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Meet ABI’s Founder and Clinical Director Lisa Israel, Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Lisa, a Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, has been passionate about working with children and youth, and adults for over 30 years. Believing that all therapy begins at the place where the values of joy, engagement and mutual respect meet, Lisa has built ABI’s student and professional culture with this vision in mind.  As the Founder of the oldest in-home and community provider of ABA in the province of Ontario, she takes pride in ABI being recognised as an industry Leader in providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Lisa has had the privilege of helping to create the Inclusion Program at the Schwartz Reisman Center.  This unique program has helped to provide recreational programs for children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders all across the GTA. Additionally, Lisa has taught at the college level and authored a manual for coaching and training parents using the principles of ABA. Lisa continues to enjoy providing consultation on school advocacy, human rights for persons with disabilities and front-line care at ABI.  

“I’m proud of what we have created at ABI. Therapists with decades of experience working with joy, students who are happy to see us and families who love us.  Our greatest compliment is that many of the families and students we have served, continue to keep us in their lives long after therapy ends.  This is testament to the meaningful connections we have established. There is a difference at ABI”. Lisa Israel, Registered Behaviour Analyst, Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, and Founder and CEO, Applied Behavioural Interventions.

Our Team

Anastasiya Potapovych, MADS, BCBA

MADS, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Yael Stern, MA BCBA

MA, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Nicky Praseuth, RBT

Senior Therapist


Ashley Cohen, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist


Ashley Lecce, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist

Sarah Gopie, MADS, RBT

Senior Lead Therapist

Karen Yoffee, RBT

Lead Therapist

Courtney Baker

Lead Therapist

Precious Joy Caro

Lead Therapist


Shubatha Devamanoharan, RBT

Instructor Therapist

Gillian Athaide, MADS

Lead Therapist

Wan-yun Chang

Lead Therapist

LeiLei Yan

Senior Therapist

Anna Tikhonova, MADS

Instructor Therapist

Aida Abbasi

Instructor Therapist

Our Team

Click on each team members card to dive deeper into their expertise, background, and dedication to providing exceptional ABA therapy services.

Anastasiya Potapovych, MADS, BCBA

Behaviour Consultant

Yael Stern Gelman, BA, MA, RBA (ONT.) BCBA

Behaviour Consultant

Nicky Praseuth, ECE, BCD, RBT (f.)

Behaviour Consultant

Ashley Cohen, BA, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress)

Senior Therapist

Ashley Lecce, RBT (f.)

Senior Lead Therapist

Sarah Gopie, MADS

Senior Lead Instructor Therapist

Courtney Baker, M.A. (ASD)

Senior Lead Therapist

Precious Joy Caro, MSc., (ABA in progress)

Senior Therapist

Gillian Athaide, MADS

Senior Therapist

Wan(-yun) Chang, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist

Lead Therapist

Xiaoli (LeiLei) Yan, BSc, BS(dip), MS (ABA)

Senior Therapist

Shubatha Devamanoharan, B.A., MSc., RBT (f.)

Lead Therapist

Anna Tikhonova, MADS, BCBA

Lead Therapist

Aida Abbasi, BSc (Hons)

Instructor Therapist

Alessia Zappia, B.A., Therapeutic Respite Worker,

Instructor Therapist

Karen Yoffe, BA, SSW (dip), RBT (f.)

Senior Lead Therapist

Caileigh Macdonald, Cand. MPEd (ABA), BA Hons. (Speech and Language Sciences), DECE. Instructor Therapist

Senior Lead Therapist

Liz / Elizabete B.A. CHYS, UCSB (cert.), BCaBA (f.)

Senior Lead Therapist

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Anastasiya Potapovych

MADS, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Ana has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 12 years.

Ana’s specialties include: Toilet training, parent coaching and training, program design, mediator training, therapist coaching and teaching regulation using ACT (acceptance and commitment training).

Education: Ana has her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto as well as her Masters of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. Ana attained her BCBA certification in 2018.

Interests: Ana enjoys training, hiking, travelling, reading and doing anything active!

Personal Quote:
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Yael Stern Gelman

BA, MA, RBA (ONT.) BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Yael has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 23 years.

Yael’s specialties include: putting together behaviour support plans for families, providing parent coaching and training, consulting for schools and consulting for young children in the areas of toilet training and early communication including the use of augmentative communication. Yael is also proficient in the use of ACT and treating severe challenging behaviour. Yael has extensive experience with children and young adults with various diagnosis and unique needs.

Education: Yael has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in psychology and has a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst in 2012. Additionally, Yael is a Registered Behaviour Analyst.

Interests: Yael is interested in mindfulness and meditation, animals, nature, and her family.

Personal Quote:
“I look at each client as an individual and offer them dignity, respect and the highest level of care. My clients mean the world to me, and I am honoured when I am given the task of helping someone reach their highest potential.”

Nicky Praseuth

ECE, BCD, RBT (f.), Senior Therapist

Nicky has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 13 years.

Nicky’s specialties include: Social Skills and is a PEERS® accredited facilitator for ABI, Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), parent coaching and training, treating severe problem behaviours, food selectivity, cooperation and tolerance training, executive functioning skills, mindfulness, school readiness, daily living skills, and self-management strategies.

Education: Nicky has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Child Development and is a former Registered Behaviour Technician. She continues to expand on her knowledge and skills through professional development conferences. Nicky is a certified PEERS® instructor, teaching social skills for adolescents. Her technique is to teach skills that are ecologically valid using a hands-on, interactive, and collaborative approach.

Interests: Nicky’s interests include baking, cooking, hiking, and traveling.

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to lead with empathy and compassion and to integrate each student’s strengths to set them up for success.”

Ashley Cohen

BA, RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress), Senior Therapist

Ashley has been with ABI for 11 years.

Ashley’s specialties include: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), toilet training, social skills both 1:1 and in groups, academics and preparation for academic settings, treating interfering behaviour, teaching language and communication including AAC, food selectivity, haircuts/dentist preparation and preparation for similar activities.

Education: Ashley has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters’ in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Ashley has attained her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Interests: Yoga, Singing, Nature, Art

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to partner with my students gently and with compassion and care for their whole being.”

Ashley Lecce

RBT (f.), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) MACP (in progress), Senior Lead Therapist

Ashley has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 7 years.

Ashley’s specialties include: teaching self-regulation, language and communication, teaching functional communication, self-care skills, and parent coaching/training.

Education: Ashley has her Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber. She has completed a Post-Graduate Certificate Program specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis & Positive Behaviour Supports from Humber College and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University. Ashley has obtained her Registered Behaviour Technician certification.

Interests: In Ashley’s spare time she enjoys listening to music, hiking, painting, and being with family and friends.

Personal Quote:
“I approach each client as a unique individual, understanding their strengths, embracing their challenges, and creating an environment that fosters acceptance, patience, and tailored support. Through adaptability and empathy, we can unlock potential and pave the way for meaningful progress.”

Sarah Gopie

MADS, Senior Lead Instructor Therapist

Sarah has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 7 years.

Sarah’s specialties include: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), toilet training, social skills both 1:1 and in groups, academics and preparation for academic settings, treating interfering behaviour, teaching language and communication including AAC, food selectivity, and haircuts/dentist preparation.

Education: Sarah has completed her Masters of Applied Disability Studies specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University.

Interests: Sarah’s interests include reading, arts and crafts, balloon décor, fishing, and camping.

Personal Quote:
“Sessions should be run with patience and compassion. My goal is to ensure that my students don’t want me to leave and then I know I have made my mark.”

Courtney Baker

BA. Psych, Ma. ASD, Senior Lead Therapist

Courtney has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 4 years.

Courtney’s specialties include: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), toilet training, CANVAS ABA-Art Therapy, social and emotional Learning and regulation, social skills, community safety training, school integration, treating severe challenging behaviour, AAC communication training, skill-based treatment.

Education: Courtney has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has also completed training in Mental Health and Autism and Dr. Hanley’s Skill-Based Training.

Interests: Courtney enjoys travelling, reading, watching the Blue Jays, spending time with friends and family, coffee! And Cats!

Personal Quote:
“My approach is to establish a strong relationship and connection with students. I believe that if we have a strong rapport, our working relationship will yield better results. By establishing measured and attainable goals with parents and students, I believe we can work to achieve those as a team and provide the best possible learning environment.”

Precious Joy Caro

MSc., (in ABA in progress), Senior Therapist

Precious Joy Caro, Senior Therapist, has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 4 years.

Precious’ specialties include: Applied Behaviour Analysis, specifically for its application in communication and language, self-regulation, school readiness, academics, Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), and treatment of severe problem behaviours.

Education: Precious has her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis from St. Cloud State University.

Interests: Precious is extremely fond of dogs, loves to play piano, read, paint, play tennis and is passionate about animal rescue.

Personal Quote:
“To me, it’s really important to make sure that each student feels safe and supported. That means focusing on their physical and emotional well-being, helping them build their skills and confidence, and creating a space where they feel comfortable participating without fear of judgment. I truly believe that starting with positivity and joy can set the tone for a successful and peaceful learning experience.”

Gillian Athaide

MADS, Senior Therapist

Gillian has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 7 years.

Gillian’s specialties include: teaching augmentative and alternative communication systems, utilizing acceptance and commitment training (ACT) for parent coaching and training to support parents through internal thoughts and encourage commitment of constructive activities that are in line with their goals, setting up systems to facilitate parents being proficient in teaching their children, teaching activities of daily living such as brushing teeth, dressing and bathing, toilet training and treating severe challenging behaviour.

Education: Gillian has attained her Master’s Degree in Applied Disability Studies specializing in Applied Behavioural Analysis and is working toward her RBA (Ont.) and BCBA certification.

Interests: Gillian’s interests include trying new recipes, experimenting with art, and carrying out a healthy lifestyle through sports and exercise.

Personal Quote:
“I believe in empowering my students and parents by individualizing teaching using strategies that are in line with each learning style so that all can execute decisions confidently and reach their full potential.”

Wan(-yun) Chang

Registered Psychotherapist, MACP (in progress), Lead Therapist

Wan-yun has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for nearly 3 years.

Wan-yun’s specialties include: CANVAS ABA-Art Therapy, independent activity schedule and self- management training, integration of ABA principles with psychotherapeutic practices, creative and innovative approaches in ABA programs, training generalization skills and she is proficient in Mandarin.

Education: Wan has a Bachelor of Arts form the University of Waterloo with a minor in Fine Arts, she has completed Behavioural Sciences coursework at Seneca College and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University.

Interests: Wan-yun’s interests include cooking visual arts (drawing, modelling and painting), dancing, movie enthusiast and loves dogs and cats.

Personal Quote:
“My approach focuses on empathetic, mindful interventions; I believe in harnessing each individual’s unique strengths and interests, empowering and guiding clients and their family on their journey of growth and discovery.”

Xiaoli (LeiLei) Yan

Yan, BSc, BS(dip), MS (ABA), Senior Therapist

Lei Lei has been with Applied Behavior Interventions for two years.

LeiLei’s specialties include: working with children with a variety of exceptionalities including Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Dual Diagnosis (DD), treating interfering behaviours, teaching activities of daily living, such as independent living skills and food selectivity.

Education: LeiLei has a Master of Science in Psychology degree specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Purdue Global University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Behaviorual Science Diploma from St. Lawrence College.

Interests: LeiLei is an animal lover and enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling, reading, and going the gym in her spare time.

Personal Quote:
“Everything we have been in the habit of calling an ‘instinct’ today is a result largely of training—belonging to man’s learned behaviour” by John B.Watson

Shubatha Devamanoharan

RBT (f.), Lead Instructor Therapist

Shubatha has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 5 years.

Shubatha’s specialties include: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), emotional regulation, treating interfering behaviours, teaching using creative arts such as dance, yoga, and music.

Education: Shubatha has her Bachelor of Arts from York University and her MSc. in Yoga Therapy. She is additionally a former Registered Behaviour Technician, PCM, and has PFA- SBT level one certification.

Interests: Shubatha loves hiking, dancing, organizing, and science experiments

Personal Quote:
“The essence of teaching lies in continual learning—exploring diverse modes of communication, fostering growth, achieving success, and nurturing sustained happiness. Let’s embark on this journey of learning together.”

Anna Tikhonova

MADS, BCBA, Lead Therapist

Ana has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 3 year and has been an ABA therapist for 7 years.

Anna’s specialties include: direct skill assessments using ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, and AFLS protocols, designing systems for promoting teaching, teaching functional communication and utilizing verbal speech and alternative/augmentative methods such as picture-based systems and speech-generating devices, ACT, discrete trial teaching and naturalist teaching, teaching self-help and adaptive skills within home and community environments, creating highly personalised teaching goals for complex daily living activities, and teaching social skills.

Education: Ana has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in psychology and has her Masters of Applied Disability Studies, with an ABA specialization and has a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.

Interests: Ana’s interests include camping, yoga, sight-seeing, dancing, reading, theatre, and dogs.

Personal Quote:
“I strive to learn more about my students’ strengths, so that I can align my teaching objectives and strategies with their preferences in learning and maximize their experience, knowledge, and skill development. My favourite ABA quote and my motto is: “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.” – O. Ivar Lovaas”

Aida Abbasi

BSc (Hons), Instructor Therapist

Aida has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 3 years.

Aida’s specialties include: teaching functional communication, supporting independence in various environments not limited to home, and working with medically fragile individuals.

Education: Aida has completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Toronto in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Psychology from the from Adler Graduate Professional School.

Interests: Aida’s interests include creating content on social media, existential philosophy, and stand-up comedy.

Personal Quote:
“Life is far too short to live with fear and insecurity. Life is too precious to be lived without love and creativity.”

Alessia Zappia

BA, RBT, Instructor Therapist & Respite Worker

Alessia has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for one year.

Alessia’s specialties include: supporting students in schools and facilitating integration, teaching executive functioning, teaching social skills within natural environments and in groups, teaching self-regulation and self-management systems and promoting recreational programs that bring joy to her students.

Education: Alessia has her Bachelor of Arts with an Honours Specialization in Psychology from The University of Western Ontario. Alessia has completed the RBT coursework from The Autism Partnership Foundation. Alessia is also working toward completing her MA and PhD in Clinical Child and School Psychology.

Interests: Alessia is interested in pursuing research on social skills and support for children and teens with developmental disorders. Alessia is also interested in art, yoga, and baking.

Personal Quote:
“It truly is a passion of mine to provide care and support for families within my community. It is an honour and a privilege to be where I am today, and I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Karen Yoffe

BA, SSW (dip), RBT (f.), Senior Lead Therapist

Karen has been with Applied Behavioural Interventions for 9 years.

Karen’s specialties include: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), toilet training and teaching activities important in daily living, client advocacy, and teaching executive functioning skills.

Education: Karen has her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University and a diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca College. She has also attained her Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification.

Interests: Karen loves to read, crochet, and do puzzles.

Personal Quote:
“My goal is to help children build meaningful relationships through communication, empathy, and connection with others.”

Caileigh Macdonald

Cand. MPEd (ABA), BA Hons. (Speech and Language Sciences), DECE. Instructor Therapist

Caileigh’s specialties include: supporting students in the areas of early communication and language, social skills, Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and executive functioning.

Education: Caileigh has her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Speech and Language Sciences, and is pursuing a Master of Professional Education with a focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is currently in supervised practice towards qualifying to write her exams in order to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst/Registered Behaviour Analyst. 

Interests: Caileigh is interested in reading, mindfulness, nature, music, and her family.

Personal Quote:
“Empowering growth, one small step at a time. Together, we achieve milestones that pave the path to success.”

Liz / Elizabete Tigeris

B.A. CHYS, UCSB (cert.), BCaBA (f.)

This is Elizabete’s first year with ABI!

Liz / Elizabete’s specialties include: Social skills training (group and 1:1 settings), treating severe challenging behaviours, emotional learning and regulation, parent coaching/training, various language and communication trainings and executive functioning skills training. 

Education: Liz/Elizabete has her Bachelors Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. Liz/Elizabete has also previously obtained her RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) and continued her education at the University of California, Santa Barbara to obtain a certificate in Assistant Behaviour Analysis. Liz/Elizabete completed her BCaBA (Board Certified assistant Behaviour Analyst) and is a former BCaBA. 

Interests: Being outdoors and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Liz/Elizabete is also huge sports fan as well as enjoys playing various sports. 

Personal Quote: “We are all different, but we all have that same spark that makes us light up.”