Our Team
Kimberly Kirsch, M.Ed., BCBA
Director/Behaviour Analyst
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M.Ed., in Special Education (Concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities), UBC
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Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Kimberly has been supporting neurodivergent children, youth, school teams, and families for close to 25 years. As a practitioner with extensive experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), she has supported neurodivergent individuals from toddler to young adult years. Her clinical interests include early and play-based learning, practical functional assessment, selective mutism, anxiety, and providing strengths‑focused support across the lifespan, including the key transition into adulthood.
Kimberly is deeply committed to approaches that honour neurodiversity, respect autonomy, and centre the lived experiences of the individuals and families she serves. She is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers with tools that feel supportive, sustainable, and aligned with their child’s unique way of being in the world.
As a member of a neuro‑spicy household herself, Kimberly brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, fostering compassion, collaboration, and genuine understanding in every relationship she builds.
Thea Brain, M.A., BCBA
Co-Founder/Owner (Currently on Leave)
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Ph.D. student in Special Education, UBC
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M.A., in Special Education (Concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities), UBC
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Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Thea is the co-founder and co-owner of the practice and has worked in the field of neurodiversity for over 20 years. She earned her Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) certification in 2018.
As a person living with disability and chronic illness, and the proud parent of neurodivergent children, Thea is passionate about advancing access, autonomy, and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Thea is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Special Education at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests include evidence-based practices in schools, peer-mediated interventions, self-determination, autistic and neurodivergent perspectives, and neurodiversity-affirming supports. Her research on peer-mediated interventions has been published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Thea is currently on leave from clinical practice and is not providing behaviour analytic services or accepting clients. She continues to support the organization's mission as a founder and co-owner while focusing on her health and academic pursuits.
For a list of some of Thea's publications and talks visit the Publications and Talks page of our website.
Elika Hodania, B.Sc., M.A
Junior Behaviour Consultant
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M.A. in Behavior Analysis Practice at Florida Tech University
Elika has over 10 years of experience working as a Behaviour Interventionist with neurodivergent youth and adults. She completed her supervision hours at EAP and is now part of the team as a Junior Behaviour Consultant. Elika also works as Team Lead at an adult day program for individuals on the autism spectrum. Elika received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Minor in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She completed her Master of Arts in Behaviour Analysis Practice at Florida Tech University. Currently, Elika is working towards professional certification. She is fluent in English and Farsi.
Kim Bautista, B.Sc.
Junior Behaviour Consultant
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BSc. In Kinesiology
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Currently completing MA in Special Education specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Arizona State University
Kim has completed her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science and has completed a Master of Arts in Special Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. She is working towards professional certification and is a Junior Consultant at EAP.
Kim has been working with neurodivergent children and youth for over 8 years as an OT and PT Assistant, Behaviour Interventionist and a Team Leader for adaptive community programs. She is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals using a trauma-informed lens and neurodiversity affirming practices. When she's not working, you can find her adventuring with her family and exploring new hobbies.
Deborah Paul, B.A.
Junior Behaviour Consultant
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B.A. In Psychology
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Currently completing M.Ed. in Special Education specializing in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UBC
Debbie has been working in special education since 2014, supporting children and youth both in India and Canada. She is currently completing her M. Ed. In Special Education at the University of British Columbia, where she continues to deepen her understanding of inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Debbie is passionate about working alongside autistic individuals and their families to create supports that are meaningful and responsive to each person's unique strengths, goals and cultural background. She believes that every individual deserves to be understood, respected and supported in ways that reflect who they are.
Outside of work, Debbie loves cooking and singing with a local choral ensemble.
Mykayla Whitmarsh, B.A
Junior Behaviour Consultant
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B.A. In Psychology
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Currently completing M.Ed. in Special Education specializing in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UBC
Mykayla is a Junior Behaviour Consultant with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and families. As an autistic person herself, she brings a deeply informed, empathetic, lived-experience perspective to her work. She is currently working toward BCBA certification and completing her M.Ed. in Special Education at the University of British Columbia. Mykayla is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based care that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and meaningful support for the individuals and families she works with.
Mia Davison, BA
Senior Behaviour Interventionist
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B.A, major in Theatre
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B.Ed elementary
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Currently completing M.Ed. in Special Education specializing in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UBC
Mia started working as BI in high school and quickly realized she would follow this path further. Since then, she has gained experience working as an EA, therapeutic riding assistant, and as a teacher in mainstream and alternative settings. Personal experience with BC's foster system and caring for family with diverse needs has shaped her determination to see every child with their own story. When she's not working, Mia loves to practise gymnastics and climb.