We are a team dedicated on both professional and personal levels, and we are committed to a high standard of clinical work when interacting with all of our learners. This high level of commitment is evidenced by the number of our staff members who voluntarily choose to pursue certification. We pride ourselves on having a very low staff turn-over rate. We also regularly take on students from the Autism and Behaviour Science program or related disciplines, to help build the capacity for therapist resources in our region.

Please see the biographies of our senior staff below.

Lynne Thibodeau, M.Ed., BCBA, R.B.A. (Ont.)
Executive and Clinical Director
Lynne is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ont) and is the Executive and Clinical Director of Spectrum.  We are a parent-founded organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to children and youth with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.  With over 25 years’ experience in the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA), Lynne has a profound understanding of the strengths, complexities and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder.  She leads a team of skilled clinicians ensuring that all interventions are rooted in scientifically validated ABA principles. As Clinical Director, Lynne oversees treatment development, provides supervision and mentorship to staff, and is actively involved in assessing the progress of learners to ensure optimal outcomes.

In addition to clinical work, Lynne is deeply involved in the strategic vision of the organization, guiding the development of programs that empower families and create long-lasting positive impacts.  Lynne is passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice in ABA, and she continuously works to stay at the forefront of the latest developments in the field, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.  She also works to expand access to ABA services, secure funding, and advocates for policies that support individuals with autism.

Kristen Copeland, M.A. BCBA, R.B.A. (Ont.)
Behaviour Analyst
Kristen has been working in the field of applied behaviour analysis since 2002. She received her Master of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Arts Highest Honours (Psychology) from Carleton University. She has also completed Pennsylvania State University’s Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis for Special Education (ABA) and 1500 hours of mentorship from Siri Ming, BCBA.

Kristen is experienced with working with verbal and nonverbal learners of all skill level aged 2-29 in Ottawa, across Ontario, as well as internationally. While Kristen loves working with children of all ages, she is passionate in using the science of ABA to enhance the lives of teenagers and young adults. Working closely with families to ensure their goals are being met, she creates functional programs for all learners to teach critical life, communication and community skills. She is dedicated to helping each learner reach their full potential and live as independently as possible. Further, Kristen has expertise in treating severe problem behaviour and has obtained the Level 6 Supervision Credential in Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment of Severe Problem Behaviour from FTF Behavioral Consulting.

Emily Collins, B.A. Psychology
Supervised Clinical Lead & Assistant Executive Director
With over 20 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Emily has built a fulfilling career as both a supervised clinical lead and an assistant executive. In her capacity in each of these roles, Emily has demonstrated compassionate leadership, including in the design, implementation, and oversight of individualized, evidence-based behavioral interventions. Emily has worked with individuals across a variety of populations, including children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), promoting cooperation, communication, independence, skill development, and social integration.

Throughout Emily’s career, she has balanced clinical work with administrative responsibilities, assisting in overseeing day-to-day operations and team development, while ensuring the highest standards of client care. As Assistant Executive Director, Emily collaborates closely with the executive team to shape organizational strategies, improve service delivery, and expand the impact of the organization’s work.

In the clinical setting, Emily supervises instructor therapists, provides mentorship, and fosters a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment. Her commitment to staff training and professional development has helped create a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and organizational leadership, Emily regularly integrates new techniques into treatment plans and operational strategies. Her leadership style combines empathy with efficiency, ensuring that clients, their families/caregivers, and team members all feel supported and empowered.

Jackie Shore, B.Ed.

Assistant Executive Director
Jackie completed her BCaBA in July 2014. She obtained her B.A. from University of Toronto and followed this education with a Teaching Degree from University of Ottawa’s Bachelor of Education program in 2004. She has worked as an ABA therapist and, later, Senior Therapist in Ottawa since 2003.

 Her experience in providing services to a variety children both at home and in-school settings as well as implementing programs ranging from basic learner curriculum to advanced programming has been consistently supervised by Lynne Thibodeau, M.Ed., BCBA., R.B.A. (Ont.).

Jackie is deeply committed to both education and the field of autism and advances this passion through ongoing training and regularly attending workshops. She has also completed graduate level coursework in Applied Behaviour Analysis through Brock University.  

Jackie is also actively involved in community education initiatives by presenting ABA workshops for parents and professionals in the Ottawa/Eastern Ontario area in co-operation with Lynne Thibodeau, BCBA.  In addition, Jackie has been involved in Algonquin College’s Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ABS) curriculum redevelopment team, followed by supervision of student placements and course facilitation within the ABS program. Within the clinical setting, Jackie provides ongoing assessment and supervision of Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBT), and is responsible for developing and completing the initial and yearly competency assessments.

Tasha Koekkoek, M.Ed., BCBA, R.B.A. (Ont.)

Behaviour Analyst

Tasha has worked in ABA since 2014 with Spectrum Intervention Group. She has been a BCBA since 2019 and is also a Registered Behaviour Analyst with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO).

Tasha holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from the University of Ottawa. She has completed the 10-hour SBT Implementor training from FTF for treating severe problem behaviour.

Tasha has worked with individuals aged 2-30 and is passionate about providing adult services and integrating adults into the community. Tasha supervises programs for children, youth, and adults in 1:1 and small groups. The program goals involve teaching skills in the centre and navigating the community safely.

Tasha is also part of the staff training team at Spectrum. She has developed training materials for instructor therapists and made significant contributions to developing our Staff Training Handbook. 

Debbie Barbesin, MADS, BCBA, R.B.A. (Ont.)
Behaviour Analyst
Debbie has been working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) since 2005. She began working at Spectrum Intervention group in 2007. She pursued a Master of Applied Disability Studies (Applied Behaviour Analysis) from Brock University in 2011, became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2020 and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A. (Ont) in 2024.

 Debbie is dedicated to providing information about services available to families. She created the Directory of Services for Individuals with Autism which lists information and services available in the Ottawa region. She started a FaceBook group specifically for access to her directory and she notifies the group of regular updates. Debbie has worked with individuals ranging in ages from 3 to 28 and has a passion for working with non-vocal and minimally verbal learners. She is also involved in Algonquin College’s Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ABS) program through the supervision of students during their placements within clinical and classroom settings.

As a parent of two young men with ASD, she also brings a unique understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by families who have children with autism.

Steph Berry, M.ADs., BCBA, R.B.A. (Ont.)

Behaviour Analyst

Steph is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Behavior Analyst (Ont.) with over 12 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working with individuals from ages three into adulthood. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Queens University and a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies, with a specialization in ABA, from Brock University. Steph has also completed the 10-hour Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment For Severe Problem Behaviour training from FTF Behavioral Consulting.

As a Registered Behavior Analyst with the College of Psychologists and Behavior Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO), Steph currently serves as a staff trainer and Supervised Clinical Lead at Spectrum Intervention Group. As a staff trainer, she focuses on implementing staff training to ensure the effective application of evidence-based strategies. Her commitment extends to providing high-quality care for all individuals she works with and collaborating closely with staff to make a meaningful difference. Her approach involves personalized, evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life, fostering independence, and helping clients achieve their full potential.

Katya McKee, MPed, BCBA, RBA (Ont.)

Behaviour Analyst
Katya McKee has been interested in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) since her teenage years, where she worked with individuals on the spectrum at a summer camp. She then completed her Bsc. in Psychology, from the University of Ottawa. Following this, she enrolled in the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Algonquin College (Honours and Valedictorian), where she completed a placement at Spectrum Intervention Group. In August of 2023, she concluded her Masters of Professional Education, with Specialisation in Applied Behaviour Analysis, from the University of Western Ontario. She has most recently obtained her BCBA certification, with 2000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork, and registered as a Behaviour Analyst (RBA), with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts. 

Katya has experience working with individuals aged 2-25, in a variety of ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:5), and is passionate about providing services to all profiles and age groups, as well as experience collaborating with, and training caregivers to work with their children.

She is also proficient in the use and setup of Proloquo2go, and is passionate about expanding learning to community settings. 

Katya is committed to learning and providing compassionate and quality care for all individuals.