Sydney Chasty - Registered Behaviour Analyst

Sydney Chasty, M.ADS, R.B.A. (Ont.), BCBA

Sydney Chasty is a Registered Behaviour Analyst at Empowered Academy with over a decade of experience supporting children and families through evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University in 2015 and her Master of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University in 2019. She became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2021 and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Autonomous Practice) in Ontario in 2024.

Since 2015, Sydney has worked with children with a wide range of developmental and behavioural support needs across both the public and private sectors, including the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and Core Clinical Services. Her experience spans clinic, home, hospital, school, and community settings, allowing her to provide comprehensive, individualized support across a variety of environments.

Sydney is passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based ABA services that promote meaningful outcomes for children and their families. She works collaboratively with caregivers, empowering them with practical, effective strategies to support skill development, independence, communication, and positive behaviour change in everyday life.

Her clinical approach is trauma-informed, assent-based, and family-centred, recognizing that every child's goals and path to independence are unique. Sydney is committed to building trusting relationships while ensuring that each child's dignity, preferences, and well-being remain at the forefront of intervention.

Rene Marks is a Supervised Registered Behaviour Analyst Empowered Academy, bringing advanced academic training and diverse clinical experience to her role. She holds a college diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology from Lakehead University, and a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Arizona State University. Rene is currently working toward earning her RBA

Throughout her academic training, Rene gained over three years of experience working with Community Living organizations across multiple locations, supporting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Since 2022, she has been actively working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, providing services in home-based, community, and centre-based settings.

Rene is passionate about delivering holistic, trauma-informed care and takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to programming. She is committed to supporting meaningful skill development while prioritizing dignity, collaboration, and the overall well-being of the individuals and families she serves.

Sahila is a dedicated and experienced Registered Behaviour Analyst who has been supporting children on the autism spectrum for several years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto, and has completed her BCBA course sequence through the Florida Institute of Technology.

Sahila has worked with both children and adults across a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, homes, and community environments. Her experience spans core clinical services as well as specialized programs such as the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Entry to School and Caregiver Mediated Early Years programs. She is passionate about delivering individualized, evidence-based care that supports meaningful skill development and positive outcomes for families.

Outside of her professional work, Sahila enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, and traveling to new places.

Mikayla is a Supervised Registered Behaviour Analyst at Empowered Academy, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Behaviour with a Specialization in Autism and a Master’s degree in Behaviour Analysis Practice. She has over four years of experience providing 1:1 therapy to children and teenagers with autism, as well as parent coaching, leading social skills groups, and training staff.

Mikayla specializes in delivering evidence-based ABA programming, addressing interfering behaviours, and mentoring team members in the principles and practical application of ABA. She has extensive experience conducting and interpreting assessments, including the AFLS, PEAK, EFL, and Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs), using data-driven insights to inform individualized treatment planning.

She particularly enjoys working with younger learners and has a strong interest in understanding speech and language development to better support communication growth. Mikayla is passionate about tailoring individualized programs for children and individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring each plan reflects their unique strengths and needs. She is also committed to expanding her knowledge in compassionate, trauma-informed ABA practices and deepening her understanding of the mental health components that impact a client’s overall well-being.

Mikayla is dedicated to providing empathetic, client-centered care that empowers families, fosters meaningful skill development, and creates supportive environments where learners can thrive.

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.

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, 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.

Sarah is a Lead Supervised Behavioural Clinician 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. 

Ify Onyemelukwe is a Supervised Senior Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy’s Orléans location. She brings a strong background in psychology and counselling, along with extensive experience in behavioural intervention, individualized support, and building positive relationships with children and families.

Ify holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from Carleton University. 

In her role at Empowered Academy, Ify completes ABA assessments and develops individualized programming for her clients based on their unique strengths, needs, and goals. She monitors progress, reviews clinical data, updates programming as clients develop new skills, and provides ongoing guidance and support to the Behaviour Clinicians implementing each client’s program.

Working under clinical supervision, Ify collaborates closely with families and the broader clinical team to ensure programming remains consistent, meaningful, and responsive to each child’s progress. She is passionate about providing high-quality, individualized support that helps children develop meaningful skills and greater independence.

Supervised Senior Behaviour Clinician

Savannah is a bilingual Supervised Senior Behaviour Clinician who brings warmth, compassion, and extensive hands-on experience to her work with children and families. She is currently completing her B.A. Honours in Psychology at Carleton University, with a concentration in Developmental Psychology, and is working toward becoming a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA).

Savannah began her career as an ABA Instructor Therapist in a centre-based setting, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based behavioural intervention. She later expanded her experience into residential care, supporting youth and adults with dual diagnoses in group-home environments. Her experience spans centre, home, residential, and community-based services.

In her role as a Supervised Senior Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy, Savannah is involved in completing ABA assessments, identifying individualized goals, developing treatment programs, reviewing client data, and making ongoing adjustments to programming based on each child’s progress and needs. She also provides guidance and support to Behaviour Clinicians implementing client programs and works collaboratively with the clinical team to promote consistency and quality of care.

Savannah develops individualized programming targeting areas such as communication, social development, emotional regulation, independence, daily living skills, executive functioning, and behaviour support. She is passionate about creating programs that are practical, meaningful, and designed to help children build skills that can be used across home, school, and community environments.

Savannah values collaboration with families and the clinical team and takes pride in recognizing and celebrating each child’s progress.

Laura Carpio is a compassionate and dedicated Supervised Behavioural Clinician 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.

Aliyah is currently completing her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. She has demonstrated strong academic achievement, earning a place on the Dean’s List. 

Aliyah brings experience working with children in a variety of educational and community settings. She has experience supporting students with special needs and multiple exceptionalities in the classroom. 

Her community involvement includes volunteering with children and youth camps, community organizations, coaching programs, and Relay for Life. Through these experiences, Aliyah has developed a strong ability to connect with children and youth while supporting confidence, independence, learning, and skill development.

At Empowered Academy, Aliyah works in person at our Kanata location and virtually, providing both ABA therapy and academic support. 

Mikaela Beckstead is a dedicated Supervised Behavioural Clinician at Empowered Academy, practicing under supervision and bringing a strong foundation in developmental and mental health support. She holds a Developmental Service Worker (DSW) diploma as well as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate, and is currently completing additional coursework in mental health at Algonquin College. Mikaela is also actively working toward becoming a Registered Behaviour Technician.

Mikaela works with children in both one-to-one and group settings, supporting behaviour development and the building of essential life skills. She specializes in working with children who present with behavioural challenges, using structured, evidence-informed strategies to promote independence, emotional regulation, and daily functioning skills.

In addition to her education, Mikaela holds certifications in Abuse Prevention, Personal and Intimate Care, Active Support, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, as well as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Behaviour Management Systems, and Safe Group Crisis Intervention. She is known for her calm, patient, and supportive approach, creating a safe and encouraging environment where children can build confidence and make meaningful progress.

Ella is a dedicated Supervised Behaviour Clinician with training in Applied Behaviour Analysis, including completion of the 40-hour Behaviour Technician (RBT) course. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Ottawa, where she has developed a strong foundation in understanding behaviour and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies.

Ella is passionate about supporting clients in reaching their individual goals within a positive, engaging, and fun environment. She strives to build meaningful connections with each client and takes pride in celebrating their progress every step of the way.

Haylee is a dedicated Supervised Behavioural Clinician at Empowered Academy’s Orléans location. Bilingual in French and English, she provides both daytime and after-hours services and is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children, youth, and their families.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and completed Registered Behaviour Technician training . Haylee is committed to creating engaging, supportive environments where clients can build skills, reach their goals, and achieve meaningful success.

Queen Pinamang is a dedicated Supervised Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy who is passionate about supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities. She is currently completing her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Ottawa.

Queen takes a compassionate, flexible, and child-centred approach to therapy, recognizing that every child has unique strengths, needs, and goals. Drawing on her experience working in both school and daycare settings, and under the supervision of Empowered Academy's team of Behaviour Analysts, she is committed to providing evidence-based, individualized support that helps children build meaningful skills while empowering families throughout the therapeutic journey.

Mara is a dedicated Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy’s Kanata location. She is currently studying at McGill University with the goal of becoming a psychologist and is passionate about supporting children and youth in reaching their full potential.

Mara has completed Behaviour Technician training, providing her with a strong foundation in evidence-based behavioural strategies and skill development. She is committed to creating engaging, supportive, and individualized sessions that help clients build confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills.

Being fully bilingual, Mara offers services in both English and French, allowing her to effectively support a diverse range of children, youth, and families. She values building strong relationships with clients and strives to create a positive and encouraging environment where each individual can succeed.

Selina DeCarle is a dedicated Supervised Behavioural Clinician at Empowered Academy’s Pembroke location. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University, with a concentration in Health Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Selina has experience supporting children with diverse learning needs in both classroom and one-to-one settings. She is passionate about creating individualized, engaging learning experiences that foster communication, independence, social-emotional development, and confidence. Through a play-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) approach, Selina builds on each child's unique strengths and interests to promote meaningful skill development in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

She values building strong, trusting relationships with the children and families she works with and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support that helps every child reach their full potential. Looking ahead, Selina plans to further her education and pursue a career in psychotherapy, continuing her commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of children and their families.

Travis Harrington is a skilled and dedicated Supervised Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy, bringing a thoughtful, energetic, and engaging approach to his work with children and youth. He holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College and is currently continuing his education at Carleton University, where he is studying Social Work.

Travis has experience supporting children and youth in both individualized and group-based settings. His work focuses on developing meaningful skills across areas such as communication, social development, emotional regulation, independence, and positive behaviour change. He places a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships and creating an environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to learn.

Known for his adaptability and approachable personality, Travis works closely with the clinical team to implement individualized ABA programming that reflects each child’s strengths, needs, and goals. He brings enthusiasm and creativity to his sessions while maintaining the structure and consistency needed to support meaningful progress.

Travis is passionate about helping children and youth build confidence, strengthen their skills, and experience success in ways that carry over into their everyday lives.

Morgan is a Supervised Behaviour Clinician at Empowered Academy’s Orléans location, where she supports children in developing meaningful skills that promote greater independence and success in their everyday lives.

In her role, Morgan implements individualized ABA programming developed around each child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. She works closely with the clinical team to support skill development in areas such as communication, social skills, emotional regulation, positive behaviour, daily living skills, independence, and early learning.

Morgan focuses on building positive and supportive relationships with the children she works with while creating an environment that encourages learning, engagement, and progress. She collects and monitors data throughout sessions and collaborates with senior clinicians to ensure programming continues to reflect each child’s progress and evolving needs.

As part of the Empowered Academy Orléans team, Morgan is committed to helping children develop practical, meaningful skills that can be carried over into their home, school, and community environments.