Hi, I'm Emily
BCABA · LOWER MAINLAND & SOUTHERN INTERIOR, BC
I'm a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst serving families across the Lower Mainland and Southern Interior of British Columbia. My approach is assent-based, naturalistic, and — yes — fun. I bring board games, movement, and a whole lot of genuine connection into every session.
“I have been exactly where you are — I have lived through these hurdles and stresses as a sibling of someone who is neurodivergent. I want to be a strong advocate for you and your family.
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Beyond the office
When I'm not working, you'll likely find me on a mountain bike (beginner, but enthusiastic!) or rock climbing when the weather cooperates. When it doesn't, I switch gears entirely — crocheting, knitting, sewing, painting. I have two birds who are known to make surprise appearances in virtual sessions, and I volunteer at a large parrot rescue supporting birds with medical needs. It's a full, wonderful, feathery life.
My Story
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I started in this field almost 10 years ago as a Behaviour Interventionist. Before completing my degree, I spent two years working 1:1 with a wide age range of clients to complete my required fieldwork hours. That experience cemented everything — watching progress unfold through small, systematic steps made me certain I wanted to work in this field at a deeper level. The science of behaviour analysis genuinely fascinates me, and knowing I can use it to support as many people as possible is what keeps me going.
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I grew up in the Southern Interior of British Columbia with a brother diagnosed with ASD at age 4 — right at the cusp of when Autism Funding became available, but with very limited resources to go along with it. I watched the stress and frustration that lack of support caused my parents and my brother. By the time I was 15, I had discovered this career existed, and from that moment I was focused on getting certified so I could bring real support to outlying communities — the kind of support my family simply didn't have access to.
My Approach
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My passion is helping school-aged teens navigate life's hurdles and building the transitional skills they need for the journey into adulthood. I focus on meaningful connection — bringing teens and young adults into the goal-setting process based on their own values, not just what's expected of them. Client buy-in isn't a nice-to-have; it's essential to the success of teaching and learning the pivotal skills that will carry them through school and beyond.
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I always aim to meet families where they are — incorporating goals and programming in a way that is both meaningful and actually doable for where the client and family are right now. I incorporate board games and physical activity into my sessions because I genuinely believe a naturalistic, non-confrontational approach helps clients show up and engage. I push skill development when appropriate, but always in step with the client — never ahead of them.
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I have been exactly where you are. I have sat through meetings where it feels like nothing is being said and nothing is moving forward. I have felt the weight of that — not as a professional, but as a family member. I want to be a strong advocate for you and your child, pushing for the change and support to actually happen. You deserve a team that shows up for you.
CERTIFICATION
BcABA
GRADUATE STUDIES
M.Ed. — UBC
Autism & Developmental Disabilities · Starting Fall 2026
UNDER GRADUATE
B.A. Applied Behaviour Analysis & Associate in Psychology · 2015–2021
FURTHER TRAINING
Adventure Bites Feeding SupportPECS Level 1 · 2020
Ready to work together?
Book a consultation and let's talk about how Emily and the YBG team can support you.