Empowered Team

Jennifer is A Registered Behaviour Analyst 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Travis Harrington is a skilled and dedicated  Supervised Behavioural Clinician 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 Supervised Behavioural Clinician at Empowered Academy as well as the Clinic Coordinator, practicing under supervision and bringing strong clinical skills and academic insight to her work. Bryanna graduated from Dalhousie University, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience along with certification is disability management. 

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.

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.