Jesenia (Jese) Duran is the director of Sunshine Learning Centre and the supervising Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) with the College of Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst of Ontario (CPBAO) and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Jese has worked at Sunshine Learning Centre since 2018, where she began as an instructor therapist, then a lead therapist, and eventually a senior therapist. Jese has a diploma in Developmental Services Worker, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. As of November 2021, Jese is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and as of July 2024 Jese became a Registered Behaviour Analyst in Ontario. Jese has completed her 8-hour supervision training and holds certificates in relevant behaviour-analytic topics such as Skills-Based Treatment, Sleep Training, Toilet Training, Puberty and Sex Education, PEERS ® Social Skills, and Ethics in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has experience helping children with autism improve their verbal skills, social skills, play skills, academic skills, cooperation skills, school readiness skills, life skills, and self-help skills. Jese is experienced in conducting skills-based assessments (e.g., ABLLS-R), behaviour-analytic assessments (e.g., functional analyses), analyzing behaviour data, observing and training staff and caregivers, and implementing behaviour treatment programs. Jese is very passionate about providing neurodiversity affirming, effective, ethical, and meaningful behaviour-analytic services. Jese approaches her work with compassion, patience, understanding, and empathy. The number one goal is to help individuals live the highest quality of life without changing who they are as a person.

Induja has dedicated the past 10 years of her career to supporting children with learning disabilities and differences, and helping their families navigate the experience as well. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology from the University of Toronto, she started working as an Instructional Therapist. She has extensive experience providing one-on-one ABA therapy for children who have unique and complex needs. Today, as an intake coordinator at SLC, Induja assists clients with their individual needs in accessing service. She schedules intake and assessment meetings to ensure clients receive the proper support. Additionally, as the administrator, she assists clients, families, and staff with daily operations, manages schedules, coordinates communications, and ensures efficient office functionality. Induja has always been considerate and compassionate towards the clients, families, and caregivers that she has worked with over the years. Most importantly, you will find that she is a thoughtful and adaptable team player, who is passionate about enriching the lives of children through meaningful work.

Sarah is a Senior Therapist at Sunshine Learning Centre, bringing over 7 years of expertise in supporting children with exceptional needs. Her journey in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) began in 2020 as an Instructor Therapist, where she honed her skills before taking on her current role as a Senior Therapist in September 2023. Sarah holds certificates in relevant topics such as Skills Based Treatment and Sex and Puberty Education tailored for individuals autism and other exceptional needs. Sarah has experience facilitating a variety of groups programs, including Emotional ABC’s® and PEERS®. Sarah holds a diploma in Social Service Work and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology. Eager to deepen her knowledge and impact, she will be pursuing a Master of Applied Disability Studies and her goal is to become a Registered Behaviour Analyst. Sarah's commitment to empowering children through evidence-based practices underscores her passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Sarah lives by the mantra "Respect the individual journey,” recognizing each child's unique path of development, learning, and growth! By honoring each child's individual journey, Sarah ensures that her approach is compassionate, personalized, and empowering, fostering an environment where each child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Holly, is a senior therapist at Sunshine Learning Centre, and holds a diploma in Developmental Service Worker and an Honours Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Science. She is currently preparing to pursue her Masters in Applied Disability Studies starting in Fall 2024. Since joining Sunshine Learning Centre in 2021 as an instructor therapist, Holly has advanced through roles including lead therapist, member of the social media team, and now serves as a senior therapist. Recently certified in Skills-Based Treatment in May 2024, Holly brings over 5 years of experience in the disability field. Her expertise lies in supporting children and young adults with daily living skills, school readiness, and self-help skills. She is deeply committed to delivering compassionate and ethical services, emphasizing individualized care tailored to each person's unique needs. Holly's philosophy prioritizes compassionate care that places individuals above processes, reflecting her dedication to enhancing the lives of children with disabilities.

Charlotte is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Lead therapist at SLC. Charlotte received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from Trent University in 2018. Over her five years as an instructor therapist, Charlotte has worked with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of needs and disabilities. Charlotte is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through Yorkville University and plans to offer counseling services to individuals living with disabilities and their families in the future. Charlotte is skilled in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Charlotte's favorite mantra to stand by is: "Be kind!"

Shiva is a Lead Therapist and has been working at SLC since January 2024. Shiva graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Public Policy and has received her Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification. She has over three years of experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behavioural Interventions (IBI). Shiva values empathy, respect, and continuous learning, striving to empower clients and their families with effective strategies for ongoing support. Shiva is also working towards becoming a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)/Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) in the near future!

April is a Speech Language Pathologist who received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona and her Masters of Arts (M.A) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Texas at Austin. April has worked in the US and Canada and has experience working in a multitude of settings, including private practice, governmental agencies, and the public school system. She has been a practicing speech-language pathologist since 2011 and is currently a registered member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). April is passionate about working with children with a variety of skills and abilities and working to help them improve their communication and language skills. She has over 10 years of experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders as well as developmental delays and autism. April also enjoys and has experience working with children who require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. April believes in a client-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of following a child's lead and incorporating their likes and interests in therapy, as well as taking into account the family's goals and expectations. April strives to help clients improve their functional communication skills in order to enhance their overall quality of life. She values collaborating with other professionals as well as having an open line of communication with families in order to help clients make as much progress as possible.

Amanda Cuffie, Nathaniel Nurse, Brishti Deka, Trishelle Harris, Metusa Thayapararajah, Diana Mungai, Gabrielle Fourchet

Elisha founded Sunshine Learning Centre Inc. in 2010 with a deep passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals. She initially established the first SLC center in Uxbridge before relocating it to Ajax, Ontario. Elisha was instrumental in shaping the core values and strong reputation of SLC, focusing on family involvement, healthy team dynamics, and compassion for all individuals served. In August 2023, Elisha passed the torch but continues to make an impact through adult assessments and coaching, you can access her services at neuro-divergent.com. Jese and the rest of the SLC team are committed to upholding and advancing Elisha's legacy.