Category: Staff Members

Deborah Doherty has completed both a Psychology degree from the University of Western Ontario, and an Honours Social Work degree from York University, and she is presently working toward M.Ed., BCBA. Deborah is the Founder of the Joy of Learning Centre, which was established in 2007. She is an experienced in-home therapist, and registered Social Worker, who had a dream for a centre-based school for exceptional children to attend, where they would ultimately become successful within the community. With this dream and her love for children, she started one of the first IBI centre-based schools for children with autism and special needs. Deborah’s vision and philosophy for the Joy of Learning Centre supports natural environment learning through combined ABA, and Verbal Behaviour techniques. The Joy of Learning Centre creates an enriched environment so that all exceptional children are able to learn, grow and reach their goals for success.

As Director of the Joy of Learning Centre, Deborah brings with her a background of 20 years in the field of working with developmental challenges, Resource Teacher, Educational Assistant, Test Consultant, Direct Instruction, ABA, and Verbal Behaviour techniques. Deborah displays enthusiasm when working with children at various levels. She also plays an active role in all of her student’s programs and daily routines at the school.

Deborah, her husband and their three children, all share the same passion and dedication to help exceptional children, and give back actively within the community. The Doherty family volunteer their time almost every weekend providing free sports programs to the autism community and their families, as well as organizing fundraising initiatives to benefit the not-for-profit corporation Rainbows of Joy.

What began as in-home therapy to several children with autism, and a dream – today has become a successful growing school with a strong team, bringing about incredible results.

Kim has a Masters of Science in Psychology and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).  Kim’s areas of focus is Behaviour therapy and ABA.  She feels very passionate about her field and how it can help many children and people reach their fullest potential.  She has been working one to one and in a supervisory role for 16 years with children on the Autism Spectrum.  Behaviour therapy can be applied to learning, speech, social skills, and many other areas of a person’s day.  Kim is dedicated to make learning fun and thinks it is essential for parents and caregivers to be involved in the sessions and to follow through at home and in the community.  

On a more personal note, Kim loves pets, to read, the outdoors in winter and summer, skiing, snowmobiling, and knitting.  She has a loving family and she enjoys spending time with them.  Kim strives to deliver the best behaviour therapy and consultation that she can and is excited when her clients achieve their goals.

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”!