Jaime Santana, M.ADS, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)

Clinical Director, Founder

Jaime Santana is an experienced provider in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), delivering effective services to his clients. With an undergraduate degree in Psychology from York University and a Masters in Applied Disability Studies with a focus on ABA from Brock University, Jaime understands the importance of ensuring that programming is tailored to the needs and existing skill set of his clients. Jaime has focused his career on working with youth and adults, since he understands the importance of providing quality services to this underserviced, and often forgotten about, population. Jaime’s work has also focused on teaching functional academics, community skills, social skills, vocational skills, and daily living skills that help promote and establish independence and productivity in his clients, while ensuring that this is all based on the preferences and goals of the client. Jaime is also a firm believer in precision measurement and effective teaching, which is why he uses precision teaching and the standard celeration chart to deliver and track the progress of services. He wants to ensure his clients, supervisees, and other clinicians benefit from these as well. Jaime is a firm believer in compassionate care, and delivering services that are values driven. Due to this, Jaime has developed his skill with Acceptance and Commitment Training interventions that would help his clients overcome the impacts of anxiety. Over the years, Jaime has also dedicated his time to advocate for a needs-based, evidence-based Ontario Autism Program, to ensure that children and youth receive the services they need to thrive in their communities, and take control of their lives, ensuring success and independence, whatever that may mean and look like for the individual. Jaime is the current President for the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA), the largest ABA professional association in Canada. Through advocacy, volunteering, and dedication to the field of ABA, Jaime has had the opportunity to learn, develop, and refine his skills under the supervision and mentorship of some of the brightest ABA minds in Ontario, and he hopes to continue his path of learning, development and growth, all in the hopes that this will lead to more successful interventions for his clients and their families. In 2021 Jaime’s efforts were recognized by ONTABA, and he was one of 3 recipients for the President’s Award for Service Excellence.

Lisa Zariwny, M.ADS, BCBA, R.B.A (Ont.)

Clinical Supervisor

Lisa Zariwny is an experienced provider in the field of Behaviour Analysis whose passion is driven to delivering services that are trauma informed and ethical.  Lisa graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Laurentian University and immediately started working at a clinic for children with Autism.  Within this center Lisa developed a drive to always provide compassionate, ethical and effective therapy to individuals of all ages.  To better support the individuals she worked with, Lisa went back to school to complete her Masters of Applied Disability Studies with a focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis at Brock University.  Quickly, Lisa began to focus on teaching meaningful skills that will aid the clients she worked with to develop the skills they will need to live a happy, productive and meaningful life. Lisa has completed additional trainings to support both toilet training and feeding difficulties.  Over time, Lisa's focus has shifted to include and incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Training.  Supporting individuals through their emotional journey has taken a high priority within Lisa's daily practice, leading to continued education in ACT and regular integration of strategies learned with the clients she works with.  Lisa is also a member of the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA), and Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).  Remaining current and staying up-to-date with new, trauma-informed, and effective practices will always push Lisa to be the best Behaviour Analyst she can be. 

Catherine Jessel, M.S., BCBA, LBA-NY, R.B.A.(Ont.)

Clinical Supervisor

Catherine Jessel is a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Registered Behaviour Analyst in Ontario. Catherine completed her M.S. in Behavior Analysis at University of North Texas with an experimental thesis under the supervision of Dr. Manish Vaidya. During her time at UNT, she worked at Denton State Supported Living Center under the supervision of Dr. Rick Smith, conducting functional analyses, implementing medical and dental desensitization, designing individualized support plans, and training direct care staff. After UNT, Catherine worked as a behavior analyst in New York City and Long Island, providing behavioral consultation for public school districts and supervising in-home and community-based services. Before moving to Ontario, she served as assistant clinical director at Long Island ABA and taught masters level ABA courses as an adjunct lecturer at Queens College. Catherine is currently a Lead Consultant with FTF Behavioral Consulting, where she provides primarily distance-based training and support to professionals who wish to improve outcomes for the children and adults they serve. Beyond clinical services, Catherine has published research on the practical functional assessment and co-authored a textbook chapter on the topic. Catherine looks forward to joining the community of behaviour analysts and supporting the mission of compassionate care in Ontario

Soumya Vijayanathan, M.ADS

Supervised Senior Therapist

Soumya Vijayanathan is an experienced clinician who firmly believes in the application of applied behaviour analysis methods, that are evidence based, for best outcomes. Soumya completed her bachelor’s and master’s in psychology in India. Subsequently, she worked within the child and youth mental health field and conducted a series of trainings and consultations with children, youth, and families. After immigrating to Canada, Soumya completed her Master’s in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. With years of training and experience in the field, Soumya understands the concerns and hopes of families and always includes them in the assessment and treatment process. Outcome evaluation of services and adapting the services to the needs of individual and their families is another aspect she pays attention to. As a clinician, Soumya is also experienced in working with culturally diverse clients and communities while ensuring quality services are delivered.     

Rupal, M.A, ABS

Supervised Behaviour Therapist

Rupal is a dedicated and passionate Supervised Behaviour Therapist, committed to supporting autistic individuals in achieving greater independence. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology and a Master's degree in Psychology from India, providing her with a solid academic foundation in human behaviour. Her internships in India, where she worked closely with autistic individuals, ignited her passion for behavioural sciences and inspired her to contribute to the field of ABA. This drive led her to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences at Durham College, where she deepened her knowledge in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

With about a year of placements and volunteer experience working with people on the spectrum with diverse needs, Rupal applies individualized evidence-based ABA approaches to help her clients develop essential skills for daily living, academics, social interaction, and more. In her role, Rupal sees the transformative impact of ABA every day and is dedicated to empowering clients and their families to lead more independent, fulfilling lives. Rupal believes in supporting her clients with unwavering respect and dignity in all interactions. She is committed to making the world a better place for individuals with neurodevelopmental exceptionalities, envisioning a society where they are fully accepted and free from stigma.

Shruti Khanna, BA, ABS, BST

Supervised Behaviour Therapist

Shruti Khanna is a dedicated Behavior Therapist with a strong foundation in applied behavior analysis and a passion for supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Shruti earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Maharaja Sayajirao University in India, where she gained valuable experience in the field before transitioning to Canada.

After immigrating, Shruti pursued a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioral Sciences from Durham College, followed by a Postgraduate Degree in Behavior Science Technician from George Brown College. This educational journey has equipped Shruti with advanced skills in implementing effective ABA techniques and developing individualized treatment plans.

With experience as a Supervised Behaviour Therapist in various settings, Shruti emphasises collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support. They are committed to adapting interventions based on ongoing assessment and evaluation to meet the unique needs of each client. Outside of professional responsibilities, Shruti enjoys hiking, traveling, and engaging in creative crafts. These interests not only enrich their personal life but also enhance their ability to connect with clients and foster a supportive environment.

Sindy Herdoiza

Administrative Assistant

Sindy has extensive experience in office management, and has been working in this capacity within the medical field for many years. She loves the opportunity to interact with others that this position offers, and thanks to her organisational excellence, she is ready to coordinate all daily activities at the Center, whether they be for the clients or the team. She believes in teamwork, and understands that when people work together, and give their best to their community, good things happen. Sindy is committed to provide the best support possible to everyone within the Santana Behavioural Services family and looks forward to meeting the families, and their loved ones, that come through the centre doors.