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Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that each child we support gains the skill set they require in order to grow with self-determination, self-worth, and independence.
As an organization, we will strive to teach our clients all that we can using Applied Behaviour Analysis, while maintaining the integrity of each individual and providing them with every possible learning opportunity they rightfully deserve.
Our Story
Our Story
Autism Behavioural Services (ABS) was founded in 2007 by Freya Hunter, M.Sc., a dedicated and passionate professional driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Freya began offering ABA services privately from her home office in 2006. As demand grew, she opened her first centre-based location in Guelph, Ontario. After several successful years and supporting hundreds of families, Freya relocated the centre to Fergus, Ontario, to provide more accessible services to individuals in rural Wellington.
At ABS, we take pride in delivering professional, reliable, and evidence-based services to individuals with autism and their families. Our team is known for going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of each client and family.
We believe learning should be fun, and trust is the cornerstone of our client relationships. By combining evidence-based practices with engaging instructors who build genuine rapport with the families we support, we create an environment where individuals thrive and achieve meaningful outcomes.
OUR TEAM
Freya Hunter, MSc.
Freya Hunter, MSc.
Owner / Director
Freya is the owner and director of Autism Behavioural Services Inc. Freya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. With over 25 years of experience in the autism field, Freya has worked with children, teens, and adults, with a strong focus on caregiver training and family support.
In 2007, Freya founded Autism Behavioural Services in Fergus, where she has built a successful clinic serving the Wellington County community. She is passionate about family support and caregiver coaching, believing in empowering families to foster meaningful progress and development at home and in the community.
When she’s not working, Freya loves exploring new places through travel and adventure.
Haley Payne, M.Ed., R.B.A, BCBA
Haley Payne, M.Ed., R.B.A, BCBA
Clinical Director
Haley has been working in the field of ABA since 2011, supporting children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities in both clinical and community settings. She has worked in a variety of roles, including direct intervention, community consultation, program development, and staff supervision.
Haley holds Bachelor degrees in Applied Science (Child, Youth, and Family) and Education, as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Applied Behaviour Analysis).
As Clinical Director, Haley is committed to maintaining high-quality services, mentoring clinicians, and ensuring meaningful outcomes for clients and families.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, relaxing at the cottage, and spending quality time with her family.
Astro
Astro
Autism Service Dog in Training
Astro is working hard to become an Autism Service Dog. While he completes his puppy training, Astro spends his days at ABS learning, growing, and getting plenty of experience in a busy environment.
Astro is calm, clever, and cool under pressure. He especially loves spending time with the kids and is happiest when he can be part of whatever is happening around him. He enjoys learning new things, playing, and finding a comfortable spot for a well-earned nap.
Astro is already the best boy and has quickly become a much-loved part of the ABS team. We are excited to watch him grow and continue his training as he works toward becoming an Autism Service Dog.
Melissa Pennings, M.A., R.B.A, BCBA
Melissa Pennings, M.A., R.B.A, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Melissa joined the ABS team in June 2024. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Arizona State University and brings over a decade of experience supporting children with autism in a variety of settings, including group homes, home-based therapy, and in-centre therapy.
Melissa was drawn to the field of ABA after witnessing firsthand the meaningful impact it can have on individuals' lives. Her deep interest in behaviour and passion for helping others quickly grew into a fulfilling career. She enjoys building genuine connections with the children she works with and values the opportunity to support both them and their families in achieving their goals—both short- and long-term.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys hiking, spending time at the cottage, and making memories with her family and friends.
Rebecca Young, MSc., R.B.A, BCBA
Rebecca Young, MSc., R.B.A, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Rebecca holds a Master’s of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Behavioural Science Technology certification.
With over seven years of experience in ABA, Rebecca has worked with children of varying needs, focusing on skill development in engaging ways, as well as with adults in group homes, building functional skills and community involvement.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys hiking with her dog, exploring Ontario and Canada on road trips, and is currently learning to ski. She was drawn to ABA for its ability to enhance lives and help individuals reach their full potential.
Kassandra Waddington, M.A., R.B.A, BCBA
Kassandra Waddington, M.A., R.B.A, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Kassandra (Kassie) holds a Master’s in Special Education (ABA) from Arizona State University, a Post Graduate Certificate in ABA from Mohawk College, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Nipissing University.
With 4 years in ABA, Kassie has experience as an Instructor Therapist and currently works as a Clinical Supervisor. She also spent 7 years working in summer camp settings.
Outside of work,she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and goldendoodle puppy. She is passionate about helping individuals and families reach their full potential.
MADDIE GRAHAM
MADDIE GRAHAM
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Maddie completed the Personal Support Worker Program at Conestoga College in 2018.
She has experience supporting clients with disabilities of all ages, assisting with daily living and diverse needs. Maddie has been working in the field of ABA since 2023.
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with her family and dog, Nova. She loves watching clients make progress and is inspired by her family’s long history in the field. Maddie is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow both as an Instructor Therapist and as a person.
EVAN G SMITH, B.A.Sc.
EVAN G SMITH, B.A.Sc.
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Evan holds an Honours Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour (B.A.Sc.) from McMaster University. He brings a strong foundation in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and behavioural interventions from his undergraduate studies.
Evan’s personal experience living with loved ones with autism fuels his passion for creating meaningful impact in the field.
Outside of work, Evan enjoys plein air oil painting in parks during warm months, capturing the beauty of nature. He is deeply inspired by ABS’s mission to reduce barriers for autistic individuals, finding great fulfillment in the work he contributes to daily.
VIBHU AGGARWAL, B.A
VIBHU AGGARWAL, B.A
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Vibhu is an Instructor Therapist with a Psychology degree from the University of Manitoba and experience supporting children and youth with autism and other developmental differences. He is committed to creating engaging, supportive learning experiences that promote independence, confidence, and meaningful progress. With a patient, compassionate, and collaborative approach, Vibhu helps children build new skills and work toward their goals.
Outside of work, Vibhu enjoys exploring philosophy, hiking, playing video games, and unwinding with a good movie.
Vibhu is passionate about helping children develop confidence, balance, and resilience. His curiosity about mental health and his love of working with kids drew him to this field, and he values being able to combine his academic background with meaningful, hands-on support.
Kelly Yang, Msc.
Kelly Yang, Msc.
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Kelly holds a Master of Science in Child Development from University College London and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph. She brings strong research and analytical experience and is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development using evidence‑based methods. Kelly has experience working directly with children and supporting their individual growth. She is passionate about empowering children to thrive through positive relationships that nurture their growth and inspire them to recognize their strengths and capabilities. She is dedicated to applying her academic background while continually deepening her knowledge of ABA to better support their development.
Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, exploring local cafes, and watching Formula One.
Caleb Ursu, B.A
Caleb Ursu, B.A
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Caleb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Canisius University and a Diploma in Protection, Security and Investigations from Conestoga College.
He brings over four years of experience supporting youth and adults, including individuals with developmental disabilities and complex behavioural needs. Caleb has experience in direct support, behaviour management, crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and supporting individuals in maintaining safe and inclusive environments. His previous work in developmental services and early childhood settings has provided him with experience supporting individuals with a range of needs and abilities.
Caleb enjoys working directly with individuals and is excited to continue developing his skills in Applied Behaviour Analysis while supporting clients in reaching their goals.
Emily Smith, B.A.Sc.
Emily Smith, B.A.Sc.
Supervised Instructor Therapist
Emily holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Guelph. She brings experience supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs through inclusion, recreation, and camp settings.
Emily has experience providing one-to-one support, adapting activities to meet individual needs, and working collaboratively with families, Behaviour Specialists, and other staff to promote meaningful participation and inclusion. She is excited to continue building her skills in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis and supporting individuals in reaching their goals.
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