Empowered Team

Jennifer is the Clinical Director at Empowered Academy. In this role, you will often see her visiting each site to ensure a consistently high standard of care across all programs. Jennifer plays a key leadership role in overseeing clinical services, supporting teams, and ensuring that each child’s program is thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented.

Jennifer is a highly dynamic clinician who is skilled in developing individualized programs that move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. She brings extensive expertise in behaviour change, emotional regulation, and supporting children through complex learning and behavioural needs. Jennifer is experienced in completing and interpreting a wide range of assessments, including the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS, PEAK, Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs), and other skill-based and behaviour assessments to guide program development.

A valued member of the Empowered Academy team, Jennifer brings over a decade of experience in inclusive education. She is both an Ontario Certified Teacher and a Registered Behaviour Analyst, specializing in strengths-based, individualized programming tailored to each child’s unique goals, interests, and needs. Jennifer takes a highly collaborative approach, working closely with families to support skill development, social-emotional learning, and meaningful, lasting progress.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Education from McGill University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Ottawa, along with additional qualifications in autism spectrum disorder, applied behaviour analysis, and special education. Her compassionate, evidence-based practice helps create supportive, engaging environments where children are empowered to thrive.

Taylor is a Behaviour Analyst at Empowered Academy’s Pembroke location, with a strong academic and clinical background in child development and Applied Behaviour Analysis. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Child Health and a Master’s degree in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University and has been a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ontario) since 2022, registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.

Taylor specializes in developing and overseeing individualized, evidence-based programs that support independence and functional skill development. She has experience completing and interpreting assessments including the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS, PEAK, and Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs). Known for her engaging and collaborative approach, Taylor works closely with families and therapy teams to promote meaningful progress across home, school, and community settings.

Taylor is known for her thoughtful, engaging approach, blending structured instruction with play-based learning to build strong therapeutic relationships. She places a strong emphasis on collaboration, working closely with parents and caregivers to provide practical, behaviour-analytic strategies that support consistency, confidence, and long-term progress at home, school, and in the community.

Jessica Rose Burns is the Care Coordinator at Empowered Academy, where she plays a key role in supporting families and therapists across all centres to ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centered care. You will often see Jessica visiting each location, collaborating with teams, and helping to ensure programs are well supported, consistent, and responsive to the needs of both children and families.

Jessica studied Psychology at Carleton University and brings extensive experience working with children and youth from vulnerable populations and neurodivergent communities. She has a strong background in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including implementing and supporting individualized programs, completing assessments, and providing direct, skill-based teaching. 

As a Registered Behaviour Therapist, Jessica is known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach and her commitment to continuous improvement. She is passionate about supporting both families and clinicians, ensuring programs are meaningful, ethical, and aligned with best practices to help each child reach their full potential.

Amanda Graham serves as the Director of Empowered Academy, leveraging over 20 years of experience in mental health care. With an educational background in Psychology from Carleton University, she is dedicated to supporting children and youth in acquiring the essential skills they need to thrive.

In her role, she manages the daily operations of Empowered Academy and adopts a hands-on approach, frequently engaging with each clinic to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and foster team collaboration.

As a devoted mother of four, Amanda's lifelong passion for helping others was ignited early in her life, as her family fostered children for many years. This experience inspired her to develop a nurturing and empowering environment for every child who enters Empowered Academy’s doors.

Sierra Vieira is a Lead Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy’s Kanata location, bringing over six years of experience in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is a Registered Behaviour Therapist and is also currently a student at Algonquin College, further strengthening her clinical knowledge and professional practice.

Sierra specializes in behaviour management and has experience completing assessments to support individualized program development. She works with children in both one-to-one and peer group settings, supporting skill development, regulation, and positive behaviour.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Sierra plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the Kanata location, supporting staff, clients, and families to ensure smooth operations and a high quality of care. Known for her leadership, clinical insight, and collaborative approach, Sierra is a valued member of the Empowered Academy team and is dedicated to supporting meaningful progress for the children she serves.

Dr. Jeff Sherman is Empowered Academy’s Clinical Psychologist, providing clinical supervision across all three clinic locations and serving as an OAP Provider. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (York University, 1977) and is registered as a C.Psych and RBA.

With decades of experience, Dr. Sherman specializes in autism treatment, child behaviour management, and adolescent counseling. He is also skilled in completing diagnostic assessments, helping families better understand their child’s strengths, needs, and support recommendations. His clinical focus includes building social skills and emotional regulation, and guiding families with practical strategies to reduce challenging behaviour and improve day-to-day functioning.

Sarah is a supervised Lead Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy’s Pembroke location, where she also supports the day-to-day functioning of the clinic. She is originally from the Ottawa Valley and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Highest Honours from Carleton University.

With over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, Sarah has worked with teens, adults, and seniors in a variety of community-based roles. Over the past three years, she has practiced ABA therapy, supporting children in classroom-based and individualized learning environments.

Sarah has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Skills-Based Treatment, Direct Instruction, and a range of assessments. She remains committed to ongoing learning and values lived experience as an essential part of ethical and effective practice.

In addition to her clinical work, Sarah supports the daily operations of the clinic, assisting families, clients, and the staff team to ensure services run smoothly and efficiently. 

Travis Harrington is a skilled and dedicated Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy, bringing a thoughtful and engaging approach to his work with children and youth. He holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College and practices as a supervised Behaviour Therapist. 

Travis specializes in supporting children and youth in both one-to-one and group settings, where he focuses on building meaningful connections, promoting positive behaviour change, and supporting social skill development. He is known for his strong clinical insight, adaptability, and ability to tailor strategies to meet the unique needs of each child.

With a naturally energetic and approachable style, Travis creates an environment that is both structured and fun, helping children feel motivated, supported, and confident as they work toward their goals.

Bryanna Scott is a dedicated Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy, practicing under supervision and bringing strong clinical skills and academic insight to her work. She is currently attending Dalhousie University, where she is pursuing post-secondary studies with the long-term goal of becoming a forensic psychologist.

Bryanna has been a valued member of the Empowered Academy team for nearly two years and is highly skilled in behaviour support across a range of needs. She works with children and youth in both one-to-one and group settings and is experienced in completing assessments to help inform individualized programming.

In addition to in-person therapy, Bryanna provides virtual academic support, helping students build organization, focus, and learning skills in a structured and supportive format. Known for her professionalism, strong analytical skills, and calm approach, Bryanna creates a supportive environment where children can build confidence and make meaningful progress.

Marjorie Wilson is an experienced Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy, bringing over eight years of hands-on experience supporting youth across a range of needs. She is a graduate of Algonquin College and holds a certificate in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.

Marjorie specializes in working with teens, with a strong focus on behaviour support and life skills development. Her background includes extensive experience supporting neurodivergent youth, as well as youth with mental health needs and those at risk. She is skilled at building trusting relationships and providing structured, practical support that promotes emotional regulation, independence, and positive decision-making.

Known for her calm, steady presence and thoughtful approach, Marjorie creates a safe and supportive environment where teens feel understood, respected, and empowered to grow.

Laura Carpio is a compassionate and dedicated Supervised Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy’s Orléans location, where she supports children and youth. Originally from El Salvador, she brings an inclusive perspective to her work with families from diverse backgrounds. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and joined the Empowered Academy team in May 2025. She has been supporting children on the autism spectrum since 2023.

Laura uses play-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) approaches to build meaningful connections and support the development of communication, emotional regulation, and social skills. Laura's gentle and nurturing style helps build a welcoming and interactive space where children and youth feel safe, capable, and eager to reach their personal goals.

Natalie is a supervised Behaviour Therapist at Empowered Academy, bringing both strong academic training and hands-on clinical experience to her work with children and families. She has been working in the ABA and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) field since 2021 and has a strong passion for teaching children through play-based, developmentally appropriate approaches.

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Carleton University and is currently working toward a Social Service Worker diploma at Algonquin College. Her clinical approach emphasizes engagement, skill-building, and meaningful learning, supporting children’s development across social, communication, and behavioural domains.

Known for her creativity and enthusiasm, Natalie incorporates play, movement, and child-led activities into her sessions to create positive and motivating learning environments. She values collaboration with families and looks forward to supporting each child’s growth and progress.