About Us

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

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. 

Melissa Jennery-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

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

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, Kssie 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.

Cassandra Bragagnolo (Luscombe), B.Sc

Supervised Float Therapist

Cassandra (Cass) holds an Honours B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, a Postgraduate Diploma in ABA (Queen’s University Belfast), and a Developmental Service Worker Diploma (Fanshawe College).

With over 7 years in ABA and 11 years supporting children with disabilities, she brings extensive experience in fostering skill development and meaningful connections.

Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys baking, acting, singing, and travelling. Initially pursuing veterinary medicine, she discovered her passion for working with children during a gap year—and never looked back. She hopes to continue her education and career in behaviour analysis.

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.

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.

AKSHITA BAJAJ, B.A 

Supervised Instructor Therapist

Akshita (Akshi) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph.

Since 2022, Akshi has worked with youth and children with Autism, implementing ABA strategies and supporting skill development in various settings.

Outside of work, she enjoys music and cooking. Akshi speaks multiple languages. She finds it rewarding to  witness clients' progress and is passionate about continuing her education in psychology.

REVATHI BAIJU M.A

Supervised Instructor Therapist

Revathi (Rev)  holds a Master’s in Applied Psychology and has studied Autism and Behaviour Science at Mohawk College.

Rev has hands-on experience working as a Child Development Worker and an ABA therapist. She has also interned with young autistic adults and in school settings.

Outside of work, Rev enjoys music, art, and exploring folklore and culture. She loves helping individuals bring out their best and enjoys building meaningful connections with those she works with.

KHIANA BUCHANAN-CAMPBELL, BAPS

Supervised Instructor Therapist

Khiana has experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis, working with children in home, community, and clinical settings. She focuses on implementing intervention plans to support communication, social skills, and independence.

Khiana holds a Bachelor of Police Studies from Georgian College.

As a Supervised Instructor Therapist, Khiana is dedicated to creating supportive environments that help children reach their full potential.

Outside of work, she enjoys practicing taekwondo and values staying active while developing skills like discipline and perseverance.

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.

ERIKA LASRADO M.Ed.

Supervised Instructor Therapist

Erika holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Victoria, a Master of Science in Psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, English Literature, and Psychology from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. She has experience supporting individuals with diverse needs, across clinical, educational, and community settings. Her work has included assisting with psychological assessments, facilitating vocational and skill-building activities, and contributing to workshops and nonprofit initiatives that promote inclusion and development. 

ALEXIA ROMITA, B.A

Supervised Instructor Therapist

Alexia is a motivated psychology graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Health Sciences from Western University. She brings hands-on experience in research and community engagement, with skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and organization. She is eager to continue developing her professional skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in team-based environments.