About Us

Meet Emily

Founder and Executive Director

Hi there! I’m Emily. I’ve worked in the Autism community for 10+ years with children and youth. My Bachelor’s degree in Education and a specialization in modified learning means I create inclusive learning spaces tailored to individual needs.

Following my years of experience in social skills groups and respite, I supervised a team of Resource Specialists who coordinated special needs services for families. Ask me about navigating services and funding!

Join me in creating a world where every child’s unique abilities are celebrated, and where education goes hand in hand with the joy of building lasting friendships!

Meet Shannon

Hello, I’m Shannon! I’m an experienced professional with a profound commitment to supporting individuals with Autism and other exceptionalities. With 15 years of dedicated service, I’ve worked across diverse age groups, from one year to adults. For over 5 years, I’ve served as a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT), implementing ABA programming and tracking behaviour to ensure targeted and effective interventions.

Beyond one-on-one interventions, I bring over 5 years of experience in orchestrating social skills groups and fostering environments where individuals can enhance their social interactions and build meaningful connections. 

Meet Aleks

Aleks comes to us from Winnipeg, where she was a teacher and taught grades 5-8. The Spectrum Social met Aleks while she worked as an Information and Resource Specialist, as well as a Respite Coordinator for families in Peel region. Aleks has extensive knowledge about different respite options, funding applications, and resources in the autism community. She is eager to support children and youth with a diagnosis in having exciting and inclusive programming. In her spare time, she coordinates a book club, enjoys trying a variety of Pilates classes around the city, and has recently picked up being a DJ! Aleks’ fun and engaging personality makes for the perfect social environment for all participants, while also being able to support families navigating the system

Meet Kate

Kate is one of our group facilitators and joins Spectrum Social with a variety of unique experiences. Kate began as a Teaching Assistant with the Upper Grand school board and later became one of the few staff qualified and selected to provide support to children with a “Complex Special Needs” designation, where a child may require care in a 2:1 or 3:1 staff to child ratio. Following this, she became the lead intake coordinator for Peel’s central service coordination agency, servicing thousands of families requiring program intakes, assessments, and developing resource plans based on family goals. Kate now owns her own dog boarding and training organization while still supporting families with her wealth of knowledge and expertise in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Meet Gurjit

Gurjit is a dedicated teacher candidate currently studying in the Bachelor of Education program at York University, with a focus on high school education. Alongside his studies, Gurjit is completing a practicum as a student teacher at a high school, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. He also serves as a Mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Conversation Club program, where he supports newcomer children. Before starting his education studies, Gurjit worked as a Community Information Resource Specialist at Child Development Resource Connection Peel. In this role, he designed and led workshops for families of children with special needs, provided culturally sensitive support, and worked to improve resource access for diverse communities. Passionate about inclusive education and community engagement, Gurjit brings a wealth of experience in working with children and families.

Meet Aubrey

Aubrey has over 5 years of experience working with children and families across various settings. She began her career as a Registered Early Childhood Educator supporting and nurturing children’s learning. Following this, she expanded her skills by becoming a Registered Behavioural Therapist, where she provided ABA therapy and led social groups for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other complex needs. She joined Spectrum Social after working as a Professional Learning Specialist where she coordinated various workshops and projects for professionals in Peel. Now, Aubrey works as an Information and Resource Specialist, specializing in special needs by offering consultations, information, and resources for children, youths, and adults with special needs. When not working with children and youth, Aubrey is passionate about mindfulness and wellness practices, including yoga.