A Letter from The Board President
Dear Shining Through Family, Friends, and Supporters,
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the Shining Through Centre—a place where hope thrives and possibilities are realized for children and youth with autism and their families.
Since our founding in 1999, the Shining Through Centre has been dedicated to delivering life-changing programs for children and young adults with autism. With centres in Woodbridge, North York, Mississauga, we’ve become a trusted leader in autism care, known for our commitment to excellence and innovation.
At the heart of our work is compassion-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, a scientifically validated approach proven to make meaningful differences in the lives of individuals with autism. Every learner’s journey is unique, and through personalized one-on-one and small group instruction, we’ve seen incredible transformations: first words spoken, connections formed, social breakthroughs achieved, and confidence built. These moments of progress are the everyday miracles that inspire our mission.
In 2025, the need for our services has never been greater. With autism diagnoses continuing to rise and families seeking access to effective therapies, we remain steadfast in our goal to expand our reach and impact. While the exact causes of autism remain unknown, our understanding of how to support individuals on the spectrum continues to grow. Our programs empower children and young adults with the tools they need to thrive, now and in the future.
As Board members, we are deeply humbled to serve an organization that brings hope, progress, and possibility to so many families. We are committed to ensuring that every child entrusted to our care has the opportunity to unlock their potential and lead a fulfilling life.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Shining Through family, thank you for being part of this important journey. Your generosity and belief in our mission make it possible to change lives every day. Together, we are building brighter futures for children and youth with autism to shine.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Joseph Trozzo
President, Board of Directors
Shining Through Centre
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.
Kevin Cauley– M.Ed., BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)
Clinical SupervisorKevin Cauley holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto. Kevin has over 25 years of experience in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis working with and teaching individuals on the autism spectrum. Kevin’s clinical experience includes staff training, program design, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional learning opportunities for all learners.
As an active Behaviour Analyst in his field, Kevin has presented his work both domestically and internationally at conferences including the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis, International Association for Behaviour Analysis, International Precision Teaching Conference, and the Competent Learner Model Conference. Self-described as a lifelong learner, Kevin is a strong advocate for the inclusion of best educational practices as these relate to providing effective and meaningful learning experiences for all. Kevin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a Registered Behavior Analyst with the College of Psychologists and Behavior Analyst of Ontario.
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).
Rosemary Tamburini – M.ADS. (on leave)
Clinical SupervisorRosemary Tamburini has been employed with the Shining Through Centre since February 2015. She has an Undergraduate Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. She continued to Complete her Master’s In Applied Disabilities Studies where she graduated with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2015. Rosemary is currently remotely supervising a team of 10 children at a centre for children with autism in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is also delivering workshops and providing family consultations as part of the Norther Collaborative Program supporting families in the north.
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.
Julia Pearce- M.ED
Supervised Senior ImplementorJulia has 10 years of experience working in educational settings, with a variety of learners facing various challenges. She has dedicated her time to working with both children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder, and holds a BSc. with a focus in Psychology, as well as a M.Ed. in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto. She recently completed her post graduate diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Florida Tech, and is accumulating supervisional hours in hopes of obtaining her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst come Fall. Julia puts an emphasis on collaboration with families as she recognizes that this relationship is important to maximizing client potential, and ensuring an individualized learning experience. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge in this role.
Kayla Mitchell – M.S
Supervised Senior ImplementorKayla 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.
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.
Lorena Munoz
Fundraising ManagerLorena 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.
Shiri Bartman – M.A., C. Psych.
PsychologistShiri Bartman is a Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She has worked with children and young adults diagnosed with autism, intellectual disability, learning disabilities and behavioural disorders for over 20 years
Shiri has worked in both the public and private sector providing direct service, clinical supervision, staff training, assessment, counselling and consultation both in Canada and Internationally. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA) in a variety of positions over the last ten years. Shiri is part time faculty at George Brown College and teaches a variety of courses in the Autism and Behavioral Science Program.
Board Members
Board President
Joseph Trozzo
Board Vice President
John Hourihan
Treasurer
Antonio Didiano
Secretary
Ryan McNerney
Directors
Anna Martini
James Jones
Jill Madorsky
Leonard Lim
Raehana Lorick
Sonia Sorbera