Leadership Team

Executive Director

Sandie has devoted her professional life to serving children, youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Sandie has been serving this community since 1989 when she first volunteered with the Down Syndrome Society. She spent 7 years working in Applied Behaviour Analysis in the private sector before starting at Lake Ridge Community Support Services in 2005. Sandie has a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources. She started at Lake Ridge Community Support Services as a Behaviour Technician, quickly advancing and finally assuming the role of Executive Director in 2014. Sandie’s goal is to provide meaningful outcomes for our families through individualized service.

Clinical Director

Renee is a leader, clinician, Registered Behaviour Analyst in (Ontario) and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She completed a Psychology Degree from Queen’s University, then attended Saint Lawrence College to complete her postgraduate training in Behaviour Science Technology. It was there that Renee developed a passion for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), more specifically, Intensive Behaviour Intervention for children with autism. Renee pursued a career in the field completing a Master of Applied Disabilities Studies and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst certification. Renee loves the field and the impact ABA has on all the families who enter through our doors. As part of the family here at Lake Ridge Community Support Services since 2005, Renee is proud of the organization’s ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing behavioural services landscape in Durham Region. Renee feels the success at Lake Ridge Community Support Services is a result of ordinary people doing a little extra which results in extraordinary outcomes for their clients and families.

Program Manager, Fee-Based Consultative Services

Tarisha is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Program Manager at Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS). With a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University and 16+ years of experience in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities, Tarisha has excelled as a clinician and leader at Lake Ridge. She currently oversees a team of Behaviour Analysts and Technicians, managing fee-based educational groups, 1:1 ABA services, and caregiver-mediated programs. Tarisha is an active member of the Durham Youth Suicide Prevention Committee and The Rights and Ethics committee of Community Living Ajax Pickering, showcasing her commitment to the community. Her passion lies in providing quality ABA services and developing processes to enhance clinician training and development.

Program Manager, OAP- Urgent Response Services, Central East Network of Specialized Care, Adult Treatment Homes

Karen is a passionate leader with 25+ years of experience in supporting individuals with disabilities. With a Master's degree in Applied Disabilities Studies and as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Karen excels in collaborating with consumers, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams. She fosters a strength-based approach, coaching and inspiring others while prioritizing ethical practices and staff development. Karen's goal is to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive by sharing her knowledge of ABA and promoting positive change.

Program Manager, Fee-Based Services, OAP- Foundations Program, OAP- Entry to School Program, Mentorship and Training

Amy is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and a strong commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism. She has worked in various settings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Amy holds a Master's degree in Education and is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She finds joy in witnessing the growth of both the children she works with and the staff she supervises and finds fulfillment in contributing to their success.

Operations Manager

Katey is a dedicated professional with 15+ years of experience in delivering high-quality behaviour analytic services for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. As a Registered Behaviour Analyst and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, she has a Master's Degree in Applied Disability Studies and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate. Since 2010, she has demonstrated exceptional clinical knowledge and relationship management skills while supervising employees across diverse services. Katey excels in improving operational activities, streamlining processes, and expanding service offerings. She is passionate about staff training and development, supporting them to reach their potential and contributing to long-term growth and satisfaction. Katey believes that investing in staff directly enhances the service journey for families.