About Us
Learn more about our mission and team.
Our Mission
We take pride in knowing the impact that therapy can make; not only for the learner, but the family as a whole. We understand the elements that are at work and we strive to change and enhance each learner’s life through dedication and care.
We are committed to providing exceptional ABA services. We do this by placing the learner in the center of care and tailoring all components of service to make it an exploratory, effective and skill-achieving success. Through pairing, positive reinforcement and skilled professionals, we work with families to make this an inclusive experience where planning and goals are developed to reflect best practice and to align with parental visions for their child.
Why Choose Us
We know what it takes to work together; we listen, we teach and we adapt all approaches to the individual.
We target multiple different domains of development; communication, academic success, independent life skills, challenging behaviours, eating, toileting, fine/gross motor, play and social interactions, and much more!
Questions and Answers
Hours will vary depending on each learner. Early intervention is always best and once a formal assessment is completed, goal planning and determination of hours can be better advised.
This will be subjective to each family and we work to find a balance that suits each individual.
Options can be tailored but consistency is key – we work to create a set schedule. Often times a split between school and therapy is best, pending the needs of the individual and for others, therapy is conducted in the afternoon after school.
Parents are not required to be in the therapy room during sessions but are always welcome to pop-in and observe. Each program has a parent component to allow for generalization across individuals, but also give the learner a chance to showcase a mastered skill.
Yes, upon entering into a service contract with GRAS, each individual will need a formal assessment done (assessment types vary depending on the individual). Assessments must be conducted every 6 months to help inform decisions around ABA therapy; goals, areas of progress and areas that require more attention.
Therapy is 1:1 between the learner and the therapist. The therapist will come in and set-up for the session and will run for the set duration. Clinical supervision will be provided on a schedule discussed during intake. Upon the Clinical Supervisor being present, feedback and BST will be implemented for the therapist. Updates on goals/programs will also be directed to the parents and any questions that may arise during that time, can be answered.
There is an initial fee for materials that will be added to the assessment cost. Outside of regular materials (these are program dependent and will be discussed with each parent in order to purchase – materials can be loaned out from GRAS as well, if the products are in inventory), each individual will need a table and 2 chairs, a quiet workspace for therapy to be conducted and a small storage bin for binders, clipboard and therapy materials.
Some individuals may be on the old OAP funding and some may be receiving their Childhood Budgets. We can offer cost projections for you to map out your funding and the services you can receive.
Meet Our Team
A qualified, passionate team who continually strives for excellence.
We can’t wait to meet you and help make a difference!
Angela Armstrong
Founder & Owner — BCBA, M.Ed, RBA (Ont)
I am proud to say that I am the founder and owner at Grand River Autism Services Inc. and have been working in this field for over 9 years now. I started GRAS inc. in 2019, and I am fortunate to say I have such an amazing, passionate team alongside me. I know that collaboration and team unity is pivotal to our success each day! I work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) providing services to an array of individuals with a designation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have a Master in Education and Behaviour Analysis, an Honours degree in Sociology and a vast background in Psychology. I am an ongoing member of ONTABA and an active member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts in Ontario. I continue to find enjoyment in the active learning that this field presents and finding creative pathways to blend and build new skills. I am a strong believer in working with families to achieve the goals that are best suited for their child. I strive to have a reciprocal relationship between myself, my team, and the clients we are providing services for; together we can build progress and independence. If my journey has taught me anything, it is that growth is infinite, and action is the driving force of change!
Carlina Longworth
Clinical Lead
Carlina has been working with Grand River Autism Services Inc. since it opened 6 years ago, but collectively worked privately with the Founder & Owner for over 8 years providing ABA services. She has been a leading hand in supporting new clients, team members and nurturing the growth of the company. She supports intakes, assessments, hiring, training, parent consultations and more at GRAS Inc. She has a Degree in Recreational Therapy and has been working with individuals of all ages and abilities for over 9 years now. Carlina has graduated with a Master of Arts in Special Education – her next steps are to sit for National Certification to obtain her BCBA certificate. Carlina has a strong passion for supporting individuals to reach their fullest potential and finds new opportunities and experiences rewarding. She enjoys optimizing different settings to teach creative and innovative approaches to learn; translating into community integration and social-skill development. Carlina enjoys running social groups, training, and onboarding new team members, providing parent training and consultations, along with client success-mapping and program planning. She continues to cultivate her knowledge in the field and apply it to all areas of her work.
Alexis Blakley
Clinical Lead — BCBA, RBA (Ont)
Alexis has been apart of the GRAS Team since August 2021 - she is a driven, hands-on individual who works diligently with each client and team member. Alexis loves working with individuals of all ages and spent 6 years coaching and mentoring children within the ringette community. She has completed her BSc Psychology and Neuroscience with a Minor in Biology. Alexis obtained her RBT and has graduated with a Master of Arts in Special Education. Furthermore, Alexis is a certified BCBA and RBA in Ontario as of 2025! She is a firm believer in adaptation and using different routes to reach an individuals success through tailored approaches. She finds motivation from the clients she supports and the colleagues she works alongside. Her passion is to bring joy and help individuals in a fun and positive manner!
Catchment Areas
We serve Kitchener–Waterloo and the neighbouring communities listed below. If your town isn’t shown or you’re unsure whether we reach your area, please contact us — we’ll be happy to let you know.
- Kitchener
- Waterloo
- Cambridge
- Guelph
- London
- Woodstock
- Stratford
- Tavistock
- Wellsley
- Listowel
- Ayr
- Baden
- Plattsville
- New Hamburg
