristin enjoys exploring nature—especially with her dogs—fishing, swimming, writing poetry, live music, and trivia (even though she’ll admit she’s not that great at it!).

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.

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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.

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!

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.

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.

ABA Program Manager, Behaviour Consultant & CSup

Alex has over 25 years of experience working directly with children with special needs. Beginning a career in community recreation, Alex developed a program to address physical activity for children with special needs. Later, Alex transitioned into working as a Behaviour Interventionist (BI) in home intervention programs, which led to the pursuit of Behaviour Consultation certification upon discovering a passion for teaching children who require specialized learning techniques.

In 2009, Alex became a Behaviour Consultant and earned Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) certification in 2011. Most recently, Alex completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

With primary experience working with children aged 3 to 12, Alex also supports teens and adults. Utilizing multiple ABA teaching methods, Alex focuses on fostering independence and promoting positive behaviours. The Verbal Behaviour approach is used for language development, while Natural Environment Teaching encourages socialization and play. Alex is experienced in teaching children to communicate using picture symbols, visual supports, and language development techniques based on motivation and enjoyment of activities.

Believing that learning extends beyond the therapy room, Alex emphasizes the importance of incorporating ABA strategies into everyday family interactions. A personalized ABA program is designed to integrate effective teaching techniques that align with both the child’s needs and the family’s comfort. Research and experience guide Alex’s recommendations, fostering collaborative discussions to determine the best approach for each family.

Respectful and genuine collaboration is at the core of Alex’s work. Recognizing parents as the experts on their children, Alex’s role is to support and work alongside families to help children reach

their full potential. Schools and community partners are also invited to be part of the collaborative team, ensuring that all key individuals contribute their expertise to the child’s development. Whether the goal is improving communication, enhancing social skills, making friends, or succeeding in school, Alex’s approach is rooted in patience, knowledge, and understanding to help each child thrive.