Meet Melanie, Senior Therapist and Certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Melanie Bercovici is a senior therapist at ABC Solutions. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Concordia University and a Master of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. She is a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Melanie has been working with ABC Solutions since 2015, helping individuals with various challenges, including autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and anxiety. She works with children and their families, designing and implementing intervention plans and behaviour management strategies, as well as teaching social, communication, and self-regulation skills.
During her free time, Melanie enjoys walking her dog, reading and playing sports.
Leya is an Integration Specialist who holds a degree in Child Studies from Concordia University, dedicated to helpingher clients succeed in the classroom, at home, or in social settings. With her education and expertise in child development, she curates and implements lessons for the social skills program at the clinic, helping children develop their social skills and confidence. Her additional services include personalized tutoring sessions, both online and in person. Leya is passionate about providing individualized, strengths-based support by working with each child and family based on their unique needs, strengths and goals. In her free time, Leya enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new destinations through travel.
Give a Warm Welcome to Samantha Leibovitch, our Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Samantha Leibovitch, M.SC.A.O.T, is a pediatric occupational therapist, having graduated from McGill University with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. Upon graduation, Samantha started her career at Summit School, where she worked with students with intellectual disabilities alongside a big team of professionals. Since then, Samantha has worked in private practice, clinical settings, daycares, and schools.
Samantha is a mom of two kids and loves working with children in both their natural environments and clinical settings. Her strengths lie in assessing needs and developing appropriate therapeutic plans tailored to each child. By assessing children’s abilities and skills in daily activities, fine motor and gross motor domains, and sensory processing, she can help maximize their participation in everyday activities.
Arielle is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with 12 years of experience at a pediatric hospital, providing care for children from birth to 18 years old. Her expertise includes conducting speech and language assessments for specialized clinics such as those for premature infants, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. She has significant experience working with tracheostomy patients and performing swallowing assessments, ensuring comprehensive support for children with complex medical and communication needs. Her passion lies in helping children achieve their fullest potential through personalized and evidence-based therapy.
Kelly is dedicated to helping children and their families, too
Kelly Pallikaris has been passionate about mental health since a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University, with a major in Psychology and a double minor in both Behavioural Sciences and Anthropology. She then returned to McGill for her graduate studies and obtained an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology.
Throughout her years as a student, Kelly gained significant experience working with both the Kids Help Phone and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute.
She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their parents.
Kelly specialises in helping individuals with behavioural and mental health struggles including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, stress, anger management, motivation, and more. She also provides parental coaching to help parents better understand and support their children.
Melanie Rich, Mhsc. Orthophoniste/Speech-Language Pathologist, is a fully certified Speech-Language Pathologist who cares deeply about the children she works with. Melanie has worked in various pediatric and adult settings in Montreal and Ottawa, assessing and treating children and adults with speech, language, and cognitive communication disorders. Previously, Melanie worked as an ABA therapist, working with children on the spectrum and with behavioural difficulties.
Melanie has a Master of Health Science degree in speech-language pathology and graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2022. She is a licensed member of the Ordres des Orthophonistes et Audiologists du Quebec (OOAQ). Melanie is also certified in LSVT Loud to assist those with motor speech disorders.
Rebecca graduated from McGill University with a bachelor’s degree (BA) in Psychology and a double minor in Behavioural Science and Social Entrepreneurship. She returned to McGill for graduate studies where she earned a MSc in Mental Health. Rebecca is motivated to further her education to become a member of the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ).
As a certified Registered Behaviour Technician, with additional certification in Psychological First Aid, Rebecca works at ABC Solutions as a Behavioural Therapist. She takes a systemic approach to therapy, collaborating with both children and their families to provide support.
Rebecca has vast clinical and research experience including crisis responding at Kids Help Phone, work at the Douglas Mental Health Institute, and volunteering with victims of war. She took a special interest in mindfulness which enhanced her ability to connect with clients, fostering sensitivity.
Rebecca’s expertise includes emotional regulation, integrating students with behavioural difficulties into the classroom, and applying therapeutic tools to home and everyday lives. Working with children and youth for the past 12 years has given her insight and has helped her cultivate empathetic relationships with clients and families.
Rebecca is dedicated to helping families navigate difficult behaviours, stress, and anxiety-related difficulties by providing practical tools, fostering emotional regulation, and supporting overall well-being.
Toni Sassi is the invaluable Office Coordinator at ABC Solutions. She has 25 years of experience working in Accounting and Business Administration in the healthcare field, and also has a Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and a certificate in Public Relations.
p>Toni is always there to greet you with a smile and be a compassionate listener. She enjoys working alongside our therapists, the families, and especially the children. They always put a smile on her face and she is continually amazed at the progress they are making.
In her free time, Toni enjoys food, writing, gardening, and walking in the sunshine with her little dog, Pichu.
Rebecca Vigeant
Art Therapist / ABA Interventionist / Integration Aide
Rebecca Vigeant has Helped ABC Solutions Help Families Since 2018
Rebecca has more than 10 years of experience working in early childhood education, half of which has been focused around children with special needs.
She has been with ABC Solutions since 2018. During that time, she has worked as an Art Therapist, an ABA Interventionist, an Integration Aide, and a Tutor. She also facilitates the Early Learners Group.
Rebecca is passionate about art, gardening, cooking, hiking, and taking the time to connect with others.
Jason is a behaviour specialist with a passion for creative, out of the box interventions that put the client first. Over the last three decades, Jason has worked closely with children of all ages across a range of settings including schools, youth centres, group homes, day camps, hospitals, and within the home. Jason has had the opportunity to serve clients across Ontario, Montreal, and Nunavik in private, governmental, and non-profit organizations. With his background in psychology, as well as a hands-on and strength-based approach, Jason works to equip his clients and their families with the tools necessary for success. Jason’s practice is rooted in cultural safety and trauma-informed care.
Jason’s approach aims to demystify behaviour and provide families with functional, every day skills and interventions by focusing on the function of behaviour and needs of each individual client.
Every intervention is built on the foundation of trust, inclusion, respect, and kindness.
Emily is currently earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at McGill University. She works as an integration aide and ABA interventionist here at ABC Solutions. Emily is very passionate about working with children and is dedicated to helping her clients prosper.
Emily has vast clinical experience working in crisis intervention and as a volunteer at a McGill University research lab.
In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, hiking, and travelling.
Sophia Barnard is an ABA interventionist and integration aide at ABC Solutions. She is passionate about supporting children in developing the skills they need to succeed across various settings. With a focus on fostering autonomy, she strives to help youth find the right tools to express themselves.
Sophia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from McGill University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Child Studies at Concordia University. She has extensive experience working with youth, including her role as Special Education Technician in CEGEP and as a tutor.
Outside of work, Sophia enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Sarah is an integration aid and behaviour therapist with over ten years of experience working with preschool children and their families. She has worked in center and home-based early intervention programs and in preschools.
She holds a diploma in early childhood education, a bachelor of social work, and a certificate in applied behaviour analysis. Currently, she is studying kindergarden and elementary education at McGill University.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and travelling.
Jordana is in her fourth year at McGill, studying to earn her Bachelors of Education in the Physical Education and Kinesiology program. Jordana has years of experience working with children of all ages. She has acquired her many skills through working closely with adults and children through her stages at schools and at summer camp jobs. Jordana is set on furthering her education at the Masters level in Social Work.
In her free time, Jordana enjoys playing sports, sitting by the pool enjoying the sun with her family, friends and dog Karma!
A member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec with a calm, empathetic nature, Catalina holds a doctorate in psychology (Ph.D/Psy.D) and a DESS in autism intervention. She has over ten years’ experience working with children and adults with autism and/or an intellectual disability, with emotional, behavioral and social difficulties, in both intervention and assessment. She divides her clinical practice between the public and private sectors, and is also a lecturer at UQAM. Her training in clinical psychology, combined with her experience in the field, has enabled her to adopt a variety of clinical, research, outreach and teaching roles, and to hold a variety of jobs (e.g., Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) therapist, member of diagnostic assessment teams, research assistant, teaching assistant, lecturer, psychologist). Catalina is also trained to use ADOS-2 and ADI-R to perform diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disorders in children, adolescents and adults, in French, English and Spanish
Samantha is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a rich background in working with children and their families. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology at Concordia University, building on her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University, where she also minored in Behavioral Science.
Samantha has been extensively involved in therapeutic work with children, particularly those with autism and other developmental disabilities. As an interventionist with over 4 years of experience, she has created individualized treatment plans, led local outings to aid clients in social integration, and collaborated with families to support therapy progress. Her work focuses on enhancing academic, behavioral, and social skills through well-structured and empathetic interventions.
In addition to her hands-on therapy experience, Samantha has contributed to several research projects at McGill University. She has worked as a research assistant in multiple labs, with her research being presented at prestigious conferences, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of psychology.
During her free time, Samantha enjoys hiking, reading, and walking her dogs, finding balance and inspiration in these activities.
Olivia holds her bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia University and is currently advancing her studies with a master’s in counseling psychology at Yorkville University. She has developed a strong foundation in classroom integration, applying individualized learning programs, and delivering a person-centered approach in clinical settings.
Olivia's background in early childhood education, combined with her current experience in mental health settings equips her with a comprehensive understanding of both educational and therapeutic environments. Her diverse experience enhances her ability to support and guide children effectively.
Passionate about working with children and adolescents, Olivia is dedicated to pursuing a career as a psychotherapist. After graduation, she aims to specialize in Internal Family Systems Therapy and to become a member of the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ).
Kathryn works as an Integration Aide at ABC Solutions and is currently working towards becoming a Registered Behavior Technician. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Specialization Psychology from Concordia University. Throughout her studies, Kathryn developed strong interests in lifespan development, child psychology, and developmental disorders and treatments.
Her training as a karate instructor and day camp counsellor sparked her passion for working with children, helping them improve their skills and confidence through providing the necessary support and guidance. Kathryn’s clinical experience includes her role as a research assistant for the Behavioral Health Innovations Lab at Concordia University, volunteering for a crisis text line, and leading workshops for individuals with aphasia.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys going for long runs, baking sweets, and spending time with her loved ones.
Mirna Enjoys Helping Children Express Themselves and Reach Their Potential
Mirna Hanna is a graduate of the Université de Montréal with a BA in Psychology and Sociology.
She enjoys working with children and bringing out their potential, as well as helping them discover the right tools to express themselves. She has experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum in Elementary schools as an integration aide, guiding them with their social interaction and their academic needs.
In her free time Mirna enjoys reading, is an avid traveller, a stylist, and a ballroom dancer.
Meet Janneke, a Passionate Educator, Mother, and Traveller
Janneke van Berge Henegouwen has been a passionate educator since 2006. She was born and raised in the Netherlands and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from The Hague University. She worked at the elementary school level before moving to Canada where she began working with preschool-aged children.
Janneke completed her training as a registered behavioural technician (RBT) and has since focused her work on children with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other behavioural challenges.
A happily married and proud mother of three, she enjoys field hockey, outdoor activities, and travel.
I’m a recent graduate of Concordia University with a B.A in Child Studies, specializing in Exceptionality and Diversity in Childhood Settings. After completing my stage at ABC solutions, i quickly realized that i wanted to be apart of the fantastic team at ABC solutions thus leading to a co-facilitator position in the Early Learners Program. My passion for working with younger children stems from being the eldest child of 5. I have always felt a deep passion towards helping the little ones achieve their potential. I recognize and value that each individual has their own unique needs. First and foremost, building a connection and learning about each individual child is crucial when forming a bond and before implementing any practice. I’m very enthusiastic about learning and helping others learn. I find that celebrating wins- either big or small is important in whatever journey you’re on. On my free time i enjoy spending time hanging out with my cats or doing physical activity such as kickboxing or yoga.
Ruby Kadanoff is in her second year at McGill University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education. She has extensive experience working with children in diverse settings, including summer camps, tutoring, babysitting, and teaching dance lessons. Ruby combines her love for fitness and creativity to bring energy and enthusiasm to every role she takes on.
With aspirations of earning her PhD in Psychology, Ruby is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field and helping others. She is excited to continue learning, growing, and working with children to foster their development and success.
Ruby Kadanoff est en deuxième année à l'Université McGill, où elle poursuit un baccalauréat ès arts en psychologie avec une mineure en éducation. Elle possède une vaste expérience du travail avec les enfants dans divers contextes, notamment les camps d'été, le tutorat, le gardiennage et l'enseignement de la danse. Ruby allie sa passion pour le fitness et la créativité afin d'apporter énergie et enthousiasme à chaque rôle qu'elle assume.
Cass is an Integration Aide and Behavior Therapist with extensive experience working with children of all ages to help them build new skills and develop meaningful rapport. Drawing from her background in summer camps, Cass focuses on creating strong, trusting relationships with each child, supporting their growth in social, emotional, and behavioral areas. She tailors interventions to meet individual needs, helping children develop new skills and thrive in both structured and social settings. It is deeply rewarding for Cass to witness children achieve the goals set in their plans, as each milestone marks meaningful progress in their development. Outside of work, Cass enjoys expressing her creativity through art, exploring new places through travel, staying active through various physical activities, and spending quality time with friends. These interests not only enrich her personal life but also enhance her ability to connect with clients in a fun and engaging way. Cass is passionate about creating an environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
I am a graduate of Concordia University, where I hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Relations, focusing on the concentration of individuals and small groups.
From a young age I discovered a passion for working with children and have dedicated my career path to supporting the development of young minds.
While working with children for over 3 years, my goal is to create spaces where children can feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed by providing guidance and support.
During my free time, I enjoy reading books, baking, and trying new coffee shops with loved ones.
For over 25 years, Lesia has worked with children of all ages as well as young adults in both community and academic settings. Lesia's background is in the arts. After having raised her own four children into adulthood, she recently returned to school and is currently pursuing her studies in Psychology at Université du Québec.
She has been a member of our team since 2021. Fully fluent in French and English she looks to offer the most favourable support to students by collaborating with the pedagogical school staff. Seeing learning as a lifelong journey, Lesia's hope is to help everyone succeed to the best of their abilities.
Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McGill University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. With several years of experience working with children in clinic, educational, and camp settings, she is committed to helping children reach their full potential.
Nicole’s work focuses on children’s social skills, emotion regulation, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and supporting children with learning difficulties through tutoring. She strives to create a fun, supportive environment where children feel safe and empowered to thrive.
In addition to her practical experience, Nicole has worked as a research assistant in several labs and volunteers for a remote psychology clinic, assisting with creating clinician intake questionnaires.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, Pilates, and travelling.
Paige earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from McGill University and is currently completing her Master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University. With a background as an animator, camp counsellor, activity facilitator, and tutor, she has extensive experience supporting children in both educational and therapeutic settings.
Paige’s goal is to create a comfortable and nonjudgmental space for clients to safely express themselves. She emphasizes a collaborative treatment approach tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Currently, she continues to build on her skills as an integration aide while pursuing her career in psychotherapy.
Ryan graduated from Concordia University in a BA Specialization in psychology. He has a multitude of experience working with children and youth ranging from toddlerhood to adolescents. For Ryan, working with youth has been a foundational part of his life for as long as he can remember, and his goal is to help them succeed.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing and watching hockey and spending time with his friends and family.
Maya Sislian is in her second year at Concordia University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She plans to continue her studies in psychology by completing a Master's degree and ultimately a PhD, with the goal of becoming a Child Psychologist.
Maya works as an integration aide here at ABC Solutions. Her passion for working with children stems from her time babysitting and working at summer camps. These experiences have equipped her to be comfortable and capable of working with clients of all ages, although she has primarily worked with children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
Outside of her studies, Maya enjoys travelling, going to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
For as long as he can remember, Raymond has always loved helping others become the best versions of themselves while bringing joy into people's lives in an authentic way.
After studying Special Care Counseling at Vanier College he has been working with at-risk youth and individuals with developmental disabilities. He has been loving every moment of working in the field.
He’s super excited to be a part of the team at ABC Solutions to continue helping and making connections in the world!
My name is Alexie Trzcionkowski, and I am a former Special Care Counselling student from Vanier College. I have experience working with individuals aged 5-21 with special needs, as well as with typically developing children. Through my internship experiences in schools, I can provide and identify both individual and classroom support. I have also collaborated and worked with various professionals to address clients' needs throughout my internships.
I have a passion for working with children and enjoy going beyond to ensure every child's needs are met, building a positive and trusting relationship. I have tutoring experience in English and Math with students aged 3-15, including ESL students. During my time at ABC Solutions, I hope to broaden your child's interests and help them achieve their personal potential.
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to work with your child.
Lexia has completed her BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at McGill University. She is advancing her studies with a master’s degree. Lexia is currently working as an Integration Aide and ABA Therapist at ABC Solutions. Lexia is dedicated to helping children thrive academically, socially and in their personal lives.
Lexia’s background in Psychology, combined with 7 years of experience working with children, provides her with the understanding that every individual thinks and behaves differently. More importantly, this understanding allows her to communicate effectively with children of all ages and young adolescents.
