Our Professionals
The staff of ABA Learning Centre are skilled professionals who work together to support families by providing services to address their unique needs. Our professionals are committed to the following philosophy:
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All children are unique and all children can learn.
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children have a right to effective and efficient intervention
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Children have a right to intervention that is based on science and that has been shown to be effective through scientific study.
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Families have the right to receive services individually tailored to the unique needs of the children and their family as a whole.
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Families are the constant in the child’s life and their opinions and participation in their child’s intervention are essential and valued.
Our Founder
Dr.Suzanne Jacobsen
Ed.D., R. Psych., RASP Certified
As a Registered Psychologist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst – Doctoral, I have been providing consultative ABA services to families of children with autism since 1998, but have assisted families facing the challenges of autism, brain injury and other complex developmental disabilities since 1979. I received my Doctoral Degree in Educational Psychology and Special Education from UBC in 1990 and completed a two-year post-doctoral study in the Department of Social and Educational Studies. My prior work as a teacher included teaching children in regular and special education classrooms and coordinating services in a large school district for children with learning differences, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders. I have also taught university students about children with autism and developmental disabilities, including courses in assessment and appropriate interventions. As a mentor to the professionals at ABA Learning Centre, I have participated in presenting many workshops and training sessions. Over the last 40 years I have provided workshop training throughout the province in school districts and communities and I have also presented workshops and training about autism internationally in the United States and China.
Founder
Our Psychology Clinician
Dr. Elizabeth Athens Klar
Psychology Clinician
BCBA-D, RASP Certified
I hold a doctorate in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from the University of Florida, as well as a doctoral specialization certificate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. I'm also a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D). I completed both my pre- and post-doctoral internships at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and my clinical psychology residency through the BC School and Applied Psychology Consortium. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse children and youth, along with their caregivers, in a variety of settings including pediatric, community mental health, public schools, and private clinics. I provide assessment, parenting support, and consultation for children, youth, and young adults experiencing developmental, learning, emotional, and behavior challenges. At ABA Learning Centre, I am supervised by Dr. Suzanne Jacobsen, R. Psych.
Our Behaviour Consultants
Clinical Director
M.A. BCBA, RASP Certified
Myro D. Yngreso
I have been working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism since 2003, supporting individuals as young as 18 months to 19 years old. I completed a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in child behaviour therapy at Pacific University in Portland, Oregon. I joined the ABALC team in 2009 and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst in 2014. I currently support children and their families in centre-based, home-based, and school/community settings; collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. I am a Category A Behaviour Consultant on the Registered Autism Service Provider list of British Columbia. As a mother of four young children, I value and encourage the power of teaching through play and through everyday activities; all the while having fun and purposefully using evidence-based strategies to develop and strengthen various age-appropriate and functionally-relevant skills across the life-span.
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Not accepting new clients
Photo coming soon
M.A., Certified ESDM Therapist, BCBA
Sara Shababi-Shad
I have a Master of Arts degree in Special Education with a concentration in Behaviour Disorders from the University of British Columbia. I am also a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. I have been working with at risk children and youth, and children with autism since 2010. I have worked at ABA Learning Centre since 2012. I have experience developing and providing intensive ABA-based behavioural intervention to children with ASD both in home and centre-based programs. I have worked with GABA Program, and Fawkes Academy DL, along with various home teams. I completed the coursework and training to be an ESDM certified therapist.
Locations accepting new clients: South Surrey & Virtual sessions available
Program Manager
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Program Manager
M.Ed, BCBA, RASP Certified
Kristen Kringhaug
I have been working in the field of ABA/VB since 2004. I have had experience working as a BI, a Lead BI, a Program Supervisor and now as a Program Manager in individual home programs, school and classroom settings, group therapy programs and social skills groups. I have had the pleasure of working with a wide array of ages and skill levels. I have worked collaboratively with SLPs, OTs, teaching staff, and other professionals from the autism community. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Arts Degree in Special Education with specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. I completed my BCBA coursework through Arizona State University. There is nothing more rewarding then being part of a child’s progress and that is why I do the work I do.
Not accepting new clients
Program Manager
M.Ed, BCBA, RASP Certified
Sarah Gentile
I have been working with individuals with developmental disabilities in school, community, and recreational settings since 2005. I joined ABA Learning Centre in 2009 and worked in the centre and home based programs while I furthered my education in the field. I completed the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Douglas College in 2011. In November 2015, I graduated with a Masters of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from the University of British Columbia. I have been a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) since early 2016. I value working collaboratively with parents and other professionals in order to facilitate learning and development of the individual and am grateful to be in position that allows me to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Not accepting new clients
Program Manager
M.Ed, BCBA, RASP Certified
Shaheen Bhagudi
I have been working with children with cognitive and developmental delays since 2009, and focused my training to children on the Autism Spectrum in 2011. I completed the post-baccalaureate program in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Capilano University in 2013, and recently completed an M.Ed from the University of Washington in 2016. I have since become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). I have worked on private home teams, in the school system, as well as clinic settings. Since day 1 in this field I fell in love with the unique perspective the children I have worked with have on life. There is nothing more exciting to me than being able to connect with a student and using that connection to deliver quality training and services to both the child and their family.
Location accepting new clients: New Westminster
Program Manager
M.A., BCBA, R.C.C., RASP Certified
Elizabeth A. Schwabe
As a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and a Registered Clinical Counsellor with an M.A. degree from Florida Institute of Technology, I have been supporting children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families since 2007. I work with clients in various settings including centres, homes and schools, while collaborating with other support teams. My experience as a mother of three inspires me to continue working with children and teens. I love what I do!
Not accepting new clients
Photo coming soon
Program Supervisor
B.A., BCaBA
Nisha N
I started working at ABA LC as a behavioural interventionist in 2017. Since then, I have moved into the role of Program Supervisor working in both clinical-based educational settings and on private home teams. My early experiences in the field revealed my passion for working with individuals facing unique obstacles. I enjoy problem solving and being creative by finding new and exciting ways to teach individuals so that they have a positive and successful experience. I aim to have a diversified background of experiences that will allow me to be an agile and adaptable behavioral consultant. I hope to be an agent that helps to enable individuals to develop the necessary skills to acquire a higher quality of life and have control over their lives.
Not accepting new clients
Program Manager
MPEd, BCBA, RASP Certified
Raman Kainth
I have been working with at risk children and youth for over five years. I always knew I wanted to work with children and youth, however it was not until I began to work with the GABA Program in 2018 when I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst. I have experience working as a Behaviour Interventionist and a Lead Behaviour Interventionist before transitioning to my current role as Student Program Supervisor. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia where I mainly focused on child development. I attended Western University in order to obtain a Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis. I value education and am passionate about helping children achieve their goals. Working in this field continues to be exciting and rewarding.
Location accepting new clients: Vancouver, Burnaby & Richmond
Program Supervisor
B.A., BCaBA
Melody Hung
Since 2013, I've been dedicated to serving individuals with special needs. It all began with volunteering at ABA Learning Centre's summer camp program, where I discovered my passion for this field. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, I completed my BCaBA coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology, and obtained my BCaBA certification in Jan 2023. Throughout my journey, I've assumed roles as a behavioral interventionist and lead behavioral interventionist in home environments. Additionally, I've spent three fulfilling years as an Education Assistant at an elementary school. Witnessing the progress of children as they learn, develop, and enhance their quality of life has consistently fueled my dedication to this profession.
Not accepting new clients
Program Supervisor
MPEd, BCBA
Kevin Lee
I started working in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2018 and have since developed a strong passion for the field. I began my career working as a behaviour interventionist and now work with children and teens in home and centre-based programs. I have graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and am currently pursuing a Masters of Professional Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Western University. I hope to help all of my clients achieve their goals and lead a life of fulfillment.
Locations accepting new clients: Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam & North Vancouver
Program Supervisor
M.A., BCBA
Vanessa Li
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. I joined Fawkes Academy as a Behaviour Interventionist and since then developed a strong passion for the field. Establishing a good connection with the children, and being able to improve their quality of life has been exciting and motivating for me.
Not accepting new clients
M.A, BCBA
Sara Fischer
Program Supervisor
I began working in this field in 2012 as a behavioural interventionist, and from that my passion for behaviour analysis has continued to grow. I have worked in home and school-based settings, along with supporting individuals in community and recreational activities. I graduated with a post-baccalaureate diploma in ABA and Autsim from Capilano University in 2018. I then moved to the UK and graduated with a Masters of Science in ABA and Therapy from the University of South Wales in 2020. I am now back in Canada and excited to continue my journey as a newly certified BCBA!
Not accepting new clients
Student Program Supervisor
B.A., BComm
Chloe He
I have over five years experience in the field and have been working at Fawkes Academy since 2019 as a Behaviour Interventionist. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Commerce and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Since then I have developed a passion for research and hands-on-practices in applied Psychology. Currently, I am attending Western University to pursue a Masters of Professional Education degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goals are to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and to better serve those lovely children with an improved expertise.
Locations accepting new clients: Vancouver & Richmond
B.A., Minor in SPEd.
Hollie Tsui
Student Program Supervisor
Since 2017, I have worked in various roles as a Behaviour Interventionist, Education Assistant, and reading tutor, providing support to children in home, schools, and community environments. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Special Education from SFU and completed the Disability and ABA program at Douglas College. Currently, I am pursuing a Masters in Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UBC. My passion lies in establishing meaningful connections and fostering curiosity and wonder. I hope to assist my clients with achieving their goals and enhancing their learning journey.
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Locations accepting new clients: Burnaby, Tri-cities, New Westminster & Richmond
Our Counsellor
Registered Clinical Counsellor
M.C.P., R.C.C., C.C.T.P
Vanessa Hercun
Hi, My name is Vanessa and I’m a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and is my 4th year working at Fawkes Academy. I have a Masters of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University, Vancouver campus and I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am trauma informed and use a mix of approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), attachment theory, mindfulness-based practices, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), just to name a few. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issue, grief and more. I look forward to meeting and working with students and creating a space where they feel safe to express themselves or continue to develop their personal goals.
Locations accepting new clients: Virtual meetings available
Our Behaviour Interventionists
Edil
Program coodinator/Behavioural Interventionist
I graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. My journey within the field of ABA started in 2022 as a BI, and I currently support learners as the Program Coordinator for the Richmond In-Clinic program. I love the sense of community and collaboration at the ABA Learning Centre which gives me the opportunity to create an environment where our students can grow and learn!
Bella
Behaviour Interventionist
I started working at ABA Learning Centre in 2022 as a Behaviour Interventionist, and it's honestly been such a great experience. I've always loved working with kids, and Fawkes has been an amazing place to grow and learn. Now, I'm excited to take the next step in my journey by going back to school to become an Early Childhood Educator, focusing on supporting children on the spectrum.
Kevin
Behaviour Interventionist
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of British Columbia, and am currently pursuing the BCaBA Graduate Certificate program at Florida Institute of Technology. Working as a behaviour interventionist at Fawkes Academy has allowed me to interact with children with autism and other developmental disabilities, while also applying the principles of ABA when implementing programs based on their individual needs. I find it extremely rewarding to witness a child’s growth, and I am grateful to be part of their developmental journey.
Amber
Behaviour Interventionist
I’ve been working with kids on the spectrum for over 6 years. I’m full of energy and love finding creative ways to help each child grow and learn. Every child is unique, and it’s important to find the key that unlocks their potential.
Lucy
Behaviour Interventionist
My name is Qin Zhang, and I go by Lucy. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. In the last semester of my bachelor's degree, I took a course on the Education of Students with Autism, and since then I have developed a strong passion to contribute to this field and support those lovely children. In 2023, I joined ABA LC as a Behavior Interventionist. Being able to help our clients and seeing those children's growth always rewarding and motivates me.
Our Administration
Joseph Carpenter
Managing Director
I began my journey with ABA Learning Centre in 2010 as a Behaviour Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Psychology, a field that first interested me thanks to my grandmother, a psychologist. This led to a passion for supporting children and families through evidence-based, compassionate care.
In 2015, I transitioned into an administrative role, where I combined my front-line experience with a growing interest in organizational management. I later earned a Small Business Management certificate from Vancouver Community College, and in 2024, proudly became one of the shareholders , with my sister.
As Managing Director, I am committed to leading with trust, respect, and meaningful connection. I envision a future where the Centre continues to grow and evolve while remaining a judgment-free, supportive space for both families and staff. My goal is to ensure that every family who walks through the doors feels confident in the team's deep expertise and dedication to making a difference.
Outside of work, I am proud father to a spirited toddler who keeps me humble and grounded, offering me daily reminders of the joys and challenges that come with parenthood.
Sasha Jennings
Administrative Director
With over 13 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I have dedicated my career to working with children and adolescents with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I began as a Behavioral Interventionist, supporting children and families in both home and centre-based settings, before advancing to the role of Program Coordinator within our centre-based program.
After returning from maternity leave in 2023, I transitioned into a leadership position within our administrative team, supporting ABA Learning Centre, and Fawkes Academy.
As Administrative Director, I am committed to supporting the continued growth of our organization and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accessible services to families throughout our region.
As both a professional and a mother, I bring a deep personal commitment to the children and families we serve. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of our founder, Dr. Suzanne Jacobsen, and to carry forward her vision of inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-based support. It has been a privilege to be part of such a meaningful and impactful organization, and I take great pride in witnessing the ongoing growth and success of our students and clients.
Photo coming soon
Phoebe Jacob
Accounting & Financing
I completed my diploma in Accounting from Douglas College in 2023 and started my professional career with ABA Learning Centre in 2024. I really enjoy being part of the team at ABA Learning Centre, where I'm gaining valuable experience and continuously developing my skills.
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Dennis Tal
Registrar & Human Resources Manager
I have served as the HR Manager for ABA LC since 2019 and support our in-clinic centre-based program as Registrar. I perform the same duties for Fawkes Academy Independent School through a cross-organizational partnership. As a CPHR candidate, several of my focus areas include compliance, employee relations, strategic management, and recruitment.