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 working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for over 20 years. She has worked with more than one hundred children and youth on the autism spectrum between the ages of 2 – 21. Her clinical interests include early/play-based intervention, practical functional assessment, selective mutism/anxiety and supporting neurodivergent individuals through their life span including transitions to adulthood. Kimberly is also interested in coaching parents and caregivers so that they are equipped to teach and advocate for their own children.
Thea Brain, M.A., BCBA
Director/Behaviour Analyst
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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 has been working in the field of ABA for over 15 years. She 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, social skills, autism and intellectual disability. Her research on peer-mediated interventions was published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Thea provides consultations to a number of private schools in the Greater Vancouver Area. She loves working with multi-disciplinary teams to support meaningful inclusion for children and youth with diverse needs and enjoys supporting school teams with staff training and professional development. Thea also provides consultation to private families.
For a list of Thea's publications and talks visit the Publications and Talks page of our website.
Sara Sayam, BCBA, B.A., M.Ed.
Behaviour Consultant/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
Sara is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and provides services as a Behaviour Consultant. Sara completed an intensive practicum with EAP as part of her undergraduate program and was excited to join the team permanently after graduation. Sara has her Master's from the University of British Columbia. Sara enjoys working 1:1 with children to support development of functional skills and reductions in problem behaviour. She is also interested in school-based interventions and works as a Consultant at multiple private schools in Greater Vancouver.
Bahar Moussavi, B.Sc., M.Ed.
Junior Behaviour Consultant
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M.Ed. in Special Education (Concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities) UBC
Bahar is Iranian-Canadian and is currently providing services as a Junior Behaviour Consultant at EAP. Bahar is fluent in Farsi, and English, and can understand conversational Arabic. She has 4 years of experience working as a Behaviour Interventionist and 6 years of experience teaching neurodivergent students. Bahar is passionate about inclusive education in STE(A)M and working with families in a culturally-informed and collaborative manner. Bahar obtained her Masters at UBC in the Special Education department and has been involved in various research projects. She enjoys working directly with families, as well as in schools with school-based teams. She is currently pursuing professional certification.
Elika Hodania, B.Sc., M.A
Senior Behaviour Interventionist
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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 works as a Senior Behaviour interventionist with EAP and as a 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.
Senior Behaviour Interventionist
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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 a major in Kinesiology. Kim is currently completing her Master of Arts in Special Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. Kim has been working with neurodivergent children and youth of various ages (3-18) for over 7 years as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physiotherapy Assistant, and a Team Leader for adaptive community programs. She is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals to connect and grow within their community. Kim enjoys providing both 1:1 and group services to children and families using a trauma-informed lens and neurodiversity affirming practices. In her free time, you can find Kim hiking the beautiful mountains of BC, traveling with her partner, spending time with her dog Ringo, snowboarding in the winter, and playing indoor volleyball.