Meet Our Team
Tara Weir – M.A., BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Clinical DirectorTara has been a member of the Shining Through team since 2009. Her background includes a diploma in Early Childhood Education, a post-graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science, a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services, and a Master of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Tara works closely with the staff of the Streetsville Children’s Centre and Kleinburg Christian Academy to provide an integrative experience for many of our learners. Tara has been working with children with a variety of developmental needs for over 10 years. She has experience designing and implementing individualized education plans, skill acquisition programs, and behaviour reduction plans. She has worked in a variety of educational environments including classroom and one-to-one settings. Tara also serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Tanya Pausch
Business ManagerTanya has been with the Shining Through Centre since 2017 and brings a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the not-for-profit sector. She has worked in the charitable sector for 20 years in numerous administrative and managerial positions providing her with both hands-on and management experience. Her previous experience as Director of Finance and Administration has provided her with additional experience in human resources, finance and facilities management.
Tanya has been instrumental in developing strategic plans and implementing new processes, systems and organizational infrastructure while ensuring the budget, staff and priorities were aligned with the core mission.
Tanya excels in progressive and changing organizations with a ‘can do ‘attitude, and brings the same level of passion and competency to Shining Through.
Amelia Horan – MPEd, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Clinical SupervisorAmelia has a passion for fostering growth and independence in individuals across the lifespan. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour with a specialization in mental health from McMaster University and her Masters of Professional Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Western University. Amelia joined Shining Through in 2019, first as an Instructor Therapist in the school inclusion program and later as a Supervisor at the Woodbridge location. She has worked with learners spanning from early childhood to adulthood across diverse environments, including schools, hospitals, and homes. Whether collaborating with educators, supporting families, or leading teams, Amelia is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the families she supports. She is dedicated to promoting independence, fostering meaningful connections, and advocating for inclusivity for the learners she supports.
Lynn Dalgleish– MPEd, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Clinical SupervisorLynn has a Master’s degree in Professional Education with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) obtained from the University of Western, Ontario, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology obtained from Guelph University. She has been in the field of ABA since 2016. She has over 7 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults with a variety of developmental needs. Lynn has experience with the training and ongoing supervision of staff, as well as developing and overseeing skill acquisition programs, behaviour support plans, and assessments. Lynn has a love for learning and passion for working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Genna Ruffa – B.A
Supervised Senior Implementor, Group ProgrammingGenna has been working in the field of behaviour analysis since 2019 and has worked at Shining Through Centre since 2022 as a Team lead Instructor at the Woodbridge location. Genna has enjoyed working closely with many of the families during her time at Shining Through. Genna completed her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in 2018 and her Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate in 2019. Genna is currently completing her Masters of Behaviour Analysis at Florida Tech University and is accruing hours to complete her BCBA certification. Genna has worked in a variety of settings including 1:1, group, in-centre, at-home, online, and has worked with a diverse range of age groups. She has a passion for the field of applied behaviour analysis and for helping others reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Jeannette Chow – M.Ed
Supervised Senior ImplementorJeannette has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Queen’s University, and a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology (Specializing in Special Education) from the University of Victoria. She has worked with individuals (ages 3 to 50+ years old) with Autism and other developmental disabilities for the past 13 years across a variety of settings. She has specifically worked in an IBI/ABA setting with young learners for the past 7 years. Jeannette has recently completed the Behavior Analyst Graduate Certification from Florida Institution of Technology, and is currently accumulating field hours towards achieving her BCBA.
Michelle Luong – M.ADS, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Supervising TherapistMichelle has been with the Shining Through Centre at the Beecroft location since 2016. She has worked closely with many of the families during her time as an Instructor Therapist. Michelle completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015 and her Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate in 2016. In 2022, she completed her Masters of Disability Studies, with a specialization in ABA.
Michelle has worked in a variety of settings including one to one ABA in centre and via telehealth, school inclusion and worked with the young adults in the Learn to Live program. She is passionate about working with individuals with autism and is committed to providing the best services possible to help them achieve their goals.
Nitra Rajcoomar – E.C.E, B.A
Supervised Senior Implementor, Parent CoachingNitra Rajcoomar has been a member of the Shining Through Team Since May 2005. Nitra’s background includes a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Seneca College combined with her BA in Sociology from York University. Nitra has had the exciting opportunity to train at the Vince Carbone Clinic in New York where she was able to learn the most effective teaching methods through Verbal Behaviour, as well, has participated in many other professional development opportunities. Nitra started as an Instructional therapist working 1-1 with clients, and then became a Supervising Therapist in 2010. Coming back to work from her maternity leave she started a new position, Supervisor of Training Services in November 2018 which is Shining Through’s very first pilot Parent Training Program. In the Parent Training Program, Nitra helps parents gain skills to help their children with things such as, sleep training, eating, toileting, and generalizing their skills from center to their homes. Nitra works with each family to help develop individualized goals based on their child’s needs.
Stephanie Dvorak
Supervised Senior ImplementorStephanie has been with Shining Through since February 2015. She started as a placement student and was hired full time after completing her placement. She has a Bachelor of Education, as well as an undergraduate degree in Sociology and worked as a teacher for 3 years prior to joining Shining Through. Stephanie has continued her studies by completing the Autism and Behavioural Science program at George Brown College and is accumulating hours towards her BCaBA.
Tiffany Woods – MPEd, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Supervising TherapistTiffany has been with Shining Through Centre at the North York location since 2016. She completed her Bachelor of Life Science degree at McMaster University and completed a post-graduate certificate in Autism and Behaviour Science at George Brown College. In 2021 she earned her Masters of Professional Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis from Western University. Tiffany has worked with a diverse range of learners and has experience delivering one-on-one intensive behaviour intervention (IBI) both in person and online. She also has experience working with young adults through the adult program, focusing on daily living skills, vocational skills and social skills. Tiffany is passionate about developing the skills of her learners to help them live fulfilling and enriched lives.
Jennifer Farmer – BA
Senior Supervised ImplementorJenny has been working at Shining Through since June 2021. She completed her degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2020 at Toronto Metropolitan University, her diploma in Behaviour Science Technology in 2021 at George Brown College, and is currently working towards her masters degree in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. She will complete her degree in March 2026 and sit for the BCBA exam soon after.
Aurielle Legacy – M.A.
Senior Supervised ImplementorAurielle has been a valued member of the Shining Through team since January 2023. She completed a Psychology degree at Guelph University in 2021 and the Autism and Behaviour certificate in 2022 at Fanshaw College. She currently holds a Masters in Special Education in ABA from Arizona State University and will be writing the BCBA exam this spring.
Alex Tindale
Interim Fundraising ManagerAlex has worked as a professional fundraiser for over 15 years and is passionate about building lasting and meaningful relationships. Her specialty is in fostering strategic and lasting partnerships with individuals, families and corporate and institutional partners. Alex has worked with organizations across Ontario in healthcare, social impact, children and youth, and animal welfare. She is currently covering Lorena’s parental leave, as the Interim Fundraising Manager, Alex is focused is growing and stewarding Shining Through’s community of donors. Alex loves working with donors who are as committed to the organization’s mission, and creating connections and partnerships with this shared vision in mind.
Lorena Munoz
Fundraising Manager (On Parental Leave)Lorena has been with the Shining Through Centre since 2020. She brings over 10 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, along with a versatile fundraising skill-set. She’s a graduate of the Fundraising Management Program at the Humber Institute of Technology and holds a master’s degree in International Development & NGO Management. In her role as Fundraising Manager, Lorena’s focus is growing and stewarding Shining Through’s community of donors. Lorena loves working with donors who are as commited to the organization’s mission as she is, and creating connections and partnerships with this shared vision in mind.
Kayla Mitchell – M.S
Supervised Senior Implementor (On Parental Leave)Kayla has been part of the Shining Through team since 2018. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Brock University, a post-graduate certificate in Behavioural Science Technology from George Brown College and a Masters of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Kayla has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis for the last 6+ years but has worked with children and youth on the spectrum for the last 10+ years. She has experience delivering services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder across a variety of programs including one-to-one intensive behaviour intervention (IBI) as well as remote/online learning. Kayla has received formal training and attended workshops on Dr. Gregory Hanley’s approach to navigating challenging behaviour (Skills Based Treatment Model) and has experience implementing this with clients in the centre.
Board Members
Board President
John Hourihan
Treasurer
Antonio Didiano
Secretary
Ryan McNerney
Directors
Anna Martini
James Jones
Jill Madorsky
Leonard Lim
Raehana Lorick
Sonia Sorbera
Briana Rutherford