Education Specialists

The multidisciplinary staff at Fawkes Academy includes Certified Teachers with extensive experience in special education, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and interventionists trained in applied behaviour analysis, Counsellors, and Speech and Language Pathologists 

I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in Marketing and Finance and a minor in Economics. I am the board designate and business manager for Group ABA Children’s Society, which includes Fawkes Academy and the GABA Vancouver program. My role includes full cycle accounting and human resources management for the society, as well as transfer of information between the board of directors, personnel, and Fawkes’ Parent Advisory Council.


JOHN MCGREGOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In my role as Principal, I strive to create an inclusive, joyful, and engaging learning environment that supports the strengths and needs of all students. I began teaching in 1991 and have many specializations, including Special Education. As a parent of three grown children, including one with a diagnosis of Autism, I understand the critical need to collaborate with parents and caregivers on each child’s educational journey.


LESLIE VAN DUSEN, PRINCIPAL

Hi folks! Amanda here. I’m thrilled to be part of an amazing team that provides accessible education to all students. I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (hence the daily class walks and dance parties!), a Bachelor of Education, and a passion for learning how kids work. My 13-year teaching career is all over the map — literally – from South Korea, to Spain, to Saskatchewan, and now BC, where I currently provide academic programming for students at Fawkes Burnaby and love it!


AMANDA MARSDEN, VICE PRINCIPAL & CLASSROOM TEACHER (BURNABY)

I have a doctorate in Psychology, with an emphasis in Behaviour Analysis, and a minor in Special Education. I am also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral level. I am the clinical oversight for the students at Fawkes Burnaby and Richmond. I have been providing behavioural interventions to children with ASD for over 14 years.


ELIZABETH ATHENS, CLINICAL DIRECTOR & PSYCHOLOGIST

I have been working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism since 2003, supporting individuals as young as 18 months to 19 years old. I completed a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Child behaviour therapy. I am also a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. I value and encourage the power of teaching through play and everyday activities; all the while having fun and purposefully using evidence-based strategies to develop and strengthen various age-appropriate and functionally-relevant skills across the life-span.


MYRO YNGRESO, CLINICAL DIRECTOR

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Education, and additional qualifications in Special Education. I am a certified teacher in both Ontario and British Columbia and have worked with children and youth with a variety of learning needs since 2012. I am currently the teacher for the High School class at Fawkes Burnaby.


ANNA DIFILIPPO, CLASSROOM TEACHER (BURNABY)

I have been working in special education and mental health field since 2002 supporting children and young adults with variety of developmental disabilities in both community and school setting.   Last 10 years I have spent working in learning support for Vancouver and West Vancouver School Districts providing curriculum adaptations and modifications as well as executive and social skills training for elementary and high school students. I have a BA in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Simon Fraser University and Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western University.


TANJA ZURKOVIC, CLASSROOM TEACHER (BURNABY)
Bio coming soon.


JESSIE FURLONG, CLASSROOM TEACHER (BURNABY)

I began working at ABA LC and Fawkes Academy in 2016 where I discovered my passion for working with children with special needs. Being a part of both the day to day and long-term achievements of the children I work with is exceptionally rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy finding new and fun ways to help the children learn and reach their potential. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Counselling. 


ZOHRAH, CLASSROOM TEACHER (BURNABY)

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Applied Ethics and Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. I have been teaching in ABA classrooms since 2011 and strive to create engaging learning environments that meet the needs of each individual student. I focus on creating a classroom community that builds meaningful relationships and produces lifelong learners. 


BONNIE BELAN, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER
Bio coming soon.


HOLLIE TSUI, EDUCATIONAL LEADER (RICHMOND IN-CLINIC)

I am the Distributed Learning Teacher for Fawkes Academy. I have a Masters of Education and a specialist in Special Education from Nipissing University. In addition, I have my Bachelors of Education degree from Nipissing University. Previously, I have taught in the public system in Nova Scotia as the Learning Disabilities Specialist and I have experience as both a resource teacher (in British Columbia) and classroom teacher (in Alberta). I truly enjoy supporting students from wherever they are at on the learning continuum. Furthermore, I understand the importance of working in collaboration with the families and team members to support a positive educational path for all students.


JAMIE CARLSON, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER

Hello! I completed my Bachelor of Honours and Concurrent Education from Queen’s University fresh out of high school. However, my passion for education was sparked when I discovered alternative ways of teaching during Outdoor and Experiential Education at Queen’s as well as the Special Education Teacher’s Training certificate at Vancouver Island University once I relocated to Campbell River, BC. For a decade I worked as a support provider one on one with students in their family homes as a behavioural interventionist and tutor with a gradual transition to learning consultant and distributed learning teacher over the past 5 years. I enjoy working collaboratively as a team with students, families, and the support providers to create individualized education programs specialized for learner success!


JANE HAMILTON, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER

Hello! I’m Nikki Webber and this is my second year with Fawkes Academy. Before working as a distributed learning teacher, I taught alternate education in Nanaimo, BC. I have a BA in English Literature and history from Vancouver Island University, as well as a B.Ed in secondary education and a Master’s degree in special education. Right now, I live on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc First Nation, also known as Kamloops, BC,  with my five children, two of whom have complex care needs. In my spare time, I love reading, hiking, paddleboarding, and hanging out with my terrific kids.


NIKKI WEBBER, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER

I began teaching in 1997 and have experience in both brick and mortar and online school settings. I have been blessed to have travelled and taught in many places such as England and South Africa, and of course here in Canada. My passion lies in supporting families to build interest driven, personalized learning experiences. I also value working collaboratively with families to find resources, programs and team members that complement the family’s approach to learning and values. I have a 12-year-old with Autism and have been learning at home with her for many years. I appreciate this educational option as it has been the environment which has best supported her.  My family and I recently moved from Vancouver Island to live on a farm in Alberta.  


NATALIE VAN RENEN, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER

Bio Coming Soon.


JILL FERGUS, ONLINE LEARNING TEACHER & COUNSELLOR

Although I had been pursing my education in counselling psychology before arriving at Fawkes Academy in 2017, it was not until meeting these wonderful kids that I focused my specialization on this population of children and youth. I worked as a behavioural interventionist after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Western University and a Professional Diploma in Counselling Psychology at Vancouver College of Counsellor Training. While I worked at Fawkes Academy, familiarizing myself with ABA principles, I simultaneously completed a Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. After completing an 8-month practicum with Child & Youth Mental Health, I transitioned into the role as counsellor. I have a cognitive-behavioural approach to therapy and incorporate mindfulness practices to enhance self-regulation. 


ANNABELLE PICARD, COUNSELLOR AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST ON MATERNITY LEAVE

I am completing my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simon Fraser University, where I completed a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Counselling. My clinical experience is greatly credited towards my time at Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH) in Chilliwack where I worked with children and adolescents, who either experienced a variety of concerns or issues, or were struggling with various diagnoses. In terms of counselling styles, I utilize a variety of constructs that I feel are appropriate at the time in therapy. I am most familiar with Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Practices. I look forward to meeting and working with the students and creating a space where they feel safe to express themselves or continue to develop their personal goals.


VANESSA HERCUN, COUNSELLOR

Hi Everyone! I started working with the Richmond team as a Behaviour Interventionists in 2018 and transitioned to lead BI shortly after and was recently Program Coordinator. One of my favourite parts of working at Fawkes is being able to be witness to a student’s growth and progress throughout their time with our team.


KIM SARMIENTO, EDUCATIONAL LEADER (RICHMOND)
Bio coming soon.


EDLYN KUMAR, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (RICHMOND IN-CLINIC)

Hi there! I am the Program Coordinator for our Distributed Learning Program on Vancouver Island. I started working as a Behaviour Interventionist in 2006 as a second job while preparing for Practical Nursing School. After working as an LPN and BI I realized that although both are rewarding, working with children diagnosed with ASD and other cognitive and developmental disabilities was far more enjoyable. I have worked with children and youth in both home and centre-based programs and continue to enjoy fostering strong relationships with the families I work with. 


FAU AVAIKI, ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Bio coming soon.


EDIL ISSA, PROGRAM COORDINATOR (RICHMOND)

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia and am currently pursuing my Masters of Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. I joined Fawkes Academy as a Behaviour Interventionist and since then developed a strong passion for the field. Establishing a good connection with the children, and being able to assist them with improving their quality of life has been exciting and motivating for me.


VANESSA LI, STUDENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (BURNABY)

I have a Masters of Education from the University of Washington, as well as a post-baccalaureate diploma in ABA from Capilano University. I have been working with children with Autism and other cognitive and developmental disabilities since 2009. I have worked with children and teenagers in school, home, one on one, and community settings.


SHAHEEN BHAGUDI, BEHAVIOUR ANALYST (RICHMOND)
I have recently completed my Masters Degree from the University of Washington and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst in 2018. I began working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2013 and have supported children aged 2-8 diagnosed with ASD in home, school and community settings. I value working collaboratively with families and other professionals and am passionate about helping children and their families achieve their goals. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling life


HANNAH GEORGE, BEHAVIOUR ANALYST (BURNABY)
As a certified occupational therapist in Taiwan, I have worked with children with Autism, developmental delay, and neurological disorders since 2012. While I was pursuing a master’s degree in Early Intervention from Chung Gang University, I started to work in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis as a behaviour interventionist in Taiwan. To further develop my knowledge, I spent 2 years working in New York and completed a Master’s program in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2018. I have since become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). During my time in New York, I worked in a self-contained classroom at a private preschool and an inclusion classroom at a public elementary school, providing services utilizing a Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®). As a program supervisor at ABA Learning Centre, it is my goal to provide support for children’s learning and families’ well-being.


WAN-YI CHIU, BEHAVIOUR ANALYST (BURNABY)

Since 2005 I have been working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in school, home, community, and recreational settings. I completed the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis program in Douglas College in 2011. In November 2015, I graduated with a Masters of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from UBC. I value working collaboratively with parents and other professionals in order to facilitate learning and development. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and I am grateful to be in a position that allows me to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

SARAH GENTILE, BEHAVIOUR ANAYST (BURNABY)

I have been working with individuals with special needs since 2013. I began my career volunteering with ABA Learning Centre’s summer camp program and fell in love with the profession. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UBC and will finish my BCaBA in the near future. I have worked as a behavioural interventionist and lead BI in home settings. I have also worked as an Education Assistant with Elementary school aged children, most recently with Fawkes Academy. Being able to help and see children learn, grow and obtain a better quality of life has always motivated me.


MELODY HUNG, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (RICHMOND)

I started my career in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2018 and have since developed a strong passion for the field. I started as a behaviour interventionist in home teams, then transitioned to Education Assistant with secondary students at Fawkes Academy. I have graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and am currently pursuing a Masters of Professional Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Western University. I hope to help all of my clients achieve their goals and lead a life of fulfillment.


KEVIN LEE, STUDENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (RICHMOND)

I have been working with at risk children and youth for over five years. I always knew I wanted to work with children and youth, however it was not until I began to work with the GABA Program in 2018 when I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst. I have experience working as a Behaviour Interventionist and a Lead Behaviour Interventionist before transitioning to my current role as a Student Program Supervisor. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia where I mainly focused on child development. I am currently attending Western University in order to obtain a Maser’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis. I value education and am passionate about helping children achieve their goals. Working in this field continues to be exciting and rewarding.


RAMAN KAINTH, STUDENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (BURNABY)

Hi! I have over five years experience in the field and have been working at Fawkes Academy since 2019 as a Behaviour Interventionist. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Commerce and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Since then I have developed a passion for research and hands-on-practices in applied Psychology. Currently, I am attending Western University to pursue a Masters of Professional Education degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. My goals are to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and to better serve those lovely children with an improved expertise.


CHLOE HE, STUDENT PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (RICHMOND)
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria where I studied both child development and Applied Behavioural Analysis. I have also completed the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Douglas College. I have worked with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities since 2005 in both a group and one-on-one setting.


LYNN SERVICE, VICE PRINCIPAL (RICHMOND) & EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Our Learning Approach

Our Curriculum

Our Programs