Hello, I’m Chantal!

Hi, I am Chantal Sommer, a Behaviour Consultant based in the beautiful British Columbia and a proud new member of the YBG team!

Originally from a small town in Alberta, Canada, my journey has taken me across the globe in pursuit of personal and professional growth. As a young adult, I moved to Dublin, Ireland, where I immersed myself in new experiences, advanced my education, and deepened my understanding of human behaviour. After many enriching years abroad, I’ve recently returned home to Canada, settling in the vibrant and welcoming community of British Columbia.

My professional passion lies in supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate challenges related to anxiety and emotional regulation. I also specialize in parent support coaching, helping families build stronger, more connected relationships.

I’m thrilled to bring my international perspective, clinical expertise, and heartfelt dedication to the incredible work being done at YBG. I look forward to supporting our clients and their families on their journey toward resilience, growth, and well-being.a Behaviour Consultant and Category A - Registered Autism Service Provider, based in British Columbia and a proud member of the YBG team. I look forward to supporting our clients and their families on their journey toward resilience, growth, and well-being.

Want to connect? I'm here!

How did I get started in this field?

To be honest, I didn’t set out with a clear plan to work in this field, it unfolded naturally. My first degree was in Elementary Education, and when I began teaching in the classroom, I noticed that I was naturally drawn to students with higher needs, those experiencing emotional dysregulation or needing additional support.

At the same time, during my university years, I was working with neurodivergent children at the Centre for Autism Services Edmonton, supporting them one-on-one in home environments. It was through these combined experiences that I was first introduced to behavior analysis, and something just clicked. I was genuinely fascinated by the approach and inspired by the meaningful impact it could have.

After completing my masters program, I joined a private clinic in Dublin of Psychologist and Behaviour Specialist

where I transitioned into a more clinical role in behaviour analysis. That experience was pivotal in shaping how I work today. I now focus on supporting adolescents, young adults and parents, with an emphasis on emotional regulation as a foundation for navigating the complexities of life.

I haven’t looked back since!

My Education

Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education

I began my post-secondary education at Lakeland College in 2010, studying University Transfer courses before continuing on to complete a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology at the University of Alberta. During this time, I gained valuable classroom experience through various practicums, working with students of diverse abilities and learning needs. At the same time, I worked with the Centre for Autism Services Edmonton, where I supported Autistic children one-on-one in their home environments. This experience taught me the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with families and working as part of a team to support children’s language development, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.

Behavioural Interventions Certificate of Achievement (BICA)

Master of Science - Applied Behaviour Analysis

Eager for new challenges and opportunities, I relocated to Dublin, Ireland, and earned a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Trinity College Dublin in 2019.

During my graduate studies, I completed 1,500 hours of supervised practicum under the mentorship of experienced Behaviour Analysts. I successfully sat for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam in June 2021 and have continued to work closely with children, adolescents and families to create meaningful, individualized support ever since.

Driven by a growing passion for supporting the neurodivergent community, I pursued further training and completed a Certificate of Achievement in Behavioural Interventions (BICA) at MacEwan University in 2017. This program strengthened my understanding of evidence-based strategies and gave me tools to support children through thoughtful programming, data-driven decisions, and compassionate care.

Further Educational Experience

Currently participating in ‘A Practitioners Guide to Understanding Intuitive Eating and Body Image with Mind Body Behavior. (2025)
Completed Health Mindset Coaching Certification Level 1 with KJO Coaching. (2024) Participating in Level 2 Health Mindset Coaching (Fall 2025)
40+ hours of continuing education for Behaviour Analysts ongoing
Completed 8 hour Supervisor Training through Florida Tech (2021)
Completed training in both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy- APT- Accreditation, Level 2
Suicide Alertness for Everyone (SafeTALK) (February 2025)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (March 2025)

Some of the other hats I wear:

Wife

In 2024, I married my loving husband in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal. We met while living abroad in Ireland—two expats (a Canadian and a Brazilian) who happened to be training at the same gym. Since then, we’ve grown together through travel, exploring different cities and cultures across Europe, and connecting with family members who speak different languages and come from diverse backgrounds. Our relationship has been a journey of learning from one another, embracing our differences, and growing stronger because of them.
Health & Wellness Enthusiast

Outside of my professional work, I have a deep passion for health and wellness. From gut health and nutrition to strength training and mindfulness, I genuinely enjoy learning about how our bodies and minds work—and how interconnected they are. I've been training in the gym since I was 17, and over the years, fitness has become a grounding part of my life. I also love spending time in nature, especially hiking where I can reset, reflect, and reconnect. Wellness, to me, is about balance, curiosity, and caring for both body and mind.
Traveller

I have a deep love for exploring the world and experiencing all the beauty it has to offer, both natural and human-made. Whether it’s standing among ancient temples, admiring history and architecture, or simply taking in the quiet beauty of a new landscape, travel fills me with awe and appreciation. What I value most about travel is the opportunity to learn from different cultures, histories, and ways of life. It’s a gift to hear stories from people whose experiences differ from my own, and it has taught me openness, empathy, and the importance of perspective, all of which continue to shape who I am, both personally and professionally.