Our Team
Meet our dedicated team of therapists — working together to foster growth, connection, and meaningful progress every step of the way.
Angela Armstrong
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!
Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, North-Perth, Wellington-North, and Dufferin
Carlina Longworth
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.
Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Surrounding areas
Alexis Blakley
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 Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Paris, Aylmer, Norwich, Burford, St.Mary’s, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Brantford, Mount Elgin, Delhi, Embro, Innerkip, Roseville, Scotland, and Ayr
Megan Seaton
Megan joined the GRAS team in September 2023. Megan holds a B.A in Psychology and has a graduate certificate in the Autism and Behavioural Science program at Conestoga College. She plans to pursue her Masters in Special Education and with a focus on ABA. She has experience with working with individuals with autism, within a variety of settings. Megan is passionate about using her knowledge in psychology and ABA to help her clients build fundamental skills that they can apply in multiple capacities. She loves making connections with all clients and families and thrives from seeing each client reach their full potential!
Samantha Ponton
Samantha joined the GRAS team in May 2024 while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. She has a diverse background in working with youth with specialized needs, in a variety of settings to help shape their learning pathway. Her past positions and volunteer work have equipped her with a sincere understanding of the unique challenges individuals face across different age groups and abilities. Samantha also works as a supply teacher for elementary aged children and has always had a passion for helping those in need. She is committed to creating inclusive environments and encouraging growth whenever possible. She is a flexible worker who is always adapting to her client’s needs and is eager to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with!
Jennifer Sallenback
Jennifer joined the GRAS team in May 2024 and is finishing up her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She has been working in the field of ABA for over 2 and half years, providing direct treatment for individuals with ASD and other dual-diagnosis. Jennifer is in the process of completing her RBT coursework and is looking to pursue a Masters to further her education in the field of Behavioural Analysis. In the past, Jennifer has provided tutoring and mentoring to individuals of varying ages, in a variety of settings. She believes in supporting her clients through floor-time therapy, interactive pairing and tailored programming.
Jayden Simmonds
Jayden joined the GRAS team in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Science and is completing her RBT coursework. Jayden has started her Master of Arts in Special Education and will be working towards obtaining her Registered Behaviour Analyst certification in Ontario. She is passionate and committed to helping individuals get the best quality of life that they can. She has worked with many different populations over the past 3 years; applying a variety of different ABA and therapeutic techniques to support each individual. Jayden is a firm believer in client quality and ethics and always ensures the clients needs are put first. ABA has brought Jayden a lot of joy throughout her life and she is looking to extend that onto others and help them grow.
Juliette Elfar
Juliette joined the GRAS team in August 2024. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Juliette has experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. She worked in numerous youth camps, providing care, guidance, and support to youth with various developmental disorders. In previous roles, she tailored and delivered specific interventions to meet the individual needs of each child. Juliette has worked at a Paediatric Clinic specializing in ABA therapy which has allowed her to work one-on-one and in group settings with children with ASD. She has implemented ABA strategies under the supervision of a BCBA, and gave her invaluable insight into the needs and progress of each child she worked with.
Noor Elagha
Noor joined the GRAS team in February 2025. She is currently completing a Health Science Co-op degree at the University of Waterloo and is passionate about improving healthcare accessibility and patient support. Noor has extensive experience working with children and youth, having served as a childcare provider, private tutor, and camp counselor. Her dedication to child development is evident through her vast experiences; providing attentive care, planned activities, and fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children. Noor also brings valuable experience in healthcare, having worked as a Pharmacist Assistant and gained clinical exposure through optometry. She is committed to fostering inclusive, compassionate, and effective healthcare solutions.
Maria Lamghari
Maria joined the GRAS team in August 2025. She is completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics with a minor in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences. With over four years of experience supporting youth in the community, Maria has focused on fostering confidence, leadership, and personal growth in those she works with. In addition, her role as a part-time teacher with middle school students has strengthened her ability to adapt to diverse learning needs, build meaningful connections, and encouraging independence—skills she carries into her work with children with ASD. Maria strives to approach every interaction with compassion and excellence, aiming to leave a positive impact wherever she lends a hand. Looking ahead, her goal is to improve healthcare and create meaningful contributions both locally and globally. In her free time, Maria enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and connecting with like-minded individuals who share her passion for making others smile.
Natasha Cater
Natasha joined GRAS in September 2025. Natasha graduated with distinction from the Educational Support program at Conestoga College. Natasha is currently studying public safety and community engagement, with a long-term goal of contributing to safer, more inclusive environments. She has experience working with individuals with autism and diverse needs for 9 years in a variety of settings. Natasha is passionate and dedicated to fostering trust and understanding with all clients and families. Natasha believes that through patience and dedication each client will reach their goals.
Paris Mondesir
Paris joined the GRAS team in October 2025. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier and her RBT certification. Paris is a dedicated behavioural therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals and families through personalized, compassionate care. She has been working in the field of ABA with individuals diagnosed with ASD in 1:1 and group settings for over 3 years and enjoys empowering her clients through integrated play and child-led therapy strategies. She has a deep appreciation for the individualized nature of behavioural therapy and the meaningful progress it fosters. Paris finds joy in helping clients build new skills, gain independence, and grow in confidence.
Hajer Elghamudi
Hajer joined the GRAS team in December 2025 and is a dedicated behaviour tech who is finishing her degree in English Literature and Legal studies, with a minor in Sociology at the University of Waterloo. She brings a strong interdisciplinary understanding of communication, behaviours and social systems as she supports youth with Autism. Hajer works in a leadership role, providing weekly and monthly support groups to create a safe and inclusive environment for youth. She has also worked as a support worker in summer camps for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing compassionate 1:1 care. In addition, Hajer has worked in researching roles for law and society, which have strengthened her skills in observation, documentation and evidence-based practices.
Alishba Mahmood
Alishba joined the GRAS team in December 2026 as a Behaviour Therapist. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business at the University of Waterloo, with a minor in Mental Health, Addictions, and Policy. Alishba brings hands-on experience supporting children and individuals through one-on-one and small-group assistance, behaviour and engagement monitoring, and inclusive communication. Her background as a Teacher’s Assistant and Patient Support Associate involved providing individualized support planning, observing needs and barriers, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure accessible and effective care. Alishba is passionate about creating supportive environments that promote positivity, emotional regulation, confidence, and meaningful growth through compassionate, structured, and client-centred care.
