Angela Armstrong – BCBA, M.Ed, RBA (Ont)

Founder & Owner

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, and surround areas + North-Perth, Wellington-North and Dufferin

Carlina Longworth

Clinical Lead

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

Clinical Assistant

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 her Master of Arts in Special Education. She has recently passed her national certification and holds her BCBA. Alexis 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-Cambridge, Waterloo, London, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Paris, Aylmer, Norwich, Burford, St.Mary’s, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Brantford, Mount Elgin, Delhi, Embro, Innerkip, Roseville, Scotland, Ayr

Megan Seaton

Senior Therapist

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! Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas

Samantha Ponton

Behaviour Therapist, Casual

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! Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Jennifer Sallenback

Behaviour Therapist

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. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Jayden Simmonds

Behaviour Therapist

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. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Juliette Elfar

Behaviour Therapist

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. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas

Alina Harvey

Behaviour Therapist

Alina joined the GRAS team in August 2025. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Social Development Studies. Alina brings experience working  with infants, children, and adolescents in care-based settings, and is passionate about  supporting the development and well-being of each individual she works with. She takes a strength-based, empathetic approach in her work and values building meaningful connections with each  child and their family. Alina plans to pursue graduate studies in Psychotherapy and Child  Psychology, with the goal of developing a career focused on providing accessible mental health care to support each child’s unique needs. She is committed to ongoing learning and is enthusiastic about contributing to a supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.

Mariam Salem

Behaviour Therapist

Mariam Joined the GRAS team in August 2025. She is finishing up her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and will be pursuing a graduate certificate in the Autism and Behavioural Science program. Mariam has over three years of experience supporting children from infancy to preschool age within a daycare setting. She has worked as a supply teacher implementing age appropriate learning activities that fostered cognitive, social and emotional growth. Mariam has additionally worked as an enhanced support teacher where she provided one-on-one support for children with ASD, by adjusting methods to meet their learning style. She is committed to implementing customized strategies and activities that are tailored to each child’s needs and interests. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Maria Lamghari

Behaviour Therapist

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. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Natasha Cater

Behaviour Therapist

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. Catchment Area: Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas