oUR TEAM
Mariam Aziz (board certified behavior analyst, R.B.A. (ont))
Mariam is a is a Co-founder and Clinical Director at Adaptive Minds Learning Centre. She is a seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Professional Education (MPEd) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Western University. She earned her Honors Bachelor of Science (HBSc) from the University of Toronto, specializing in Exceptionality in Human Learning. With over nine years of professional experience, Mariam provides client-centered, evidence-based ABA therapy to children aged 2 to 18 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Her responsibilities as a BCBA encompass conducting functional behavior assessments, crafting tailored and effective behavior intervention plans, supervising the comprehensive implementation of client programs, and facilitating training for staff and caregivers. Mariam is committed to a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to ABA therapy, ensuring that her methods are both empathetic and effective.
Darshel Diaz (rbt, senior Therapist)
Darshel Diaz (she/her) is a Co-founder and Clinical Director at Adaptive Minds Learning Centre.While completing her undergraduate degree at McMaster University, she worked alongside the fitness director creating programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. She was inspired by the progress made by her clients through movement and mindful-based practices, and continued in this field by furthering her studies in Osteopathy and Behaviour.Being a Registered Behaviour Technician and Osteopathic Manual Practitioner has deepened her knowledge and appreciation surrounding the interconnectedness between the mind, body and spirit.
Melissa S. (Senior therapist)
Melissa's interest in working with children and adults with disabilities started back in 2014 when she was completing her placement in Child and Youth Worker program at Sheridan College. From this experience she knew that she wanted to pursue a career working with people with disabilities. She completing her certification in Autism and Behavioural Science at Seneca College in 2018 and began her career in ABA. Since then, she has continued her education, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology with honours in 2022 from York University, and is currently completing her Masters in Behavior Analysis Practice at Florida Institute of Technology. She looks forward to role as a Board Certified Behahiour Analyst in the near future.Hobbies: watching movies, reading, and travelling.
Arwa shibly (lead instructor therapist)
Arwa is the Lead Instructor Therapist at Adaptive Minds Learning Centre and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University. Inspired by her personal experience with a family member diagnosed with Autism, she is deeply empathetic towards the challenges families encounter. This motivation drives her to further her studies in Applied Behavior Analysis to better support these families. In her role, Arwa is responsible for implementing skill acquisition and behavior reduction plans, assisting with material preparation, and providing comprehensive support to her team. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with friends and family, balancing her professional and personal life effectively.
megan Brndjar (lead instructor therapist)
Megan Brndjar is a Lead Instructor Therapist at Adaptive Minds committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children with ASD. Megan's journey in the field began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph and she is now in the process of getting her Masters of ABA from Ball State University. In the future Megan aspires to become a BCBA and hopes to make a positive contribution on the autism community. In her spare time, Megan enjoys reading, painting and spending time outside.
harsharan singh padda (instructor therapist)
Harsharan, an ABA IT at Adaptive Minds Learning, has 2.5 years of experience helping children with special needs reach their potential. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from York University, he uses his solid understanding of psychological principles to make a positive impact. His genuine love for children with special needs drives his belief in the transformative power of ABA therapy for fostering progress and development. Harsharan’s empathetic and patient approach helps him build strong connections with clients, creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages growth and learning.
tommy nguyen (instructor Therapist)
Tommy is an Instructor Therapist who is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga with a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He is a passionate individual who strives to support the growth and development of his clients and always puts their needs first. Tommy is continuously learning to improve his skills to create a positive and safe environment for all of his clients. His motivation is helping clients navigate the barriers they may encounter in their lives and providing them the assistance they may need to overcome them. Tommy's hobbies include playing volleyball and cooking.
Aaliyah Atwell-Roberts (instructor Therapist)
Aaliyah is an Instructor Therapist at Adaptive Minds and is currently studying psychology at York University. Her passion for psychology has been driven through the understanding of its significant importance in improving the mental health and quality of life of all people. Witnessing the progress of the children she works with reinforces this belief, and encourages her to continue learning how to provide the best quality care to her clients. In her free time Aaliyah enjoys hobbies that enable her to express her creativity, such as painting, sewing, cooking and baking.
Ravneet Ghotra (instructor Therapist)
Ravneet Ghotra is an Instructor Therapist at Adaptive Minds Learning Centre. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Research Specialist with a minor in Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. Ravneet’s interest in the field grew through her experience working as a preschool instructor, where she supported children with behavioral needs. This hands-on experience, combined with her academic background in psychology, strengthened her passion for providing supportive and individualized care. At Adaptive Minds, she brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to every session, while continuously building her skills in evidence-based practices. Ravneet is eager to grow in the field of ABA and looks forward to contributing to meaningful change in the lives of the children and families she supports. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, going for walks, and spending quality time with loved ones.
kelly dame (speech-language pathologist)
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Windsor, a post-graduate diploma in Communication Disorders from Georgian College, and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She is a CASLPO and ASHA-certified SLP with over 20 years of extensive pediatric experience working with children with speech, language, and social communication needs, including autistic children. Kelly has also completed a wide range of additional professional development training in areas of early intervention, parent-implemented intervention, early identification and intervention of social communication challenges, severe articulation, and motor speech needs. She is a certified Hanen instructor and a PROMPT instructor. She was previously an adjunct instructor for the speech-pathology department at the University of Western Ontario and has presented at the Pennsylvania state and Florida state speech-pathology conferences. Kelly has mentored many new clinicians and SLP students, as well as supervised speech-language assistants. She believes strongly in a child-centered and family-focused methodology and has a lifelong commitment and dedication to supporting children with communication needs and their families.
allison winter paul (speech-language pathologist)
Allison is a Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Prior to this, she completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies and worked as an Early Childhood Educator.Allison has a strong medical background with a passion for working with clients with complex medical needs and neurodevelopmental differences affecting communication and swallowing. Allison’s main area of interest is treating oral-motor, oral-sensory, avoidant/restrictive, and medically-based feeding difficulties, and helping families develop techniques to reduce stress at mealtimes and foster a healthy relationship with food.In Allison’s free time, she enjoys exploring new hobbies (drawing, painting) and spending as much time as she can with her two rescue dogs; Remi and Kali.
sajeetha sampath (speech-language pathologist assistant/instructor therapist)
Sajeetha is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant with over three years of experience supporting individuals with special needs, including developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and speech and swallowing disorders. She began her career in Tamil Nadu, India, gaining extensive experience in a private school and specialty wards like NICU and oncology during her degree. Currently, she works at Adaptive Minds Learning Center supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and has completed studies in Autism and Behavioural Science in Toronto, which allowed her to work as a behavioral therapist during her placements in school and a private clinic, where she is still active.She is passionate about enhancing communication abilities and continuously strives for professional growth. She enjoys learning and experiencing new things daily, finding that her work with the little champs keeps her days exciting and unpredictable. The unique experiences and joy they bring have made her profession interesting, fueling her passion and dedication to her field.
fariba rahim (instructor therapist)
Fariba has been working in the field of ABA since 2021. She graduated with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the International University of Shiraz, and a graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from Mohawk College. Fariba has worked in a variety of settings, including home-based and Centre-based. She has worked with various age groups, including preschool children, school aged-children and adolescents. Fariba is an avid enthusiast in helping individuals with autism. Fariba believes in implementing evidence-based principles of ABA to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism. She is dedicated to developing the communication skills, functional skills, and independence of the clients and overcome any challenges they face to improve the quality of the client’s life. Her mission is to make meaningful and positive changes in the clients and their family’s lives.
sumara chowdhury (instructor therapist)
Sumara is an Instructor Therapist at Adaptive Minds Learning Centre and is currently completing her final year in the Public Health program at the University of Waterloo. With a keen interest in healthcare, she plans to further her academic journey by pursuing advanced studies in Neuroscience or Cognitive Science. Sumara is deeply passionate about enhancing community health and plays an active role in supporting children's educational development. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she engages in various hobbies. Sumara enjoys playing the piano, which allows her to express her creative side, and unwinding by playing games in her leisure time, maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
niki/poupak besharat (instructor therapist)
Niki has a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology and 5 years of experience working as a mental health assistant. She also holds a certificate in Community Services. For the past 4 years, Niki has been working in ABA therapy after completing her Post-graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioral Science.Niki is delighted to be a part of the therapy team and chose to enter this field due to a strong motivation to make a positive impact on children and their families. Her favorite skills to teach are self-management, social interaction, and daily living skills, as they are crucial for improving quality of life and participation in various activities.Niki is excited to continue her journey in this field and looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.