Allysha Quirt, HBASc, B.Ed. OCT #: 669609

Allysha believes that every child should have a voice and influence on their educational process and more importantly within their own lives. 

She is a strong believer in incorporating a variety of teaching methods including, but not limited to; accommodations, modifications and differentiated instruction. Her comfort level with technology enables her to leverage a wide range of assistive devices, interactive software programs and communication platforms for the enhancement of educational options and opportunities for all learners.

Allysha’s educational background includes her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Guelph-Humber University and her Bachelor of Education completed at Nipissing University in 2015. She has also taken three additional qualification courses in special education, French and working with children with behavioural issues offered through the Ontario College of Teachers.

She has always had a passion for working with children; taking summer camp jobs and babysitting from a young age, and helping care for younger family members. However, she truly discovered her desire to pursue a career supporting children with special needs and, more specifically, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and behaviour issues through her work in respite services with Community Living North Bay while she was attending teacher’s college.

During her spare time Allysha enjoys being in the outdoors with friends, family and of course, her dog. Music also plays a very therapeutic role in her life and she often shares this passion and strategy of relaxation and focus with the children she teaches.

Emily Stewart, B.A.

Emily graduated with an Honours degree in social psychology from McMaster University . While studying abroad in England, Emily became very interested in the ASD population while taking a course on Autism. After volunteering at a speech language pathology clinic, Holland Bloorview Hospital, and ErinOakKids, Emily connected with JOLC to further her experience and education in the field. Emily loves hiking and being outdoors, which is why JOLC is such a great work environment!

Justine Glynn, B.A.

Justine graduated from Brock University where she took Child and Youth Studies & Psychology. From there she had the great opportunity to work 1:1 with exceptional children in a daycare setting as well as with the school board. Justine also had the opportunity to manage a childcare facility and has run several soccer camps, as she continues to build on her 10+ years of experience working with children. Justine enjoys working with children, knowing that she can be a part of their development and successes in life, by teaching new skills and helping them understand complex concepts all in a fun and motivating way. When Justine is not teaching, you can find her mostly outside. She loves to hike, explore waterfalls and play soccer on her days off, so don’t be surprised if your child comes home ready to play some soccer!

Kailee Melton, B.A.

Kailee started volunteering at the Joy of Learning Centre in 2013 and soon after came on board as an Instructor Therapist; running 1:1 programming as well as planning summer camps. After volunteering with JOLC she knew that she had a passion for working with children with special needs and pursued an academic career to achieve her goals. Kailee graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science of Language to gain an understanding of how people perceive and learn language. In her spare time Kailee volunteers with a speech pathologist to further her knowledge in speech pathology and be able to apply her knowledge in the classroom.

Carolyn Habel, B.A.

Carolyn graduated from York University with her B.A. in Psychology and has a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation. Over the course of her studies Carolyn has worked and volunteered in many different settings such as Southside Learning Centre in Sydney, N.S. as a tutor/mentor for children with emotional, social and behavioural challenges, Cape Breton Regional Hospital as a recreation program assistant on a transitional care unit, and a Child Development Centre as a support staff. Carolyn’s passion and desire to continue to positively impact children with different abilities led her to work providing in-home IBI therapy to children with Autism and is happy to find a position at the Joy of Learning Centre where she can pursue her passion. Carolyn truly enjoys working with children and youth with all abilities and feels she can best utilize her skills, talent and compassion to teach as well as learn from children with Autism.

Daniella Lott, B.A.

Daniella Lott graduated from the University of Guelph with her B.A., further pursuing her passion for children with a special need by attending Mohawk College for the Autism and Behavioural Science program.  When not working at the Joy of Learning Centre, Daniella actively volunteers her time with the autism community.  With a strong background in ABA, Verbal Behaviour techniques, and a certification in sign language, Daniella helps design and implement ABLLS programming and assessments.  It is Daniella’s calm energy and compassion that helps create positive learning experiences for her students.

Jessica Craveiro

Jessica has been working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders since 2006. She is trained in Basic Level Sign Language, Direct Instruction, and has worked with and collaborated with private schools such as Burlington Christian Academy, implementing ABA programs and transitional programs to best meet the needs of the students.  Jessica uses creative ways of teaching, making an exciting environment to enhance the learning of her students.  She also volunteers her time within the community providing one to one in social activities.

Jessica has grown up with a brother with special needs.  She feels that this has enlightened her, and helps her to be compassionate.  She believes that, “Each child is different with a special gift inside that is ready to be shown to the world”!