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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yasmina has completed her BA in Psychology and a minor in Fine Arts at the Lebanese American University. She is currently working as an Integration Specialist, and she is dedicated to help children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally in social and school settings.
With her background in Psychology and training in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Yasmina helps and supports students with intervention plans, as well as children with social struggles, learning difficulties, or children that require specific support, through a variety of therapeutic techniques.
Yasmina’s love for teaching, combined with her expertise and care for children, creates a motivational and positive learning environment individualized for every kid so they can each develop in their own way.
In her free time, Yasmina enjoys playing the piano, and painting.
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.
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.
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 and ADHD.
A happily married and proud mother of three, she enjoys field hockey, outdoor activities, and travel.
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!
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.
Ariana is a Familiar Face for Families at ABC Solutions
If you’ve come into our clinic in the past few years, chances are Ariana is a familiar face! Ariana Di Nardo has been working at ABC Solutions for the past three years. She is currently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at McGill University, with a double minor in Behavioural Science and Sociology.
Ariana enjoys witnessing the improvements each client makes throughout their ABA journey at ABC Solutions.
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).
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.
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.
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 Rosenberg is in her third year at McGill University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has experience working with children in many different environments, including through babysitting, summer camps and at a tutoring centre. She is friendly, outgoing, and enjoys trying new things.
Nicole has her sights set on obtaining her PhD and becoming a proud member of the OPQ.
Our resident traveller, Nicole is currently studying abroad in Italy for a semester, and looks forward to her return to ABC Solutions, and even more so to meeting and working with new clients.
Rebecca uses a Mindful Approach When Working with Children and Youth
Rebecca Salpeter is a certified Registered Behaviour Technician, crisis responder, and has a certification in Psychological First Aid. She graduated from McGill University with a BA in Psychology and a double minor in Behavioural Science and Social Entrepreneurship.
Rebecca also has vast clinical and research experience. She has worked with children and youth for 10 years, giving her valuable insights and helping her cultivate empathetic relationships with clients and families. She took a special interest in Mindfulness, which allows her to approach children and youth with sensitivity and gain valuable knowledge of their unique cases. Rebecca has experience integrating students with behavioural difficulties into the classroom, as well as integrating the tools learned in therapy into their homes and everyday lives.
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!
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.
Despina Xanthoudakis (they/them) is an educator who helps students, staff, and families apply practices that promote autonomy, learning, and social integration. They have 13 years of expertise in Montreal's public and private schools, community organizations, and summer camps. They are also an experienced workshop facilitator, having led more than 50 workshops on social-emotional learning (SEL) and sexuality education. Despina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Specialization Psychology from Concordia University and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (Human Development focus) from McGill University.
